The Dolores River flows approximately 250 miles from its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado through dramatic red rock canyons before joining the Colorado River near Dewey Bridge in eastern Utah. This diverse waterway transitions from high mountain streams to desert canyon waters, offering a variety of fishing environments. The river is heavily regulated by McPhee Dam near Cortez, Colorado, with average annual discharge declining from 504 cfs to about 240 cfs after dam construction in 1984. The fishery below McPhee Dam can ebb and flow depending on water supply and dam releases, while the lower sections receive significant flow input from the San Miguel River. From pristine cutthroat waters in the upper sections to tailwater trout fishing below the dam to warm-water species in the lower reaches, the Dolores offers anglers a remote and peaceful fishing experience in breathtaking landscapes.
Learn what type of fish are at Dolores River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Sander vitreus
Ameiurus melas
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Lepomis cyanellus
Prosopium williamsoni
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 Dolores 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 Dolores River, and when to apply.
Gateway, CO to Dewey Bridge, UT
Reservation permit · Private trips · Required year-round
Every private trip from Gateway to Dewey Bridge needs a permit, with no limit on how many are issued.
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.
Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). CPW provides a range of options for anglers from the annual fishing license to the one-day fishing license. Youth under age 16 fish for free.
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 any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Annual passes provide a full 12 months of unlimited access to all state parks across Colorado.
With no clear test of navigability, no applicable statutes, and a tendency of courts to categorize all streams in Colorado as non-navigable, waterfront landowners' rights encompass the banks, beds, and waters of rivers. The public has no guaranteed recreation rights in non-navigable waters or their streambeds. CO Fishing Regulations: "It is illegal to go onto private land to fish without permission, including touching any part of private land by person or watercraft. Private land is not required to be posted or fenced. Trespassers may be suspended for up to 5 years."
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 Dolores River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Dolores River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Dolores River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Dolores River.
Dolores River · Below McPhee Dam · National Weather Service
5 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 11:38 AM MST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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