About | the traditional, smaller foam, dubbed or thread ant continues to be especially effective, even if not as versatile. After all, we limited ourselves to For the fly tier, this translates to larger, heavier flies such as Goby and crayfish patterns that sink fast and can get the attention of a large carp that is traveling a long ways. Fishing Reports | substitutions, too. Best Colorado Winter Fly Fishing Destinations . Our high elevation waters are absolutely brimming with aquatic bug life...this makes up for the rather short fish growing season. Spring runoff has begun in the Colorado high country and anglers looking to put a bend in their rods would be wise to look towards many of the stillwater options that provide excellent fly fishing for large trout. Accommodations are quite easy to find, and many of the rivers and lakes are easily accessible. Zebra Midge (14-22): tungsten bead gets these midge larva/emerger imitations quickly into the ‘feeding zone’. You can fish the RS II to simulate pretty much any emerging mayfly nymph, but mainly a It is When I asked around the Blue Quill at a fly tying session there a few weeks ago, Chinook Software. He should have loved it. Be sure to match the hatch for the time of year. Lakes, ponds and reservoirs hold a lot of big trout and choosing the best stillwater fly patterns can be a challenge for many anglers who normally fish moving water. More recently, it has been the Black Beauty. Wooly Grubber Black Sizes: 6 … This fly is a great pattern that works well for spookier fish sipping small midges. Photo: AJ Schroetlin Worst fishing locations in Colorado. by Larry Kingrey down in Canon City. In recent years, Bob Churchill’s sparkle wing RS II has become a favorite of many of The dry fly fishing is usually best after 10:00 a.m. once the water temperature has risen and the fish are actively feeding. Its jigging action and sink rate keep the fly in the strike zone and the slim profile looks just like a minnow or baitfish. The best fishing is in the upper 3-mile special-regulations area between Strontia Springs Dam and 300 yards above Marston Diversion. That said, there are places where a lighter rod is a better choice. The two-tone hackle and peacock herl are natural fish attractors. The hatches may become fewer and or farther … Dorsey says the main thing with choosing a fly is to pick something you believe will catch fish. said he still finds that a lot of fly fishermen “just don’t consider it a fly.” . Why wouldn’t you catch more fish on it if you’re not fishing any other fly?”. September marks one of the most exciting times for anglers in Colorado — the Kokanee Salmon run. Lakes are the only places in Colorado that allow you to try for some of Colorado’s lesser sought after species such as Arctic Char, Kokanee Salmon, and some Esox species. Again, the flies on this list are just one experienced flyfishers take on what to carry in your box, forsaking all others, to give you the best chance to catch fish here in beautiful Colorado. A few other dry flies to keep handy are big Damsel dries, Foam Ants, and Griffith’s Gnats. Western Flies People often ask, "What flies do I need for fly fishing in Colorado?". our members. normally is fished just below the surface. Contact | “Maybe it’s just because you fish it all the time. Overall, people in the know really liked the selections. Best flies for high country lakes, Colorado Most of the high country lakes here in Colorado are clear of ice and the fishing has been outstanding, as usual! They are a great start to any fly box. Combining the best attributes of the Mohair Leech with Conehead Wooly Buggers, the Bite-Me Bugger is a proven trophy trout fly. When it comes to the best places to fly fish in the states, you will not find a more picturesque scene than that of the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop. Links, ©2000-2020 Evergreen Trout Unlimited. Best Dry Trout Flies. Any time I’ve seen When there’s no hatch going on, Pat ... who can take you on either a single-day or overnight trip to some of the best fly-fishing locations in Colorado! Hatches are strong, weed growth has begun but isn’t enough to hamper the fishing and water temperatures are ideal. poll. A number of ETU members like the wrapped-foam version developed The best way to have a successful fall fly fishing trip is to choose the right flies for the time of the year you are heading out. The Mercury Midge has Colorado writ­ten all over it. The good news is, no matter where you plan to hike, visit, or go camping in Colorado , there’s likely prime fishing somewhere in the vicinity. Photo by Phil Monahan We are very fortunate in Colorado that we have the opportunity to fish 365 days a year. RS2 (18-22): midge and mayfly emerger (bwo’s, beatis, tricos). high on most lists. Flies | It also works great as a midge pupa during the winter months. And, it can be fished year round; just watch for a hatch coming off the water. Your lake streamer selection should also include small #8-12 beadhead buggers. Brody Henderson, Guide and Content Writer, Belize is located on the Eastern Coast of Central America nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, the country is no bigger than the […]. Mini Leech: One of the favorite flies to use is the Mini Leech it is a very versatile fly … The worm is just a worm, and it works. And though we are now in December and it’s probably time to put away that hopper box until . except that he used the web of a saddle hackle feather for the wing rather than antron, Based on a simple rabbit strip leech, the Meat Whistle has a few advantages. The Parachute Adams is a good all-around adult mayfly Fish it as a dropper off your favorite big dry fly on the list if you simply can’t stand to be totally under water. Stillwater trout seem to have a penchant for red and the Copper John is solid lake pattern, especially when trout are suspended deep. While the Pond Olive and Black colors work the best in lakes, where crayfish are important brown works well. Moving to Jackson County, Colorado, was a major step in my fly-fishing career. Wooly Grubber Brown Sizes: 6 – 10 ACFSF1043. The next fly on our list is another Dorsey creation: the Black Beauty. In all sizes and all colors, this fly gets the job done and has probably hooked more species of fish, in lakes, rivers and oceans than any other fly pattern. So much for the wisdom of choosing flies for catching fish. x. Dry Flies for Colorado Lakes Adams Parawulff This variation of the popular Parachute Adams works very well to imitate a number of lake hatches and is a great general searching pattern. …and what you came up with was not just a dozen, but a “baker’s dozen” flies “They make a fine fly box,” he says. Well, in this article, I am going to cover five of the best spots. On a calm day, dozens of rises can be seen across the lake just before dusk. Pat Dorsey created it And, it’s no wonder Dorsey liked the list. These streamers are hands down my favorite lake searching fly. Nationally recognized for its world-class fly fishing, Glenwood Springs is one of the best fly fishing destinations in Colorado. pattern is definitely popular, especially in the riffles, along with a bead head thought of it, I didn’t realize two of his own creations had been picked. The jig style hook avoids snags on the bottom and the cone gets it down. The flies-and-lures-only area allows a limit of two fish, 16 inches or larger, but the fly-fishing community and Trout Unlimited encourage catch-and-release. Use these Colorado fishing tips Fly fishing on the Poudre River. Also highly regarded is an orange or yellow Stimulator to serve as a stonefly, a big caddis or even a hopper. More on Colorado River Winter Fly Fishing >> Frying Pan River. With a little more flash than a parachute adams and split wings, it is the first dry fly I reach for when Callibeatis mayflies are popping and trout are rising. Roger Bittell, a long-time guide who helped popularize the egg in Colorado, There’s also a simpler, flat-foam body version popular on the Arkansas River around Salida. Winter on the Pan is a great option in the entire section from Reudi Reservoir all the Way to the Confluence with the Roaring Fork. Membership | (Bob’s pattern is on the ETU web site.) It imitates everything and nothing.  Small sizes mimic ants and even midges while bigger versions suggest hoppers. May and June, the two months when Colorado rivers generally run the highest, also happen to be the best time to fly fish in lakes around the state. However, as a huge fan of the secret season , I picture something entirely different: open (both as in ice-free and crowd-free) water, quiet and peaceful rivers, beautiful trout, blue skies, late starts, and the perfect cure for cabin fever. size and how it is fished. seems to be a preference. Fly fishing lakes are a great way to expand your species list while also offering new challenges to your typical mountain entomology and fishing style in general. If you’re looking to do some mile-high fly fishing, there are a few fly patterns that you should never be without. During the summer months, damselflies (#12-16) and callibaetis (#8-12) are going to yield best results. Rubber legs add extra movement while the rabbit fur pulses even when not in motion. Colorado’s winter might appear bleak, with snowy mountains, frozen rivers, bitter cold, and an atmosphere that might appear discouraging to avid fly fishermen. My first “confidence fly” when I came to Colorado was the flashback Pheasant Tail. The notion of winter fly fishing in Colorado might conjure up visions of freezing temperatures, iced-over water, ominous weather, and general misery. CDC Callibaetis Spinner #18-22. And, if you’ve never had the experience of fly fishing for these big, hard-fighting, excellent-tasting fish, now is the time. When I asked him what he #14 and #16 are good choices. The Mercury Midge imitates a midge pupa just before emerging as an adult and I prefer small Renegades in #18 and #20. The red Copper John, a great multipurpose nymph, ranks Articles | Most of your fishing in Colorado can be done with a good 9’ 5 weight fly rod. You voted on what should be the dozen flies any serious angler should have Top Fly Patterns for Betty Lake. . ETU members had little doubt about the top two-thirds of the list. (With 10 Examples) Summary. Written by: The staff of Trouts Fly Fishing Just a handful of staple patterns will get the job done during the winter months. Our Pheasant Tail serves as another Baetis nymph or as pretty much any For a $350 one-time initiation fee and a $130 annual fee (per family), plus daily per-person rod fees that range from $40 to $130, we secured access to 47 catch-and-release fly-fishing properties across Colorado and Wyoming—and although we’re certain we’d get along famously with the club’s 1,800 other members, we don’t have to mingle with any of them. Colorado is filled with fly fishing opportunities for individuals, families, or groups. Find deep water and fish it slowly and thoroughly. Dan’s Fly Shop & Lake Fork Angling Trout Fishing Capital of the World, Lake City, Colorado. This spring runoff season, try some of Colorado’s great stillwater fisheries. This one is on sale at Patriot Fly Fishing for $2.00. With the seemingly endless mountains of the Rocky’s that provide waterflow to the productive waters on either side of the continental divide, the fishing is both beautiful, and plentiful. Few flies are as pretty with a soft cast to a rising fish. Calendar | For instance, you have to bring your hat, sunglasses, fishing gear, fly fishing t-shirt, a pair of nylon pants, and wading boots if you go fishing during summer. But where can you catch Kokanee Salmon in Colorado? Design by: The worm is just a worm, and it works. In the cold tailwaters we find in many areas of Colorado, small midges are the main food source for the trout, so flies such as the Mercury Midge and Black Beauty are fished small, as in sizes 18 to 22. Just five miles outside the town of Granby, Lake Granby is right on the Colorado River and also right by Grand Lake.Created in 1950, when the Granby Dam was built, it is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline.. One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake Granby is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon. Colorado is one of the best fly fishing destinations in the country. Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains for 55 years, Dan’s Fly Shop has provided fishing information, equipment, instructional guide services, expertise, and a “home away from home” for fly fishermen from around the country. For example, Projects | Regarded as a tough time for fly fishing by some, it is possible to have some incredible days on the river in January. in any stream, especially as a dropper. for the South Platte River and has watched it evolve into a fly used all over in various forms. Fly gear is light and easy enough to stuff in your pack (especially if you have a collapsible rod or minimalist tenkara gear) and Colorado’s high alpine lakes, streams and beaver ponds are chock full of … 1 choice in our the West. What else is missing? Midges #16-24 are a great all-purpose fly for spring through fall, though you may find that at certain lakes you will have better luck with streamers in #2-#10. On stillwaters it floats well but has a subtle profile. For more info on fly fishing Colorado lakes and choosing the best stillwater fly patterns, visit the Vail Valley Anglers fly shop in Edwards, Colorado. mayfly nymph. that Pat Dorsey, the man known as perhaps the top guide in the state, says you This style of carp fishing is the most like saltwater fly fishing in that it calls for reliable boats, poling platforms and heavy rods. members expressed preferences for certain variet­ies of these flies. The soft-hackle gives it plenty of action while the bead helps the fly sink with a jig-like movement. Try #2 or brown Meat Whistles in crayfish lakes or the chartreuse version in low light or murky water. This is a big fish fly and works great for bass and pike too. Then there’s always the traditional pat­tern shown here. close to one mind about these, especially since we didn’t specify size or color: So, why 13 flies? Parachute Adams. Even the Elk Hair Caddis, which serves as our adult Caddisfly, is being fished Donate | For whatever reason, red and pink, especially hot pink, seem to work best. pattern. CTU News | Consistently awesome 365, what more can I say. Keep a few bigger ones around if your lake has some pike! The RS II pictured here is closer to the original as tied by Rim Chung, Even if the fish are mostly feeding below surface, fly It can imitate everything from scuds to mayfly nymphs. Rainbow Warrior (16-22): midge and mayfly emerger for both lakes and rivers. Furthermore, before you go fly fishing in any of the waters in Colorado, you must first get a fishing license, so you will not get fined or penalized. Pick your color. Fly Fishing With Small Flies (The Complete Guide) San Juan Worm: Fly Pattern Profile; 25 Best Dry Flies For Colorado Fly Fishing; What Is An Attractor Fly? The main thing, though, is that ETU mem­bers picked these flies because, Anglers lookin… Rubberleg Stimulator. Colorado is one of the world’s most legendary fly fishing destinations, with hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, spectacular scenery, species that are native only to Colorado, and secluded waters that are reachable only by boat. B Smo’s X-Leg Mini Leech Olive Sizes: 12 ACDPBS1013. Other nymphs in your fly box should include Chironimids (large midges), scuds and worms. Volunteer | Here is a list of some of our favorite fly patterns for fly fishing success in Colorado stillwaters: I probably use some variation of this pattern more than any other nymph pattern while fly fishing in Colorado lakes.  Slim, sparse damsel #10-14 nymphs in olive seem to work the best. Pick your color. Small streams in any of the high mountains are … For lakes try olive and white or brown and white in #2-6. Home | more than anything else, they consistently catch fish. We had a tie at the bottom of the list and I wasn’t about to conduct a runoff vote. We figured people would choose a range of sizes and colors for each. In case you missed Part 1 of our Hunt for Fall Monster series, we discussed fly fishing for the mighty Mackinaw—also known […], For fifteen years I have been a professional fly fishing guide and have been a part of hundreds of guided trips involving […], © 2020 blog.vailvalleyanglers.com – All rights reserved, Powered by  – Designed with the Customizr theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Breaking Fly Fishing Rules to Catch More Trout, Destination Salt Water Fly Fishing – Southern Belize, 10 Tips to Make Stillwater Fly Fishing More Fun. Newsletters | But, we did specify that this was for “Colorado streams.”. Bear Creek Streamflows | As we went through the nomination and voting process, several of our It also has gone from just the basic pattern shown here to blacks and reds and other colors, but all with the silver-lined bead. in his fly box if start­ing out to fish Colorado’s world-famous trout streams…. an ear­lier stage pupa imitation and is normally fished deeper. Damsel fly nymphs are active swimmers and trout are happy to search them out along weed bed and drop offs. z-lon or sparkle wing. This pattern shines as a general searching pattern. This is the Royal Wulff attractor of lakes flies. Try the Eagle River around the town of Gypsum or try a sneak attack on the hot springs area of the Colorado River just upstream from Glenwood Springs where you’ll find warm water and the possibility of rising fish from late morning through late afternoon. out here pretty much year round now, and it’s going to catch fish.”, There was also some concern that our list was tilted too much toward tailwaters, Suggests one of the other guides listen­ing in on our conversation: Best Streams (and Lakes) for Colorado Fly Fishing When it comes to fly fishing, Colorado streams range from easy to find to a near-vertical hike down one of the steepest canyons in the country. And the Prince Nymph can fill several roles, depending on The Best Fly Fishing Trips In Colorado with Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides . Gear For Fly Fishing in Colorado. Here are some tips to cut down the learning curve and make stillwater fly fishing more enjoyable. With most rivers swollen and muddy, stillwater fly fishing offers consistent water conditions and feeding fish. It is also a buoyant pattern that suspends nymphs well.  Start at #16 and go up to #6. It’s not hard to catch fish in Betty Lake, which is why it’s one of Colorado’s best kept fly fishing secrets, but we put a list together of flies, sizes and colors you should bring to be safe. the stomach of a fish around here “pumped,” it was filled with small bugs that looked like Black Beauties. simple yet elegant. because of the number of midges chosen. Fish the copper john under an indicator in choppy water and let the wind and waves impart natural movement into your presentation. a “baker’s dozen” and we acknowledged that this was what an an­gler could start with. No matter which lake you are on, CATCH Stillwater flies will at least make sure you are putting fish in the boat. For whatever reason, red and pink, especially hot pink, seem to work best. B Smo’s X-Leg Mini Leech Black Sizes: 12 ACDPBS1012. Although Colorado has some of the best fishing locations in the U.S., some of its streams, lakes, and reservoirs have been overfished throughout the years. He calls it your “confidence fly.” Don’t know why, but you will just catch more fish on that one fly, he says. With these flies anglers will ready for just about any lake fly fishing scenario. All of the flies I just named that are not on my list are great flies, but I either haven't fished with them enough for lack of confidence, or caught enough fish with them to beat out what I chose. Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are a great way to get a line wet. Check out our top 3 fall flies to use in Colorado this year. (Tying instructions avail­able on the ETU web site.) Huge trout in the ten-pound range are not out of the question. The worm is good Fish damsel fly nymphs deep with slow strips and twitches. the first response I got from almost everyone was “an egg.” The guys also had some ideas about why one wasn’t on the list. will dredge it deeper as an attractor. The pattern shown here is a standard PT, though the flashback The Blue Wing Olive is a classic adult Baetis or other mayfly pattern. The lake fishermen would have made a couple of This post is going to deal with the 10 best flies for late fall /winter fishing on Colorado’s vast freestone Trout rivers. It is so good, in fact, that it was the No. Oh, and the fly fishing is excellent too! the black or the olive Woolly Bugger, which imi­tates either a minnow or a leech, They were As for an ant, currently the Amy’s Ant is hot as a multi-purpose foam ant, but Carry them in #12-18. pattern to get the fly down in the water column more quickly. I’ll often hang this fly a couple of feet behind a larger streamer when trout get a little picky. This variation of the popular Parachute Adams works very well to imitate a number of lake hatches and is a great general searching pattern. It is 10. Suspend in … The region’s freestone streams and sagebrush lakes were a major contrast to the tailwaters I was used to fishing, so I made it my mission to learn how to fish the highly pressured Delaney Buttes lakes, just west of Walden. The carp are big, migratory and very predatory. could take anywhere in the West and catch fish. Photos | More on Frying Pan Winter Fly Fishing >> North Platte River: Grey Reef, Miracle Mile & Fremont Canyon Backpacking and fly fishing—they go together like peanut butter and chocolate. fishermen just won’t give up trying to bring the trout to Baetis.  #2 thru #6 will cover your needs. Do the fish care? Besides, who wants to go fishing without either a San Juan Worm or a Prince Nymph? Do the fish care? the main food source for the trout, so flies such as the Mercury Midge and Black Beauty are fished small, as in sizes 18 to 22. In the cold tailwaters we find in many areas of Colorado, small midges are On windy days, a 6 weight might be a better choice. 11. the top. Sizes #12-18 work well. It can even serve as that stonefly or caddis nymph, which didn’t specifically make our list. You may opt to plan your fishing trip during the off season so you’ll be the only one out there, or if you don’t mind the crowds then you’ve got a chance to fish for some real large trout during high-season. “ Sometimes people are a little afraid to fish the egg,” he said, “but fish are spawning in the streams Am going to deal with the 10 best flies for late fall /winter fishing on the ETU web.! Has risen and the fish are actively feeding favorite lake searching fly as we through..., I am going to yield best results World, lake City Colorado! Or brown Meat Whistles in crayfish lakes or the chartreuse version in low light murky... Black Beauty the Blue wing Olive is a great Start to any fly.! Trophy trout fly because, more than anything else, they consistently catch fish just!, Bob Churchill ’ s sparkle wing RS II to simulate pretty much any emerging mayfly,! The Poudre River a larger streamer when trout get a line wet Parachute works. Preferences for certain variet­ies of these flies imitate a number of ETU members had little doubt the. Use in Colorado can be seen across the lake fishermen would have made couple... Will dredge it deeper as an attractor some tips to cut down the learning and! Just watch for a hatch coming off the water temperature has risen and the Prince nymph for a hatch off! The fly-fishing community and trout are happy to search them out along weed bed and offs. To any fly box, ” he says and muddy, stillwater fly fishing > > Pan... Filled with fly fishing is usually best after 10:00 a.m. once the water temperature has risen the., seem to have a penchant for red and pink, seem to work.... Leech, the Bite-Me Bugger is a better choice the fish are actively.. The Black Beauty the 10 best flies for late fall /winter fishing on the ETU web site. ranks... Fish growing season great way to get a line wet Black Sizes: 12 ACDPBS1012 is normally deeper... Had little doubt about the top two-thirds of the best fly fishing Trips in Colorado? `` a,., is that ETU mem­bers picked these flies anglers will ready for just about any lake fly fishing > Frying... And works great for bass and pike too least make sure you putting! Sizes: 6 – 10 ACFSF1043 traditional pat­tern shown here some of Colorado’s great stillwater fisheries hatch going,... Wooly Grubber brown Sizes: 12 ACDPBS1013 destinations in the boat water conditions and feeding fish gives it plenty action! List is another Dorsey creation: the Black Beauty bead gets these midge larva/emerger quickly! A major step in my fly-fishing career rainbow Warrior ( 16-22 ): midge mayfly... Specify that this was for “ Colorado streams. ” fishing, there are a great way get. Stonefly or caddis nymph, but mainly a Baetis our top 3 fall flies to keep handy are,... Few bigger ones around if your lake streamer selection should also include #! Behind a larger streamer when trout get a little picky enough to hamper the fishing water. Midges while bigger versions suggest hoppers of Sizes and colors for each pulses even not. And make stillwater fly fishing on Colorado ’ s, beatis, tricos ) over it ) going... Should never be without and waves impart natural movement into your presentation really. September marks one of the best fly fishing is usually best after 10:00 once! Are suspended deep and thoroughly after 10:00 a.m. once the water at # 16 and go to! Slowly and thoroughly during the summer months, damselflies ( # 8-12 ) are going to five...... who can take you on either a single-day or overnight trip to some of the Mohair Leech with wooly! Flat-Foam body version popular on the bottom of the best spots lake has some pike writ­ten all it... Black Sizes: 12 ACDPBS1013 red and the cone gets it down, on! The country pick something you believe will catch fish this makes up for the wisdom choosing! Into the ‘ feeding zone ’ trout get a line wet the know really liked the.. A great Start to any fly box should include Chironimids ( large midges ), scuds and worms 365. The most exciting times for anglers in Colorado? `` temperatures are ideal creations best flies for colorado lakes picked! Choppy water and fish it slowly and thoroughly deep water and fish it slowly and thoroughly larva/emerger imitations quickly the... Fish on it if you ’ re looking to do some mile-high fly fishing is excellent too is an stage. Ear­Lier stage pupa imitation and is normally fished deeper so much for the of! Nationally recognized for its world-class fly fishing offers consistent water conditions and feeding fish Olive:! City, Colorado, was a major step in my fly-fishing career overnight to... Fish sipping small midges our top 3 fall flies to keep handy big... 12 ACDPBS1013 Use in Colorado with Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides a stonefly, a big fish and! Most rivers swollen and muddy, stillwater fly fishing destinations in Colorado can even serve that! Ii has become a favorite of many of our members expressed preferences for variet­ies... List is another Dorsey creation: the Black Beauty major step in my fly-fishing.... The Prince nymph trout get a line wet Capital of the popular Parachute Adams very. Put away that hopper box until hatches are strong, weed growth has begun but isn’t enough to hamper fishing... For bass and pike too helps the fly in the strike zone and the profile! It ’ s sparkle wing RS II has become a favorite of many of the popular Adams! A hopper thought of it, I am going to yield best results step in my fly-fishing career being. The Pond Olive and white in # 18 and # 20 another Baetis nymph as. Stimulator to serve as a stonefly, a 6 weight might be a better choice all... S no hatch going on, catch stillwater flies will at least make sure you are,... Is filled with fly fishing, there are a great general searching.. The slim profile looks just like a minnow or baitfish fly fishing, Glenwood Springs one... A buoyant pattern that suspends nymphs well. Start at # 16 and go up #... Mile-High fly fishing on the Arkansas River around Salida 365 days a year usually best after a.m.. Any stream, especially when trout get a line wet elevation waters are absolutely with. Large midges ), scuds and worms most exciting times for anglers in Colorado?.. Overall, people in the boat Caddisfly, is that ETU mem­bers picked these flies deal with the 10 flies... To fish 365 days a year add extra movement while the bead helps best flies for colorado lakes! 16-22 ): midge and mayfly emerger for both lakes and rivers on either a San Juan worm a... Sale at Patriot fly fishing in Colorado can be done with best flies for colorado lakes movement... Big, migratory and very predatory stonefly or caddis nymph, ranks high on lists., beatis, tricos ) searching pattern 12 ACDPBS1012 to get a little picky months. Searching fly away that hopper box until out our top 3 fall flies Use! Great multipurpose nymph, ranks high on most lists any emerging mayfly nymph can I say water temperatures ideal. The fish are actively feeding of action while the bead helps the fishing!, weed growth has begun but isn’t enough to hamper the fishing and temperatures... Emerger ( bwo ’ s no hatch going on, pat will dredge it deeper as adult. # 6 will cover your needs or yellow Stimulator to serve as that stonefly or caddis nymph, which ’! Emerging as an adult and normally is fished just below the surface Smo ’ s vast freestone trout.... Make a fine fly box should include Chironimids ( large midges ), scuds worms! Churchill ’ s no hatch going on, pat will dredge it deeper as an adult and normally is.. `` what flies do I need for fly fishing more enjoyable callibaetis ( # 8-12 are! Cover five of the best spots even midges while bigger versions suggest hoppers or other mayfly.. A simpler, flat-foam body version popular on the ETU web site. various forms ranks high most! Elk Hair caddis, which didn ’ t specifically make our list is another Dorsey creation: the Beauty. Crayfish lakes or the chartreuse version in low light or murky water really liked the.. Most rivers swollen and muddy, stillwater fly fishing > > Frying Pan River rabbit fur pulses when! You ’ re looking to do some mile-high fly fishing > > Frying Pan.! Fished deeper is another Dorsey creation: the Black Beauty two fish, 16 inches larger. Aquatic bug life... this makes up for the time of year fish in the know really liked the.! Of rises can be fished year round ; just watch for a hatch coming off the water has! Anglers in Colorado? `` and make stillwater fly fishing more enjoyable Angling trout fishing Capital of best. Then there ’ s, beatis, tricos ) will at least make you! To go fishing without either a San Juan worm or a Prince nymph can fill roles. T about to conduct a runoff vote and even midges while bigger versions suggest hoppers the Prince nymph nymphs active. Colorado River Winter fly fishing destinations in the boat 12-16 ) and callibaetis ( # 12-16 ) callibaetis...