Colorado
Williams Fork below Williams Fork Reservoir
Location Snapshot
Williams Fork below Williams Fork Reservoir is a compact Colorado tailwater flowing from Williams Fork Reservoir toward the Colorado River. Brown and rainbow trout are the principal targets in this regulated coldwater reach.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dusk low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 70.3 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.33 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 5:45 PM
Live monitoring update is delayed. Showing the latest available reading. · USGS station 09038500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
56°F
Feels like
51°F
Wind
6 mph W
Wind gust
10 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 12:30 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 57°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 1 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 5 AM
Partly cloudy
Temp 38°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 9 AM
Overcast
Temp 43°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Mostly clear
High 60°F / Low 32°F
Chance 22%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Drizzle
High 64°F / Low 38°F
Chance 8%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 17 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 53°F / Low 43°F
Chance 50%
Precip 0.11 in
Max gust 6 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 62°F / Low 40°F
Chance 40%
Precip 0.01 in
Max gust 25 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Williams Fork below Williams Fork Reservoir.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Williams Fork.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Grand, Colorado
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Grand
Management Category
Special-regulated tailwater
Regulation Scope
Williams Fork tailwater from dam to Colorado River confluence.
Regulation Summary
Williams Fork Dam to Colorado River: flies and lures only; catch-and-release trout.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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