The Colorado River flows for many miles through the state of Colorado, a large portion of which is prime trout habitat. The Lower Colorado included in these reports begins at State Bridge and ends at the town of Rifle, which could be considered the lowest end of prime trout fishing. This length encompasses some 80 river miles in western Colorado that meanders through wide mountain valleys and numerous canyons, ...

including the spectacular Glenwood Canyon, until it becomes a large, sprawling western river winding its way amongst the hay fields and cattle ranches.
Within this lower stretch, there are nearly 20 small tributaries and 2 large rivers (Eagle and Roaring Fork rivers) that enter the Colorado changing its identity as it picks up volume. Rainbow trout and Brown trout, some of exceptional size, dominate the trout population, however; Cutthroat trout exist throughout the entire length, especially in close proximity to a tributary.
The size of the river combined with large swaths of private property make this an ideal river for floating by raft or drift boat. In Glenwood Springs and upstream into Glenwood Canyon the bike path runs for 13 miles adjacent to the river making for ample public access via walk-wading.