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Looking for the best fly fishing in Colorado today? Whether you're chasing wild browns in a mountain creek or tailwater trophies on the South Platte, Colorado's rivers are offering prime spring conditions right now. We’ve got the top rivers, current conditions, and the flies that are putting fish in the net today.
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Top Rivers for Fly Fishing in Colorado Today
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1. South Platte River (Dream Stream)
The Dream Stream is running clear at 95 CFS with water temps between 44–48°F. Big post-spawn rainbows are still hanging in the deeper pools, feeding actively mid-morning before winds pick up.
✅ Best Flies Today:
- Tungsten Rainbow Warrior (#18)
- Egg Pattern (#14)
- Parachute BWO (#20)
Tip: Approach slow—these fish are spooky! Look for fish holding behind gravel bars or deep slots.
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2. Arkansas River (near Salida)
Flows have bumped up slightly near Salida to 450 CFS, with water clarity improving after recent runoff. Caddis are starting to show up, but Baetis (BWO) are still dominant mid-day.
✅ Best Flies Today:
- Elk Hair Caddis (#16)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#18)
- RS2 (#20)
Tip: Focus on riffles and soft edges as flows increase. Nymph in the morning, swing soft hackles in the afternoon.
3. Blue River (below Dillon Reservoir Near Silverthorne)
This tailwater is running steady at 110 CFS, with cold, clear water and picky trout. Mysis shrimp patterns are a must, along with tiny midges.
✅ Best Flies Today:
- Mysis Shrimp (#18)
- Black Beauty (#22)
- Top Secret Midge (#24)
Tip: Sight fishing is the game—bring a long leader and fluorocarbon tippet to fool these selective fish.
What’s Hatching in Colorado Today?
Across Colorado rivers, Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) are hatching mid-morning, with midges still key in tailwaters. Caddis are beginning to appear on lower elevation rivers like the Arkansas.
| River | Main Hatches Today |
|---|---|
| South Platte (Deckers/Dream) | BWOs, midges |
| Arkansas River | BWOs, early Caddis |
| Blue River | Midges, Mysis Shrimp |
Other Great Spots to Fly Fish in Colorado Right Now
- Eleven Mile Canyon – Flows around 70 CFS, great BWO hatch mid-day.
- Eagle River (below Wolcott) – Flows steady, improving clarity, BWO hatch picking up.
- Roaring Fork (near Glenwood Springs) – Higher flows but streamer bite turning on in soft water.
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Best Flies for Colorado Fly Fishing Today
If you’re heading out today, these patterns should be in your box:
- Parachute BWO (#18–20)
- Tungsten Rainbow Warrior (#18)
- Egg Pattern (#14)
- Mysis Shrimp (#18)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16–18)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#16)
Pro Tips for Colorado Fly Fishing Today
- Focus on midday hatches—afternoons are windy; get on the water by 9 a.m.
- Use long leaders (10–12 ft) in clear tailwaters.
- Adjust depth often when nymphing; trout are hugging bottom in fluctuating flows.
- Don’t skip soft water—trout are holding on edges as runoff increases.
FAQs: Best Fly Fishing in Colorado Today
Q: Where’s the best place to fly fish near Denver today?
A: Deckers (South Platte) offers good BWO hatches with clear flows around 125 CFS.
Q: What’s the best fly for Colorado rivers today?
A: Parachute BWOs and Pheasant Tail Nymphs are producing across many rivers.
Q: Is runoff affecting fly fishing in Colorado right now?
A: Some rivers are rising (Arkansas, Eagle), but tailwaters like the South Platte and Blue are still fishing clear.
Final Word: Where Should You Fish in Colorado Today?
If you want big trout and clear water today, hit the Dream Stream or Deckers for technical fishing and rising fish. Prefer more action? Head to the Arkansas River near Salida and chase the start of the caddis hatch.
Wherever you go, pack light tippet, small flies, and patience—spring fly fishing in Colorado is rewarding but technical.
🎣 Tight lines! Let us know what you’re catching.
