Parshall public access

Colorado River, Upper Description

The upper Colorado River is one of the most picturesque rivers in Colorado to fish. The river is lined with cottonwood trees, providing shelter for Bald Eagles. The riffles, runs and deep pools that the upper Colorado River boasts hold very large wild Browns and Rainbows. The Colorado is a classic freestone that fishes well through out the year. The William's Fork, near Parshall, CO, feeds the Colorado, which keeps the river open year round. The hatches you will see on the Upper Colorado are Stones, Caddis, Mayflys, Midges and the most renowned emergence of the Salmon Fly.

From Cutthroat Anglers Newsletter

The Colorado River near the small town of Parshall offers native trout any day of the year.  This section of river stays moving all year round with the assistance of the Williams Fork River that is directly upstream.  Parshall is famous for its large abundance of winter midge hatches making it possible to trick fish on the surface on almost any day of the year!  The "Parshall Hole" undoubtedly holds the largest amount of fish in the winter months.  It is located directly upstream of the highway 40 public parking area.  This 100-yard long, deep section of river holds hundreds of fish in the winter months.  Deep nymphing with midge patterns or taking advantage of a mid-day hatch with a size 20 midge or Parachute Adams is the best plan of attack for this hole.  Further downstream you will also find other deep holding water that can produce record rainbows even in the dead of winter! 

And, after a long day of fishing, you can always count on one of our favorite watering holes, the nearby "Parshall Inn",  to provide a cozy, retro setting for you to enjoy a cold one. 

Grand County, Colorado     headwaters of the Colorado River