Chasing Giants: Fall Tactics on the Colorado River

It’s late October, and the Colorado River is finally settling into that beautiful, brawling autumn mood. The flows have dropped to a manageable 1,001 CFS, and while the water clarity is still giving us a run for our money, those legendary trophy trout are starting to show their faces. I’ve been putting my new Clackacraft drift boat through its paces lately, and let me tell you, there’s nothing like the stability of a Clacka when you’re navigating the heavy water below Glenwood Springs. Whether you’re fishing the stretch below Grizzly Creek or putting in for a full day of driftboat fishing, the Colorado is where you go when you want to test your mettle against truly pissed-off big browns and big rainbows that have no interest in visiting your net.

Right now, it’s a game of patience and precision. We’re seeing a steady progression of Blue Winged Olives in sizes 18-22, along with some tricky Tricos and midges. I’ve been reaching for my Sage fly fishing setups paired with Hardy fly fishing reels—when you hook a three-foot fish in that current, you need gear that doesn’t blink. Tie on a Harrop’s CDC Biot Dun or a Bill Fitzsimmons’ Trailing Shuck Midge, keep your drift clean, and be ready to burn some drag.

This isn’t a numbers game; it’s a quality fishery. If you’re looking to get away from the office or planning a bachelor or bachelorette party that actually involves a bit of adventure, a guided float trip with Aspen Angling Company is the only way to do it. We provide the expertise, the flies, and the local knowledge to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Scenic float fishing in the Roaring Fork Valley is unbeatable this time of year, and the Colorado is the perfect classroom for those who want to level up their game.

Before you hit the water, do us all a favor: be a pain in the A.N.S. and clean your gear. We’ve got stations at the shop, so no excuses. The river is precious, and we want to keep it that way. When you’re ready to stop guessing and start catching, give us a shout. I’ve got a seat open on the boat, and these fish aren’t going to catch themselves. Let’s get out there and hunt some monsters.