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Looking for the best fly fishing in Colorado today? You’re in luck. Conditions are prime across several rivers, with clear flows, active hatches, and hungry trout. Whether you're hunting tailwater trophies or looking for nonstop action on freestone streams, here’s your updated fly fishing report for Colorado’s top rivers today.
Listen to the Podcast!
Top Rivers for Fly Fishing in Colorado Today
South Platte River (Dream Stream)
Flows have settled at 95 CFS below Spinney Reservoir, creating near-perfect conditions for sight fishing. Post-spawn rainbows and cruising browns are holding deep in slots and behind gravel bars.
Best flies today:
- Parachute BWO (#18–20)
- Tungsten Rainbow Warrior (#18)
- Egg Pattern (#14)
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Tip: Focus on mid-morning when the wind is light and the trout are most active. Avoid fishing to active spawners—target fish in the deeper runs and tailouts.
Arkansas River (near Salida)
Flows have bumped to 480 CFS with improving clarity after runoff pulses. The caddis hatch is starting to pop mid-valley, but BWOs are still dominating upstream near Browns Canyon.
Listen to the PodcastBest flies today:
- Elk Hair Caddis (#16)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18)
- RS2 (#20)
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Tip: Fish nymphs in the morning and swing soft hackles mid-afternoon as fish rise to emerging caddis. Expect increasing activity into the evening as water temps rise.
Blue River (below Dillon Reservoir)
Flows remain steady at 110 CFS with gin-clear water and selective trout. Sight fishing is technical but rewarding.
Best flies today:
- Mysis Shrimp (#18)
- Top Secret Midge (#24)
- Black Beauty (#22)
Tip: 6x fluorocarbon and perfect drifts are a must. Watch for midday midge clusters in slower water.
Hatches Happening Today
Here’s what’s hatching across Colorado’s rivers today:
| River | Hatches |
|---|---|
| South Platte | BWOs, midges |
| Arkansas River | BWOs, early caddis |
| Blue River | Midges, mysis shrimp |
Best Flies for Colorado Fly Fishing Today
Don’t leave home without these flies in your box today:
- Parachute BWO (#18–20)
- Tungsten Rainbow Warrior (#18)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#16)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18)
- Mysis Shrimp (#18)
- RS2 (#20)
- Top Secret Midge (#24)
📝 Pro Tips for Fly Fishing in Colorado Today
- Get on the water by 9 a.m. to beat the wind and crowds.
- Target soft seams and shallow riffles in the morning; move to deeper pools midday.
- Adjust nymph depth frequently as flows fluctuate.
- Consider a dry-dropper rig if fish are suspended in the water column.
- Bring long leaders (10–12 feet) for pressured tailwaters with clear water.
FAQs: Best Fly Fishing in Colorado Today
Where’s the best fly fishing near Denver today?
Deckers on the South Platte is fishing well with BWOs hatching mid-morning and flows around 125 CFS.
What’s the best fly for Colorado rivers today?
Parachute BWO (#18–20) is catching rising fish, while Pheasant Tail Nymphs are productive subsurface statewide.
Is runoff affecting fly fishing today?
Runoff is beginning but rivers like the Arkansas and Eagle are still fishable in the mornings. Tailwaters like the South Platte and Blue remain clear.
Final Recommendation: Where to Fish Today
If you’re after technical fishing and a chance at big trout, hit the Dream Stream or Deckers. If you want action and rising fish, the Arkansas River near Salida is heating up with early caddis. Prefer a challenge? The Blue River below Dillon offers sight fishing to trophy fish—but bring your A-game.
Wherever you fish today, pack light tippet, small flies, and plenty of patience. Spring fly fishing in Colorado is technical, but the rewards are worth it.
Tight lines, and let us know what you catch!
