Colorado River near Kremmling
Fishable
Flow686 CFS
Trendfalling
Clarityclear
Temp55-70°F
Chubby Chernobyl #10-14Schroeder's Parachute Hopper #8-12Elk Hair Caddis #12-18Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
Floating the Upper Colorado in Summer
CO
beginner
Current Conditions
Live flows, verdict, and fishing reportQuick Reference
| What | When | Key Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Pumphouse to State Bridge | July-Sept | 14 mi; 4-6 hrs; Class I-II; Gold Medal water |
| Ideal floating flows | July-Aug typical | 1,500-3,300 CFS; below 1,000 better for fishing |
| Gold Medal fishing | Year-round (July-Sept prime) | 4,000-5,000 trout/mile; 16-17" common |
| Camping | Reserve via Recreation.gov | Pumphouse $25/night + $10 day use (eff. July 2025) |
| Shuttle | Rancho del Rio | $50-105; vehicles ready by 1pm |
| Guided fishing | Book ahead for July-Aug | $500-650/day; Mountain Angler |
FAIR
Stale (16+ days)
Flows at 686 CFS at Kremmling (Aug 25, USGS) — down 5% in the last 24 hours and continuing to fall from 697 CFS on Aug 22, 746 CFS on Aug 19, and 841 CFS on Aug 2. 10-day average 721 CFS with a peak of 762 CFS. Well below the seasonal median of ~900 CFS for late August in what is possibly the worst drought on record for Colorado. Combined Lake Mead/Powell storage at record lows. Green Mountain Reservoir releases continue to fluctuate but overall trend is falling. WATER TEMP WARNING: Morning lows 55-60°F warming to 69-70°F by early afternoon — temps remain at the upper edge of the comfort zone for trout. Stop fishing when water exceeds 68°F — typically by noon to 2pm on hot days. Fish early: best window 6am-11am. Carry a stream thermometer. Fishing quality remains terrific despite drought — fish concentrated in fewer, deeper pools and runs due to low water. Anglers willing to hike farther or downsize leaders are finding grouped-up fish. Nymph rigs remain the most productive approach per Cutthroat Anglers — fish deep at 5-6 feet targeting riffle heads and shaded runs. Streamer fishing has been excellent in deeper pools — Sparkle Minnow, Barely Legal, Baby Gonga producing well. Hopper season at peak: Chubby Chernobyl #10-14 and Schroeder's Parachute Hopper #8-12 producing along willow-lined banks — hopper-dropper rigs the go-to approach. Bionic Hopper Tan #12 also effective. Tricos active early morning: spinnerfall from dawn to 9am, tiny patterns #20-24. Caddis remain dominant: Elk Hair Caddis #12-18, Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan/Olive #20, Hot Mess Caddis #16-18, Double Duck Caddis #16-18, evening hatches producing rising fish. PMDs reliable 10am-noon: Extended Body PMD #16, Sparkle Dun PMD #18, Tungsten Split Case PMD Nymph #20. BWOs on overcast afternoons: Christianson's BWO #18-22, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22, Parachute Adams #16-22. Midges constant: Zebra Midges (black/olive) #18-22, Morgan's CDC Midge #20-24, RS2 #20-24, Black Rainbow Warrior #18-20. Nymphing most productive subsurface at 5-6 feet: Pat's Rubber Legs #10-14, Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tail #14-20, Mercer's Poxyback Micro Stone #14-18, TDJ Golden Stone #14-18, Chronic Caddis (tan/olive) #14-16, Hare's Ear #14-20, Squirmy Worms. Streamers effective in deeper pools: Sparkle Minnow, Barely Legal (white-olive/grey-white), Baby Gonga, Home Invader, Woolly Buggers #8-12, Dungeons (cream/black/gray), Articulated Goldie. Still too low to float (need 1,500+ CFS) — floating window unlikely this season barring major monsoon events. Wade fishing outstanding at Pumphouse through Rancho del Rio. 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet; 6X for dries. Handle trout with extreme care — wet hands, keep fish in water, minimize fight time.
🎣 TACTICS RIGHT NOWWade fishing only at 686 CFS — record drought year, flows still falling (down 5% in last 24 hours). Water temp 55-70°F — afternoon highs reaching 69-70°F, well past trout stress threshold. FISH EARLY: best window 6am-10:30am before afternoon heat spikes water temps. Plan to be off the water by noon on hot days. Nymph rigs most productive overall — fish deep at 5-6 feet targeting riffle heads and shaded runs: Pat's Rubber Legs #10-14, Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tail #14-20, Mercer's Poxyback Micro Stone #14-18, TDJ Golden Stone #14-18, Chronic Caddis #14-16, Hare's Ear #14-20, Squirmy Worms. Streamer fishing has been excellent — Sparkle Minnow, Barely Legal, Baby Gonga, Home Invader producing well in deeper pools. Hopper season at peak — Chubby Chernobyl #10-14, Schroeder's Parachute Hopper #8-12, and Bionic Hopper Tan #12 the go-to along willow-lined banks and undercut structure. Hopper-dropper rigs most versatile approach. Tricos active dawn to 9am: Trico Spinners #20-24. Caddis dominant through evening: Elk Hair Caddis #12-18, Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan/Olive #20, evening hatches producing rising fish. PMDs reliable 10am-noon: Extended Body PMD #16, Tungsten Split Case PMD Nymph #20. BWOs on overcast afternoons: Christianson's BWO #18-22, CDC Baetis Dun #18-22. Fish concentrated in fewer, deeper pockets — hike farther and downsize leaders to find grouped-up fish. Stop fishing when water exceeds 68°F. Carry a stream thermometer. Handle trout with extreme care. 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet (6X for dries).
Dry Fly
Chubby Chernobyl #10-14Schroeder's Parachute Hopper #8-12Amy's Ant #14-18Elk Hair Caddis (olive/brown/yellow) #12-18Egan's GTI Caddis Olive #12Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20Hot Mess Caddis #16-18Double Duck Caddis #16-18Missing Link Caddis #16-18Extended Body PMD #16Sparkle Dun PMD #18Parawulff PMD #16CDC Baetis Dun #18-22Christianson's BWO #18-22Film Critic BWO #18-20Beefus Emerger #18-20Parachute Adams #12-22Morgan's CDC Midge #20-24Trico Spinner #20-24Renegade #14-18
Nymph
Pat's Rubber Legs (black/olive/coffee) #10-14Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tail #14-20English Pheasant Tail #14-18Jig Hot Butt Hare #14-18Hare's Ear #14-20Chronic Caddis (tan/olive) #14-16Graphic Caddis #14-16Tungsten Slim Shady BWO #18-20Chocolate Thunder #16-20Zebra Midge (black/olive) #18-22Black Rainbow Warrior #18-20Rojo Midge #18-24Poly Wing RS2 #18-22Sparkle Wing RS2 (grey/olive) #18-22Perdigon (purple/pink) #14-20Squirmy WormsNeon Nightmare #18-20
Streamer
Sparkle MinnowBarely Legal (white-olive/grey-white)Dungeons (cream/black/gray)Rainbow/Black HeisenbergGame ChangersSculpzilla #4-6Slumpbuster #6-8Woolly Buggers (white/olive/black) #8-12White LeechLeeches (wine/black/rusty brown) #6-8Home InvaderArticulated Goldie
FORECASTFlows at 686 CFS at Kremmling (Aug 25, USGS) and continuing to fall — down 5% in the last 24 hours, from 697 CFS on Aug 22, 746 CFS on Aug 19, and 841 CFS on Aug 2. 10-day average 721 CFS with a peak of 762 CFS. 2026 is possibly the worst drought on record for Colorado, with record-low snowpack and combined Lake Mead/Powell storage breaking previous lows. Green Mountain Reservoir releases continue to fluctuate but overall trend is falling. Expect flows to continue declining through late August and September into the 500-650 CFS range barring significant monsoon rain. Water clarity clear; should remain good at these low flows. WATER TEMP REMAINS THE PRIMARY CONCERN: afternoon temps still reaching 69-70°F — right at the upper edge of the comfort zone for trout. CPW temperature restrictions or voluntary closures possible if heat persists — check cpw.state.co.us before heading out. Floating window (1,500+ CFS) extremely unlikely this season. Plan for wade fishing through September. Hopper season at peak now through early September — terrestrials the primary prospecting tool. Tricos active mornings through late August. Caddis hatches will continue strong through September. Expect BWOs to increase as days shorten and temps cool in September. As flows drop further below 600 CFS in September, fish will concentrate even more in pools and deeper runs — adjust approach to slower presentations and longer leaders. Despite the drought, fishing quality remains good to excellent during cooler morning hours per Cutthroat Anglers. Streamer fishing has been particularly productive. The key limiting factors are water temperature and access — fish early, carry a thermometer, and be prepared to stop by late morning.
Overview
The Upper Colorado River from Pumphouse to Dotsero is one of Colorado's best summer float trips. This 60+ mile stretch offers Class I-II water through scenic BLM canyon lands - ideal for family floats, multi-day camping trips, or serious fly fishing.
What sets this section apart: it holds Gold Medal water designation. CPW electrofishing surveys find 4,000-5,000 trout per mile in the Pumphouse to Catamount section, with 16-17 inch fish common. The largest brown ever documented here was 17 pounds.
Summer (July-September) is prime time. Runoff has subsided, flows settle into ideal ranges, and the canyon sees less crowding than Colorado's more famous rivers. The catch: no cell service from Pumphouse through the canyon, so plan accordingly.
Flow Windows
Understanding flows is essential for timing your trip. Check Colorado River flows near Kremmling before launching.
| Flow (CFS) | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Under 600 | Low water - scraping likely, slower float, some portaging possible |
| 600-1,000 | Prime fishing flows - Class II rapids become gentler Class I-II, excellent wade access |
| 1,000-1,500 | Low-normal floating - relaxed pace, some shallow spots |
| 1,500-3,300 | Ideal floating range - good current, Class II rapids run clean |
| 3,300-5,500 | Higher water - faster, more technical, experienced paddlers only |
| Over 5,500 | High water - bridge clearance issues at second bridge, significant hazards |
The ideal floating window of 1,500-3,300 CFS typically occurs from late June through mid-August. By late August and September, flows often drop below 1,000 CFS - still floatable but slower, with better fishing conditions.
Key Sections
Pumphouse to Radium (4 miles)
The most popular short float, taking 2-2.5 hours at typical summer flows.
Rapids:
- Wake Up Rapid (Class II) - straightforward warm-up at river mile 1
- Needle's Eye (Class II) - the signature rapid with a narrow chute through a rock garden. Scout from river-left if unfamiliar.
- Mary's Wall - immediately after Needle's Eye, the river pushes right into a cliff. Stay left at all water levels.
Takeout bonus: Radium Hot Springs and Jump Rock are at the takeout - natural warm springs tucked against a popular cliff jumping spot.
Radium to Rancho del Rio (6 miles)
Longer section through the canyon with consistent riffles and a more remote feel. Takes 3-4 hours.
Rapids:
- Red Eye Rapid (Class II-III at higher flows) - most significant feature in this section
- Yarmony (Hoyt) Rapid (Class II, up to III at 2,500+ CFS) - the most consequential rapid on the upper stretch. At higher flows, a large boulder creates a hole that can flip rafts. Stay center-right to avoid the hole.
Nine on-river primitive campsites are available first-come, first-served through this section.
Rancho del Rio to State Bridge (4 miles)
The mellower finish to a Pumphouse-State Bridge day float. Mostly Class I-II water. Takes 1.5-2 hours.
Total Pumphouse to State Bridge: 14 miles, 4-6 hours depending on flow and fishing stops.
State Bridge to Dotsero (45 miles)
The lower stretch sees far less traffic and is typically done as a multi-day trip. Character changes to wider, mellower water through ranch country.
| Section | Distance | Float Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Bridge to Catamount | 16 miles | 6-7 hours | Class I-II, mellow, great camping |
| Catamount to Pinball | 9 miles | 4-5 hours | Remote, Bull Gulch WSA |
| Pinball to Dotsero | 20 miles | 8-10 hours | Long day or split into two |
Rapids Below State Bridge:
- Windy Point (Class II) - only named rapid in the upper portion
- Alkali (Class II) - below Catamount
- Landslide/Rodeo Rapid (Class III) - solid drop, easy to scout from road if needed
- Pinball Rapid (Class III) - fun wave train
- Twin Bridges (Class II+) - marks end of the scenic canyon stretch
Why do the lower stretch? Solitude. You'll likely have the river to yourself, and the camping at Jacks Flat is considered by many the best on the entire Upper C - a quiet site with a natural berm blocking road and railroad noise.
Access Points & Logistics
All access points are managed by BLM Kremmling Field Office. Note: New fee structure takes effect July 7, 2025.
Pumphouse Recreation Site (Primary Put-in)
- Three boat ramps (Launch 3 is ADA accessible)
- 18 individual campsites - $25/night (reservations required via Recreation.gov)
- 2 group campsites - $75/night
- Vault toilets, drinking water (summer only - not always operational)
- Day-use parking: $10 per vehicle (vehicle season pass: $50)
- Camp host on-site during summer
- No cell service - Kremmling (15 miles) is nearest town for supplies
Radium Recreation Site
- Mid-river access with two launch areas
- 9 standard campsites - fees similar to Pumphouse
- Good swimming at Radium Hot Springs adjacent to takeout
Rancho del Rio
- Private lodge/campground with river access
- Restaurant, general store, cabins
- Shuttle service available (see below)
State Bridge
- Concert venue and lodge with restaurant, cabins, general store
- Day-use: $10 per vehicle
- Paved boat ramp
- 14 miles from I-70 (Wolcott Exit #157)
Lower Section Access (State Bridge to Dotsero)
Six BLM-maintained access points allow trip customization:
- Catamount - vault toilet, fire rings, picnic tables
- Pinball Point - similar facilities
- Windy Point - camping with toilet and fire rings
- Cottonwood & Lyons Gulch - developed campsites
- Jacks Flat - wilderness-style camping (bring your own toilet system)
- Dotsero - final takeout before Glenwood Canyon
Getting There
From Denver (2 hours): I-70 west to Exit 205 (Silverthorne), Highway 9 north through Kremmling, then Trough Road (County Road 1) west for 10 miles to Pumphouse.
From Vail (45 minutes): I-70 to Exit 157 (Wolcott), Highway 131 north for 12 miles to State Bridge.
Road conditions: Trough Road is maintained gravel, passable for most vehicles in dry conditions. Can get rough after rain - high clearance helpful but not required.
Shuttle Services
Most floaters run a two-vehicle shuttle. If you only have one vehicle:
Rancho del Rio - (970) 653-4431
- Shuttles from Pumphouse to State Bridge and other combinations
- $50-105 depending on route
- Vehicles must be at put-in by 1:00pm for same-day service
- Book online at ranchodelrio.com
AVA Rafting - coloradorafting.net
- Shuttle service from Kremmling outpost
- Add to raft rental bookings
Tip: Day-use fees apply at both put-in and take-out, including shuttled vehicles.
BLM Contact: Kremmling Field Office - (970) 724-3027
Summer Fly Fishing
The Upper Colorado fishes well all summer, with different patterns emerging as conditions change.
July: Post-Runoff Prime Time
Water clarity improves dramatically once runoff subsides. Golden Stoneflies follow the salmonfly hatch, with peak activity in the first two weeks of July. This is arguably the best month for dry fly fishing.
Key Hatches:
- Golden Stoneflies (#8-12) - fish dries and nymphs
- Yellow Sallies (#14-16) - Mercers Micro Stone
- Caddis (#14-18) - evening hatches produce rising fish
- PMDs (#16-18) - late morning to early afternoon
August: Hopper Season
As flows drop below 1,000 CFS, the river reveals rock gardens and sandy bars perfect for hopper-dropper rigs. Fish move into shallower water along willow-lined banks.
Key Hatches:
- Terrestrials (hoppers, beetles, ants) - work the banks
- Yellow Sallies continue
- Caddis (#16-18) - consistent evening activity
- Tricos (#20-24) - early morning spinners
September: Fall Transition
Cooler nights trigger renewed mayfly activity. Brown trout become more aggressive as spawn approaches.
Key Hatches:
- BWOs (#18-22) - afternoon hatches on cloudy days
- Streamers become increasingly effective
- Midges (#20-24) - consistent subsurface food source
Fly Box Essentials
Dries:
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18, tan and olive)
- Yellow Stimulator (#14-16)
- Schroeder's Parachute Hopper (#8-12)
- Parachute Adams (#16-20)
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10-14)
Nymphs:
- Pat's Rubberlegs (#6-10, black/brown)
- Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
- Hare's Ear (#14-16)
- RS2 (#18-22)
- Zebra Midge (#18-22)
Streamers:
- Woolly Bugger (#6-10, olive and black)
- Slumpbuster (#4-6)
- Sculpzilla (#4-6)
Wade vs. Float Fishing
Float fishing covers more water and accesses private stretches between public access points. Best when flows are 800-2,000 CFS.
Wade fishing becomes excellent as flows drop below 1,000 CFS in late summer. Rock gardens and gravel bars emerge, allowing access to runs that were unreachable earlier. Best access points for wading:
- Below Pumphouse boat ramp
- Radium area
- BLM pullouts along Trough Road between State Bridge and Catamount
Best Times of Day
- Early morning (6-9am): Cooler water, active fish, Trico spinners in August
- Late morning (10am-noon): PMD activity, comfortable air temps
- Evening (6-8pm): Caddis hatches, rising fish, best dry fly window
Water Temperature Warning: Stop fishing when water temps reach 68°F. Trout become stressed above 65°F and mortality risk increases even with careful handling. Carry a stream thermometer - afternoon temps can spike during July heat waves.
Hazards
High Water (Flows above 3,300 CFS)
- At flows over 5,500 CFS, you cannot float under the second bridge
- Yarmony Rapid becomes a serious Class III with a boat-flipping hole
- Cold water persists even when air temps are warm
- Faster current means less reaction time for obstacles
Strainers (Downed Trees)
Strainers accumulate on outside bends after high water events. Scout any unfamiliar sections. If swimming and you can't avoid a strainer, turn onto your stomach and climb up and over - never swim underneath.
Weather
Afternoon thunderstorms are common July-August. Plan to be off the water by early afternoon if storms are forecast. Lightning is the primary danger.
No Cell Service
There's no cell coverage from Pumphouse through the canyon to State Bridge. Plan accordingly:
- Tell someone your float plan and expected return
- Bring a satellite communicator (Garmin InReach) for emergencies
- Know basic self-rescue techniques
Overnight Trip Requirements
For on-river camping, BLM requires:
- Fire pan for any campfires
- Leak-proof human waste containment system (WAG bags)
- Pack out all trash
Gear Recommendations
Floating Essentials
- Coast Guard-approved PFD for each person
- Dry bag for valuables and dry clothes
- Water and snacks (plan for full-day hydration)
- Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses
- River sandals or water shoes
- Throw rope (50+ feet)
Fishing Gear
- 9' 5-weight rod (good all-around choice)
- 9' 4-weight for dry fly work in late summer
- Floating line with 9' 4X-5X leader
- Stream thermometer
- Waders for early morning/cool days (late summer you can wet wade)
Multi-Day Additions
- Fire pan
- WAG bags or portable toilet system
- Water filter
- Tent, sleeping gear
- Cooler for food (dry ice lasts longer than regular ice)
- Camp chair
- Headlamp
- Bug spray (mosquitoes can be heavy at Jacks Flat)
Seasonal Summary
| Month | Typical Flows | Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late June | 2,000-3,500 CFS | Dropping from runoff | Experienced floaters, late salmonflies |
| July | 1,200-2,500 CFS | Prime floating | Everyone - best balance of current and safety |
| August | 600-1,200 CFS | Lower, slower | Fishing, families, multi-day trips |
| September | 400-800 CFS | Low water | Wade fishing, fall colors, solitude |
The Upper Colorado has a longer season than many Colorado rivers, often remaining floatable into late September when other rivers have dropped too low.
Guided Options
Rafting Outfitters
AVA Rafting - coloradorafting.net
- Operates from Kremmling outpost
- Half-day scenic floats, ages 2+
- Raft rentals from $199
Colorado River Rentals - coloradoriverrentals.com
- Self-guided raft rentals with shuttle service
Rancho del Rio - ranchodelrio.com
- Shuttle service and trip support
Fly Fishing Guides
Mountain Angler (Breckenridge) - mountainangler.com
- Permitted on 50+ miles from Pumphouse to Dotsero
- Exclusive access at Yellow Dog Ranch
Kirks Flyshop (Grand Lake) - kirksflyshopgrandlake.com
- Half-day ($500) and full-day ($650) float trips
- All gear provided including lunch on full days
Vail Valley Anglers - vailvalleyanglers.com
- Detailed fishing reports on current conditions
Using RiverReports
Plan your trip with real-time data:
- Colorado River near Kremmling - primary gauge for this stretch
- Compare current flows to seasonal averages
- Set flow alerts to know when conditions hit your target window
- Check the 7-day forecast to time your trip
The Upper Colorado's natural flow pattern means conditions can change more quickly than dam-controlled rivers. Check flows within 24-48 hours of your trip, not just a week out.
For June floating during runoff season, see our Upper Colorado June Guide. For statewide conditions, visit Colorado rivers.
River Intel Weekly
Weekly flow updates and fishing intel.
© 2026 RiverReports, Inc.