Best Colorado Fly Fishing Spots Right Now — Updated April 28, 2025

If you're looking for the best fly fishing in Colorado today, you're in the right place — and trust us, the rivers are calling louder than a first-cast rainbow.

Flows are finally shaping up, water clarity is improving, and a few early-season hatches are already popping. Whether you're chasing trout near Denver or heading into the mountains, here’s exactly where you want to be today.

Best Overall Colorado Fly Fishing Spots Today - 4/28/2025

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Arkansas River — Near Salida

The Arkansas near Salida is like your buddy who always shows up on time, brings good beer, and hooks fish all day. Spring caddis are starting to stir, and flows are juuuust right for some of the best action of the year.

• Flow: ~400-500cfs near Salida
• Water Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
• Why Fish It: Caddis are starting. Nymphing deep or swinging soft hackles is deadly. Afternoon dry fly windows are opening.

Hot Flies for the Arkansas Today:

• Elk Hair Caddis #16
• Jigged Pheasant Tail Nymph #16
• Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear #16
  
  

South Platte River — Deckers Section

Deckers is the sly old trout magician of Colorado — clear water, picky fish, but if you get it right, the rewards are unreal. Right now, midges and BWOs are lighting it up.

Flow: 300cfs
Water Clarity: Very clear
Why Fish It: Perfect flows for stealth. Midges and BWOs hatching thick. Great for sight fishing.

Hot Flies for Deckers Today:

• Griffith's Gnat #22
• Top Secret Midge #20
• RS2 Emerger #20

Gunnison River — Above Blue Mesa

The Gunnison below Almont doesn’t whisper — it roars (in a good way). Big fish, big flows, and when BWOs pop here, you can have the kind of day that turns into a lifelong memory.

Flow: 450-550cfs
Water Clarity: Green tint — prime
Why Fish It: Baetis (BWOs) are going off midday. Dry-dropper rigs are lethal.

Hot Flies for the Gunnison Today:

• Parachute Adams #18
• Juju Baetis #18
• Slumpbuster Streamer (Olive) #8

Best Fly Fishing Near Denver Today

Clear Creek — West of Golden

Clear Creek is Denver’s scrappy backyard brawler — easy to access, hard-fighting fish, and just enough challenge to keep it spicy. Right now it’s running clear and cool.

Flow: 120cfs
Water Clarity: Clear
Why Fish It: Active browns, small water technical shots. BWOs and midges are the name of the game.

Hot Flies for Clear Creek Today:

• Adams Parachute #20
• Rainbow Warrior #18
• Micro Mayfly Nymph #20

Bear Creek — Morrison Area

Bear Creek fishes like a cozy little coffee shop — tight, personal, and surprisingly full of character if you take your time. Right now, it’s clear and quietly fishing really well.

Flow: 35cfs
Water Clarity: Clear
Why Fish It: Great flows for tight-line nymphing and quick dry fly shots under willows.

Hot Flies for Bear Creek Today:

• CDC Midge #22
• Flashback Pheasant Tail #20
• Stimulator (yellow) #16 (if you feel like daring them)

Best Spring Fly Fishing Picks (April 28th Update)

• Caddis hatch starting lower Arkansas
• BWO madness at Deckers and Gunnison
• Early stoneflies possible on Clear Creek if temps keep rising

Pro tip: Warmer days = late afternoon dry fly bonanza. Cooler days = tight-line nymphing is your best friend.

FAQ: Best Fly Fishing in Colorado Right Now

Q: What's the hottest river today?
A: Deckers on the South Platte is 🔥 with midges and BWOs.

Q: Can I dry fly fish yet?
A: Yes! Especially in the afternoons on warmer rivers like Arkansas and Gunnison.

Q: What flies should I pack?
A: Top 3 today:

• Griffith’s Gnat #20
• Juju Baetis #18
• Micro Mayfly Nymph #18
  
  

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