Colorado River — Pumphouse

Early July — big float water dropping into shape (~1,000 cfs). Prime stonefly, caddis and PMD water, with hopper season just starting. The classic Pumphouse-to-Radium / State Bridge float.

The Upper C is big, forgiving float water that rewards covering water. Run a two-nymph rig off a Pat's Rubber Legs through the deep runs and along the banks, or fish a Chubby Chernobyl hopper-dropper as the terrestrials come on in July. Streamers move the better browns in the walk-in stretches at Pumphouse and Radium. Best done as a raft/drift float (Pumphouse to Radium or State Bridge); wade access is limited to the BLM areas. Watch afternoon temps in a heat wave — start early.

Premier big-water fishery ~1 hr from Vail. Float-focused: Pumphouse is the main put-in (BLM fee site) with limited walk-and-wade; State Bridge / Radium are the takeouts. July brings stoneflies, caddis and the start of hopper season. Trip tip: a good big-water contrast to the smaller Gore and Eagle — bring or book a raft.