Colorado River Winter Fishing Report: Patience and Precision for Late-Fall Trout

# Colorado River Winter Fishing Report - December 3rd, 2025

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your daily Colorado River fishing report.

We're deep into early winter conditions now, and Mother Nature's really settling in. This morning we're looking at sunrise around 7:01 AM and sunset at 4:37 PM, so you're working with a tight window—get out early if you can.

**Weather and Water Conditions**

Winter's officially here. A significant winter storm system moved through yesterday into last night, with snow accumulating across the central mountains and I-25 corridor. Conditions remain unstable through Wednesday and into Thursday, so use extreme caution if you're heading up to higher elevations. Down on the Colorado River, flows are low and stable with ultra-clear water—classic late-fall conditions. This means visibility is excellent for sight fishing, but stealth is absolutely everything. The colder overnight temperatures have made mornings slow until midday sun hits the water and triggers activity.

**Fish Activity and Recent Catches**

The action this time of year is all about patience and precision. Most trout are holding tight in slower, deeper water—they're not roaming much. Midges are absolutely running the show right now, with occasional baetis popping when cloud cover hangs over the region. Flatiron Reservoir to the north has been slowing down, with anglers picking up fish on red and white spoons and Powerbait, but your best bets on moving water like the Colorado will be nymphing-focused.

**Best Baits and Lures**

This is midge season. Small is beautiful right now. Light tippet and small flies are essential—we're talking size 18-22 midges in black, gray, and olive. If you're throwing hardware, small spoons work, but honestly, the real magic this time of year is in the subsurface game. V&M jigs and vibrating jigs that mimic the natural forage have been producing elsewhere in Colorado's winter fisheries, so don't sleep on them for the Colorado.

**Hot Spots**

The Waterton Canyon stretch of the South Platte (just outside Denver) has been showing consistent midday midge activity along the shaded canyon walls where trout are tucked tight. If you're further upstream, focus on deeper mid-channel slots where the water provides refuge. The Dream Stream near the Cattle Guard Section is another solid option with excellent clarity for sight nymphing—wide flats and subtle troughs are holding quality fish right now.

**Final Thoughts**

Remember, stealth wins in December. Move slowly, watch for wakes, use light tippet, and don't expect explosive action. But if you're patient and precise, you'll absolutely get shots at quality trout.

Thanks for tuning in to the Colorado River fishing report. Make sure you subscribe for daily updates, and remember to stay safe out there with this winter system moving through.

This has been a quiet please production—for more, check out quiet please dot ai.

Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI