Chasing Giants on the Colorado: Woody Kiehl's October Update

October 24th, and the Colorado River is finally settling into a rhythm that separates the tourists from the real anglers. With flows hovering right around the 1,000 CFS mark, the river is a brawling, moody beast, but that is exactly how I like it. If you are looking for easy numbers, go fish a stocked pond. If you want big rainbows and massive, pissed-off browns that will put your drag to the ultimate test, get in my new Clackacraft drift boat. I have been putting my Sage and Hardy fly fishing setups to work lately, and the quality of fish coming to the net is phenomenal. You are not going to find many trophy trout like these anywhere else in the Roaring Fork Valley. Visibility is a bit off, which is actually a blessing—it keeps the fish aggressive and less spooked when that drift boat slides over their heads. We are seeing some reliable Blue Winged Olive hatches in the 18-22 range and enough midges to keep the heads poking up. If you are throwing dries, stick with a Harrop's CDC Biot Dun or a reliable Trailing Shuck Midge. The stretch below Glenwood Springs remains the standout, though the water down near Grizzly Creek has been holding some monsters lately. For those wading, remember that the Colorado isn't a stream you walk through with your hands in your pockets. Exercise some caution, especially if you are hitting the water around the confluence or near the South Canyon rapid. If you are planning a bachelor or bachelorette party and want to trade the bar scene for a scenic float fishing trip that none of your buddies will forget, give us a shout. It beats the hell out of a crowded nightclub, and you might just land the biggest trout of your life. Whether you are a local or just visiting for a high-end Aspen area fly fishing experience, my team at Aspen Angling Company has the gear, the knowledge, and the local intel to put you on the fish. Don't waste your season guessing. Give Aspen Angling Company a call today to book your next guided trip. Let’s get you on the water before the ice locks us out.