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If you're searching for the best Colorado fly fishing today, you’re not alone. Spring is here, the rivers are waking up, and anglers across the state are itching to cast a line. Whether you’re escaping Denver for a day or planning a weekend on the water, knowing where to fish right now makes all the difference.
We’ve rounded up the best rivers to fly fish in Colorado this week, factoring in current flows, hatches, and accessibility. Here’s where you should go—updated for May 2025.
Top 3 Rivers for Fly Fishing in Colorado Today
1. South Platte River – Deckers
- Flow: 340 CFS (clear and steady)
- Water Temp: 48°F
- Why It’s Hot Today: The Deckers stretch is fishing great thanks to consistent flows and active midges and BWOs. Expect rising trout mid-morning and solid nymphing throughout the day.
- Best Flies: RS2 (#20-22), black zebra midge (#20), blue-winged olive dry (#20)
Tip: Target slower seams and tailouts with tiny midges early, then switch to emergers as the hatch picks up.
2. Arkansas River – Buena Vista to Salida
- Flow: 610 CFS (slightly stained)
- Water Temp: 47°F
- Why It’s Hot Today: The famed Mother’s Day caddis hatch is starting to pop below Buena Vista, moving upstream each day. Great streamer action in the mornings, switching to dry-dropper by midday.
- Best Flies: elk hair caddis (#16), olive woolly bugger (#8), prince nymph (#14)
Tip: Fish the edges early with streamers, then move toward riffles and pockets as the hatch intensifies.
3. Blue River – Below Dillon Dam
- Flow: 140 CFS (gin-clear tailwater)
- Water Temp: 42°F
- Why It’s Hot Today: Low, clear water is keeping trout spooky but hungry for mysis shrimp drifting from the reservoir. Sight-fishing is excellent with light tippet and small bugs.
- Best Flies: mysis shrimp (#18), WD-40 (#20), black RS2 (#20)
Tip: Stay stealthy—use long leaders and light fluorocarbon tippet. Focus on slow-moving runs and deep pools.
Fly Fishing Conditions in Colorado – May 2025 Update
Runoff season is starting to impact freestones across the state, but many tailwaters and mid-elevation rivers are holding strong. Expect:
- Rising flows on the Colorado and Roaring Fork below feeder creeks
- Lower elevation rivers warming to the mid-40s and triggering caddis activity
- Tailwaters like the South Platte, Fryingpan, and Blue River staying clear and fishable
This is the time to chase hatches at mid-elevation rivers while they stay under control and focus on tailwaters when clarity elsewhere drops.
Quick Picks for Best Fly Fishing in Colorado This Weekend
- Best Tailwater: South Platte at Deckers
- Best Freestone: Arkansas River between BV and Salida
- Best Small Stream: Bear Creek (flowing clear at 18 CFS)
FAQ: Fly Fishing Colorado Right Now
When is the best time to fly fish in Colorado?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are peak times, but tailwaters fish well year-round.
Where is the best fly fishing in Colorado today?
Today’s best bets are Deckers on the South Platte, the Arkansas near Salida for caddis, and the Blue below Dillon Dam for consistent tailwater action.
What rivers fish best during runoff in Colorado?
Focus on tailwaters (South Platte, Fryingpan, Blue) or high-mountain streams fed by springs. Avoid freestones after major rain or melt events.
