It’s easy to find trout along the Colorado River, regardless of which area of the river you fish. Various trout species span the river from Fruita, Ruby Canyon down to La Poudre Pass Lake. The Colorado River is one of the country’s fishing legends due to its abundance of trout (brown, brook, rainbow, cutthroat, and cutthroat-rainbow hybrid). Anglers flock from all over, coming to the Colorado River for first-time fishing adventures and annual fishing getaways. It’s here that the fish await, and nature embraces every visitor.

driving directions

You can fish from within the Rocky Mountain National Park from the Colorado River Trailhead to Grand Lake. You can also drive south along Highway 34 to fish along the East Shore Trail between Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby. There is parking at the picnic area or camping grounds near Green Ridge. Be sure to check the water flow before wading this section, as it can be difficult to cross at times.

Gold Medal fishing waters are at the confluence between the Colorado and Fraser rivers. You can fish this beautiful section of the river from the Granby Trails just west of town. You’ll need to pay a reservation fee for a day-pass online or at the Granby Town Hall, open Monday – Friday.

The river widens and slows as it moves west from Granby to Kremmling. It’s best to fish here in April and May before the run-off or after the run-off from late June to July. You can access this calm stretch of the river throughout the Sulphur Springs and Kemp/Breeze state wildlife areas.

You can also explore the area where the Blue River joins the Colorado for excellent fishing conditions. Head south on highway 9 out of Kremmling and turn right on Trough road about 1.8 miles out. Before the bridge, take a right turn to get to the confluence recreation area and boat launch. Stay upstream to keep away from the dangerous rapids of Gore Canyon to the west.

Colorado River boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Colorado River.