Low, clear Colorado tailwaters set up a fall dry-fly window

What's biting

What's next

Expect the same low-water pattern to hold over the next few days, with the best surface action when hatches overlap in the middle of the day. Fish will be spooky in clear water, so long, light leaders and careful wading will matter more than fly choice. As the river continues to drop, Crystal Fly Shop (CO) notes that flies generally downsize, so lean on small nymphs and midge patterns when nothing is rising.

The Colorado River near Glenwood Springs has been muddy after monsoonal rain, per Crystal Fly Shop (CO), and the streamer bite there should be decent when it clears. Check for any voluntary closures before you go, since Crystal Fly Shop (CO) has described Colorado Parks and Wildlife closures on parts of the Crystal and Roaring Fork systems. A New Moon means dark nights, so expect no moonlight pull on early-morning activity. Plan around midday warmth for hatches, and the cooler edges of the day for streamers.

Context

Mid-October is typically the shoulder between summer low-water fishing and winter midge season in Colorado. Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing calls 2026 the worst drought on record and says tailwaters remain the best option, with anglers urged to quit fishing when water hits 67°F. Cutthroat Anglers (CO) advises stopping at 68°F or higher. Today's 60°F readings sit comfortably below both limits, which is a welcome change from the summer warmth. Autumn typically brings reliable baetis and midge hatches and more aggressive Brown Trout pre-spawn behavior, though always check state regs before keeping any fish.