Artificial Lure here—gather up your rods and thermos because it’s a perfect October morning along the Colorado River, Colorado. Sunrise hit at 7:20 a.m., and with sunset coming just after 6:15 p.m., we’ve got a generous window for chasing fish beneath cool, clear fall skies. Today’s temperatures are in that mid-70s to low-80s sweet spot, with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons—ideal for settling in at your favorite bend or launching the boat at first light.

River flows have settled after a bumpy run this year due to ongoing adjustments upstream at Lake Powell and Lake Mead, so check reports for sudden changes, but expect steady water along the main channel and tailwaters. There isn’t a true tidal swing here, but be aware—especially downstream from larger dams—that sudden releases or reductions can impact water levels and fish holding patterns.

Fish activity remains robust, with fall bringing a real mixed bag. According to recent angler chatter and local guides, the **striped bass** bite is reliable during the early morning and late afternoon, and they’re stacking up in the deeper pools below rocky drop-offs, especially near Willow Beach. **Largemouth and smallmouth bass** are holding tight to cover, looking for prey along weed edges and submerged boulders. Meanwhile, **rainbow trout**—thanks to regular stockings below Hoover Dam—are taking advantage of the cooler currents, rising eagerly for smaller presentations.

Folks have reported solid numbers of **stripers** and **catfish** below Davis Dam, with several limits of channel cats landed using nightcrawlers and cut bait after dusk. Trout anglers working the cold flows near the dam are finding action on 10- to 14-inch rainbows using gold or silver spinners and fat salmon eggs. The variety is typical for this transitional season, when migratory patterns and cooling water liven up the river.

**Best lures and bait for today:**
- For stripers: medium crankbaits and swimbaits in shad pattern, or go classic with cut anchovies and fresh shad if you can get them.
- For bass: soft plastic worms in green pumpkin or watermelon colors thrown along transition banks and weed lines.
- For trout: the bite’s hot on small silver spinners, gold Kastmasters, and PowerBait in yellow or chartreuse fished just off the bottom in slower eddies. Salmon eggs fished drift-style are also turning fish in stocked sections.
- For catfish: nightcrawlers and chicken liver, with a few reports of bite on cut mackerel.

Hot spots right now are **Willow Beach**—which offers both shore fishing and easy boat access amid gorgeous canyons—and the cold, productive tailwater stretch below Hoover Dam. The area near Topock Marsh is also producing decent numbers for those targeting largemouth and occasional big flathead catfish.

Water clarity is excellent most sections, though recent patchy rains can make for a siltier go if you catch a squall. Always check in with local shops for the latest clarity and flow numbers before heading out. Remember, with cooler overnight temps, most fish are most active midday, so plan accordingly.

That’s your October 22nd update from the Colorado River. Cast with confidence, adjust to those shifting flows, and remember: patience and a willingness to move between spots are your best allies this time of year.

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