The Colorado River flows approximately 1,450 miles through seven U.S. states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California) and parts of Mexico, offering diverse fishing opportunities throughout its vast watershed. This iconic waterway includes everything from high mountain streams to deep canyons and large reservoirs, creating varied aquatic habitats that support numerous fish species. The river system provides year-round fishing opportunities and attracts anglers from around the world seeking trophy catches in stunning natural settings. From fly fishing for trout in the upper reaches to pursuing bass in the desert impoundments, the Colorado River system offers exceptional angling experiences for all skill levels amid spectacular landscapes.
Learn what type of fish are at Colorado River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Esox lucius
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Oncorhynchus apache
Ameiurus melas
Ictalurus furcatus
Oreochromis aureus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis megalotis
Prosopium williamsoni
Oreochromis niloticus
Lepomis gibbosus
Lepomis microlophus
Oncorhynchus nerka
Morone saxatilis
Lepomis gulosus
Pomoxis annularis
Catostomus commersonii
Ameiurus natalis
Perca flavescens
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on Colorado River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Colorado River, and when to apply.
Black Canyon below Hoover Dam
Boater pass · All boaters · Required year-round
Launching on the Colorado directly below Hoover Dam needs a $32 permit through an authorized outfitter, and launches elsewhere on the water trail need none.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Meander and Cataract canyons (Canyonlands)
Reservation permit · All boaters · Required year-round
Every boating day trip on the Green and Colorado in Canyonlands needs a permit, and the whole year opens for booking on Jan 1.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Canyonlands National Park
Meander and Cataract canyons (Canyonlands)
Reservation permit · Overnight trips · Required year-round
Every overnight river trip in Canyonlands needs a permit, released four months ahead for each of two seasons.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Canyonlands National Park
Diamond Creek to Lake Mead
Reservation permit · Private trips · Required year-round
Noncommercial trips of 2 to 5 days from Diamond Creek to Lake Mead need a free Grand Canyon permit, issued first come up to a year ahead.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Grand Canyon National Park River Permits Office
Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry
Self-issue permit · Private trips · Required year-round
Groups using any watercraft on the 16 miles from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry need a free permit from the kiosk above the Lees Ferry ramp.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry
Boater pass · Motorboats · Required year-round
Every motorized vessel on Lake Powell or the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam needs a weekly or annual Glen Canyon vessel pass, priced by length.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Grand Canyon (Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek)
Lottery permit · Private trips · Required year-round
Every private river trip through Grand Canyon needs a permit, assigned in a weighted lottery each February for the following year.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Grand Canyon National Park
Diamond Creek take-out (Hualapai)
Boater pass · All boaters · Required year-round
River trips taking out at Diamond Creek pay Hualapai fees per person, boat and vehicle, and camping or hiking on Hualapai river-left land needs a tribal permit.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Hualapai Game and Fish Department
Ruby and Horsethief canyons
Reservation permit · Overnight trips · Required year-round
Overnight trips through Ruby and Horsethief canyons need a camping permit released two months ahead, and day trips need none.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with BLM McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
Westwater Canyon
Reservation permit · All boaters · Required year-round
Every trip through Westwater Canyon needs a permit, released two months ahead at 8am MT.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with BLM Moab Field Office
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. Check the Arizona Fishing Regulations for additional information.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Determined by the Arizona Navigable Stream Adjudication Commission. ANSAC says for a waterway to be navigable, it must have been capable of commercial trade and travel at the time of statehood (1912). The waterway must also be wet, with water from more than just precipitation. As of 2016, ANSAC only defines the Colorado River as navigable, though decisions are pending for other streams. The federal government and private owners control all other streambeds The extent to which the public has rights in non-navigable watercourses depends upon the ownership of the streambed. For example, if the federal government has retained ownership, the public likely enjoys rights to boat, fish, wade, recreate, and portage. If, on the other hand, the streambed is privately owned, then the public may not boat, fish, or otherwise access the watercourse without the owner's permission.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Colorado River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Colorado River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Get the onWater Fish app
Free on iOS and Android
See the best times to fish Colorado River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Colorado River.
Colorado River · Below Davis Dam · U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
4,440 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 3:23 PM MST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Colorado River · Below Parker Dam · U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
4,598 cfs now, 9,415 cfs from 6:00 PM MST
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 3:23 PM MST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
Loading popular cities...
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.
