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River: Colorado River - Palisade to Loma

Fishing Colorado River near Palisade, CO

Post By: Wkandxj      Posted: 5/21/2014 9:34:44 AM     Points: 0    
We will be camping at Island Acres Campground on the Colorado in Palisade this weekend. We don't usually river fish (really suck at freshwater fishing in general) but how do you river fish? What tips/tricks does anyone have for this area of the Colorado?
I don't fly fish, so that's out of the equation. I've a working knowledge of freshwater fishing in lakes throughout Colorado, but still have little to no luck/skill at it. haha
 Reply by: anglerwannabe      Posted: 5/21/2014 9:48:30 AM     Points: 56859    
small rapala, HD trout work well

Kastmaster

3" gulp minnows

fly with bubble

that should be a good starting place
 Reply by: fishn4tay      Posted: 5/21/2014 9:58:31 AM     Points: 1    
The colorado will be blown out from runoff making fishing difficult. I'd concentrate on one of the many lakes in the area. A few to consider rifle or Harvey gap, rueidi, high line and Mack out west by gj. Good luck!
 Reply by: boogieman      Posted: 5/21/2014 10:10:15 AM     Points: 162    
if you do try to fish the river, try and concentrate on the slower water. this may be in small pockets on the edge, or deep under some of the faster water. make sure you are getting your lure down near the bottom, you might loose more gear than you want with snags, but that is where the fish will be.
 Reply by: cookster      Posted: 5/21/2014 3:18:13 PM     Points: 63657    
Don't over look the big cats in there.
 Reply by: Flyrodn      Posted: 5/21/2014 3:21:19 PM     Points: 184621    
There are actually a couple ponds at that campground that are regularly stocked. Another great nearby option, especially if you have a tube and are willing to hike a mile or so, is the Jerry Creeks. Fly and Lure only, catch and release, but they offer some outstanding bass and bluegill.
 Reply by: westsloper      Posted: 5/21/2014 3:31:42 PM     Points: 1244    
I just drove from GJT to Rifle about an hour ago, the river is running extremly high right now. I would avoid fishing it unless your looking to snag a 80ft cotton wood tree floating past (i seen a few)! A few of the Mesa lakes are opening up, that might be worth the trip up the mountain.
 Reply by: thegoodcat      Posted: 5/21/2014 6:12:28 PM     Points: 71    
The only fishing worth doing in the Grand Valley stretch of the Colorado would be more towards the state border. You could always pound out them river suckers though if you really wanted to.
 Reply by: Pathway      Posted: 5/23/2014 3:46:35 PM     Points: 534    
Although it is C&R only, Jerry Creek is a good bet to catch nice gills and largemouth bass. Mesa Lake might even be open for brook and rainbow.