The Mighty Colorado River Fly Fishing Float Trip

Description

The Colorado River Fly Fishing Float Trip

Colorado River fly fishing float trips are fun for new and experienced angler alike!

1 Trip = 1 Boat
1 Boat = 2 Anglers

Included:
Shore Lunch (full day only),
water and plenty of cooler space for your personal beverages
Rods, Reels, Flies, Tippet, etc.

Not Included:
Colorado Fishing License (purchase here)
Alcoholic Beverages
Guide Gratuity

*Please note: Our ½-day and ¾-day offerings do not include lunch, but guests are encouraged to bring a small lunch and/or snacks.

Booking Info:

When you book your trip, please put the date(s) you’re looking to book in the “order notes.” We’ll do our best to accommodate those dates, even if we have to send you to another partner outfitter. If we’re unable to accommodate those dates, you will be refunded. If you’d like to check our availability prior to booking, please contact us.

About the River

The Colorado River is one of the West’s most iconic. It starts high in the alpine of Rocky Mountain National Park and flows west until it reaches the Gulf of California. We float just a small section of the Mighty Colorado, but we believe it to be one of the rivers finest offerings.

We have several sections to float on the Colorado, starting at the Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, near the confluence of the Roaring Fork River. From Glenwood down, you’ll encounter wide, powerful flows and also tighter canyon sections with a few rapids to keep boaters on their toes.

The stretch from New Castle down to Silt offers some great water to catch trout. Plenty of nymph runs and some really great streamer water. But don’t sleep on the dry fly opportunities. Lots of structure near the banks make this stretch a prime dry dropper fishery.

Silt to Rifle offers a slightly longer stretch and here you’ll see the vastness of Western Colorado. This stretch doesn’t hold as many fish as upstream does, but the fish down here are quality. There are also great opportunities to chase some carp in back eddies and sloughs. Carp presents a great challenge, as they require stealth and accurate casting. But, once you hook into one, you’re in for quite a battle.

The Colorado flows through Parachute, De Beque, and eventually reaches our basecamp of Grand Junction. There are limited trout opportunities in this stretch of water, but one may be surprised. Our Grand Junction segment offers great opportunities for chasing carp.

Most of the Colorado River sections we float are better suited for full day trips. However, 3/4 and 1/2-day trips can be accommodated. We also offer extended days if you’re looking to cover more water. If interested in floating multiple sections over multiple days, there are plenty of places to stay near all the boat ramps. If booking 4 or more days, discounts may be available.

Sections We Float

Glenwood Springs Area

Two Rivers to Dino – 9 Miles

• Mostly Trout
• Nymphs, Streamers, Dry Flies

Dino to Silt – 13 Miles

• Mostly Trout
• Nymphs, Streamers, Dry Flies

New Castle to Silt – 7.5 Miles

• Mostly Trout, often some native suckers or chubs
• Nymphs, Streamers, and Dry Fly
• Good banks for dry flies and streamers

Silt to Rifle – 9 Miles

• Trout and Carp, often some native suckers or chubs
• Nymphs and Streamers
• Great Dry Fly Banks
• Opportunities for Carp

What Makes the Colorado River Such a Special Fishery

The Lower Colorado is one of the most dynamic trout fisheries in the West. Its mix of deep runs, riffles, long glides, and structure-rich banks creates year‑round habitat for healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. Because the river flows through a wide range of elevations and terrain, each stretch has its own personality. Some sections fish best with technical nymph rigs, while others reward anglers who like to throw streamers tight to the bank or watch for subtle dry‑fly eats in soft water. This variety is a big part of what makes a Colorado River float trip so rewarding — no two days are ever the same, and the river always has something new to teach you.

Seasonal Highlights Throughout the Year

While spring and fall often get the most attention, every season on the Colorado offers something unique. Early summer brings strong caddis and PMD hatches, along with energetic fish that are eager to feed after runoff. Mid‑summer offers long days, warm weather, and excellent opportunities for dry‑dropper fishing in the right flows. As fall approaches, the river settles into some of its most consistent fishing of the year, with aggressive pre‑spawn browns and cool, crisp days that make for unforgettable floats. Even winter has its moments, with low, clear water and trout stacked in predictable holding lies — perfect for anglers who enjoy a slower, more technical style of fishing.

Who This Trip Is Perfect For

Colorado River float trips are ideal for anglers of all experience levels. Beginners appreciate the stability of the boat, the ability to cover water, and the hands‑on instruction throughout the day. Intermediate anglers enjoy refining their skills, learning new techniques, and fishing water they may not feel comfortable wading. Experienced anglers love the challenge and variety the river provides — from technical nymphing to streamer fishing to the occasional dry‑fly hatch that brings big fish to the surface.

If you’re looking for a full‑day adventure that blends scenery, learning, and the chance to catch wild trout in a legendary Western River, this trip checks every box.

Why Fish with a Local Guide

Fishing the Colorado River with a professional guide gives you access to local knowledge that takes years to develop. Guides spend hundreds of days on the water each season, tracking flows, hatches, clarity, and fish behavior. That experience helps you make the most of your day, avoid unproductive water, and adapt quickly to changing conditions. It also means you’ll learn techniques and insights you can use long after the trip is over.

A guided float trip isn’t just about catching fish — it’s about learning the river, improving your skills, and enjoying a day on the water with someone who knows it intimately.

What to Expect on Your Float Trip

A guided float trip is the best way to experience the Colorado River. You’ll cover miles of productive water that simply can’t be reached on foot, and you’ll fish from a comfortable, well‑equipped drift boat or raft designed specifically for fly fishing. Throughout the day, your guide will help you read water, adjust your rig, and dial in the right flies for the conditions. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or you’ve been doing it for decades, the goal is the same: create a fun, relaxed, and memorable day on the water while giving you the best possible chance at success.

Most trips begin with a quick overview of the day’s plan, current river conditions, and a rundown of safety essentials. From there, you’ll spend the day drifting through beautiful Western Colorado scenery, learning new techniques, and targeting trout in a wide range of water types. Expect plenty of instruction, plenty of laughs, and plenty of opportunities to hook into quality fish.

Useful Links

Cancellation Policy – LTF Guides

Essential Gear For Fly Fishing The Colorado River

5 Tips For Fly Fishing Colorado River In Spring

LTF Guides is a licensed outfitter in the state of Colorado. The activities of outfitters are regulated by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). DORA OUT.0003745 | ROL #696.