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Fly Fishing
Dolores River
Upper & Lower Sections

Brown trout resting in a rubber net after being caught on the Dolores River, with golden body and dark spotting visible

The Dolores River is one of Colorado’s most diverse and scenic fisheries, offering two very different experiences depending on where you fish. From the small-stream, alpine vibes of the Upper Dolores near Rico to the tailwater-style challenges of the Lower Dolores below McPhee Reservoir, this river has something for everyone — wild cutthroat and brook trout in the upper, and trophy-sized browns and rainbows in the lower.

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Upper Dolores - Overview & Access

The Upper Dolores runs through high-elevation forests and meadows north of Dolores, Colorado, with dozens of miles of public access along Highway 145 between the towns of Rico and Dolores. This section resembles a classic mountain stream — clear water, shallow runs, and wild trout. Access is straightforward with many pull-offs, campgrounds, and hiking trails along the way.

Lower Dolores - Overview & Access

The Lower Dolores begins below McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores. Flows here are highly controlled by dam releases and vary depending on the water year. When flows are good, this section offers technical tailwater-style fishing, with deep pools, undercut banks, and large trout. Access can be more limited and remote — popular spots include the Bradfield Bridge area and stretches within the Lower Dolores Special Management Area.

Dolores River Fishing Tips

Upper Dolores

  • Season: Late May–early October (depending on runoff)

  • Rod: 2–4 weight, floating line

  • Approach: Dry-dropper rigs with light tippet

  • Species: Wild brook trout, rainbow trout, and occasional cutthroat

  • Best Time: Mid-morning to early evening

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Lower Dolores

  • Season: Year-round if flows/road access allow

  • Rod: 4–6 weight, floating or intermediate line

  • Approach: Long leaders, technical nymphing, streamer swings in deeper pools

  • Species: Large brown trout, rainbows, occasional whitefish

  • Best Time: Spring and fall for flows, summer early/late for sight fishing

Conservation Note

The Dolores River watershed has seen decades of water management, flow reduction, and habitat changes — especially on the lower river. While the Upper Dolores maintains healthier, more natural flows, the Lower Dolores suffers from inconsistent water releases and ongoing legal battles over flow rights. Trout populations in the tailwater stretch are fragile, especially during dry years.

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Anglers can help by:

  • Practicing catch and release

  • Avoiding fishing during low, warm flows

  • Supporting groups like the Dolores River Boating Advocates and Trout Unlimited in their conservation efforts

Dog licking a brown trout beside the Dolores River in Colorado, capturing a lighthearted moment after a successful catch.

Dolores River Fly Selection

& Hatches

Upper Dolores

This is classic dry fly water for much of the season. You’ll find:

  • Caddisflies, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, small mayflies

  • Attractors like Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Stimulators

  • Terrestrials in summer: ants, beetles, small hoppers

Nymphs like Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, and soft hackles are excellent as droppers. Some deeper pockets near the town of Dolores may require small indicators or tight-line setups, but for the most part, fish are happy to rise.

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Lower Dolores

Tailwater conditions mean matching the hatch becomes more important. You'll want:

  • Blue-Winged Olives, especially in spring and fall

  • Caddis, midges, and PMDs

  • Terrestrials in late summer

  • Leeches and streamers for off-color or high water

 

Subsurface, go with Zebra Midges, RS2s, WD-40s, and small baetis patterns. A longer, more technical rig may be needed in this stretch.

Fishing Regulations for the Dolores River

Upper Dolores

  • Standard Colorado Parks & Wildlife stream regulations.

  • Some sections allow limited harvest, but catch and release is strongly encouraged, especially for native cutthroat trout.

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Lower Dolores

  • Special regulations apply in designated management areas.

  • Check CPW and BLM maps for current access and regulation zones.

  • Barbless hooks are required in some stretches; artificial flies and lures only.

Fishing Access: Exploring the Dolores River

Upper Dolores – Best Access Points

  1. Between Rico and Dolores along Hwy 145 – roadside pull-offs, dispersed campsites, and trailheads.

  2. Dolores River Campground area – great for walk-in access and multi-day trips.

  3. Near Dunton Road turnoff – less traffic, more solitude.

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Lower Dolores – Best Access Points

  1. Bradfield Bridge area – one of the most accessible tailwater stretches.

  2. Slick Rock and Big Gypsum Valley – remote, rugged, but rewarding.

  3. Below McPhee Dam – access can be tough but holds big fish when flows are favorable.

Rainbow trout in a landing net, freshly caught on the Dolores River, showing colorful bands and speckled back.

The Dolores River offers an incredible contrast — technical trophy fishing in the desert canyonlands below McPhee, and classic freestone action in alpine meadows upstream of Dolores. Whether you're looking for a quiet summer day on dries or hunting big browns with streamers, the Dolores has something to offer. Just check the flows before you go, bring a mix of patterns, and treat this beautiful watershed with care.

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