Best Colorado Fly Fishing Spots Right Now — Updated April 29, 2025

Today’s fishing window is shaping up beautifully — think perfect spring flows, sunny mornings, and a BWO and caddis throwdown in the afternoon. If you were waiting for a sign to ditch work and hit the river, this is it.

Flows stayed stable overnight, the sun’s cranking things up, and hungry trout are getting downright reckless by noon on the right stretches. Here's where you want to be (and what flies you better have tied on).

Best Colorado Fly Fishing Spots Today

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Arkansas River — Near Salida

The Arkansas near Salida is strutting into spring mode with flows holding steady and the first caddis rafts making trout look foolish. It’s about to get silly down here.

Flow: ~425cfs
Water Clarity: Clear to lightly stained
Why Fish It: Caddis are starting to hatch stronger. Deep nymphing early, dry-dropper rigs midafternoon.

Hot Flies for the Arkansas Today:

• Elk Hair Caddis #16
• Jig Pheasant Tail Nymph #16
• Soft Hackle Caddis Emerger #16

South Platte River — Deckers Section

Deckers is putting on a technical clinic — clear, steady flows and bugs you can set your watch by. BWOs are still the star, but fish are getting snappy on emergers late morning.

Flow: 295cfs
Water Clarity: Gin clear
Why Fish It: BWOs mid-morning through afternoon. Midges still key early.

Hot Flies for Deckers Today:

• Sparkle Dun (BWO) #20
• Top Secret Midge #20
• RS2 Emerger (Gray) #20

Gunnison River — Above Blue Mesa

The Gunnison is your heavyweight champion today — stable, green water and trout looking up. BWOs own the midday hours, but don’t be shy about chucking a streamer into shady undercuts.

Flow: 500cfs
Water Clarity: Green-tinted gold
Why Fish It: BWO hatch late morning, streamer windows expanding.

Hot Flies for the Gunnison Today:

• Parachute Adams #18
• Juju Baetis #18
• Thin Mint Streamer #8

Best Fly Fishing Near Denver Today

Clear Creek — West of Golden

Clear Creek continues its hot streak — running clear and just rowdy enough to keep things interesting. Perfect for lunch breaks or quick after-work missions.

Flow: 115cfs
Water Clarity: Clear
Why Fish It: Nymphing strong all morning, dries possible after 1PM with the sun boost.

Hot Flies for Clear Creek Today:

• Adams Parachute #18
• Zebra Midge #20
• Pheasant Tail Flashback #18

Bear Creek — Morrison Area

Bear Creek is sneaky good right now. Flows are stable, and that afternoon sun will have fish sliding out from the shadows to sip emergers in skinny water.

Flow: 33cfs
Water Clarity: Clear
Why Fish It: Great for stalking small water wild browns with light rigs.

Hot Flies for Bear Creek Today:

• CDC Midge #22
• Micro Mayfly #20
• Stimulator (Yellow) #16

Spring Fly Fishing Trends This Week (April 29 Update)

• Caddis hatch gaining momentum on the Arkansas
• BWO action peaking at Deckers and Gunnison late morning
• Midges still clutch early mornings across the Front Range

Pro Tip:
Today’s sun will push hatch windows earlier — expect best dry fly action between 10AM–2PM. After that, fish may go deep again.

FAQ: Best Fly Fishing in Colorado Right Now

Q: Where’s the best shot for a dry fly eat today?
A: Deckers from 10AM–2PM is looking primetime for BWOs.

Q: Should I bring streamers?
A: Yes, especially on the Gunnison and lower Arkansas if the sun gets shaded or cloudy.

Q: What’s the best quick-hit option near Denver?
A: Clear Creek — fast action, close drive, and fishing strong before runoff ramps up.

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