Last Updated: May 27, 2025

If you’ve been waiting for a green light to fish, this is it. Colorado’s Front Range rivers are in excellent shape this week. Flows are stable on most tailwaters, runoff has receded in key freestone stretches, and insect activity is peaking in the mid-elevations. Whether you’re looking for a midweek micro mission or a full-day canyon walk, we’ve narrowed it down to the rivers worth fishing right now—and exactly what to tie on.

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Top Rivers to Fish This Week

The Front Range is fishing exceptionally well this week. Flows have settled, bugs are active, and water clarity is solid on both freestones and tailwaters. May’s mixed hatch window is still wide open—midges, BWOs, and early caddis are in play—and this week offers legit opportunities for all three major techniques: dry flies, nymphing, and streamers.

We rated each river’s performance this week by technique (★ = limited success, ★★★★ = lights-out fishing), so you can tailor your rig and plan your trip accordingly.

1. South Platte River – Deckers

If you want consistency and size potential, Deckers is the sure bet. Tailwater stability and steady pressure have fish picky but active. It’s technical, but worth it.

• Flow: ~174–225 CFS
• Clarity: Clear
• Conditions:
  • Dry Fly: ★★★ (BWOs mid-day)
  • Nymphing: ★★★★ (RS2 + midges still producing)
  • Streamer: ★★ (occasional reaction near structure)
• Hatches: Blue Winged Olives, midges
• Top Flies: Parachute Adams (#20–22), Zebra Midge (#20–24), RS2 (#20–22)
• Tip: Lighter tippet (6X) and perfect drifts are critical.

2. Clear Creek – Golden to Idaho Springs

Runoff is easing here, and the water is opening up for some surprisingly productive fishing—especially with dries in the afternoon.

• Flow: ~150 CFS
• Clarity: Slight stain, fishable
• Conditions:
  • Dry Fly: ★★★★ (afternoon caddis + BWO activity)
  • Nymphing: ★★★ (heavy nymphs still doing work in deeper pockets)
  • Streamer: ★★★ (flashy buggers are moving fish)
• Hatches: Caddis, BWOs
• Top Flies: Elk Hair Caddis (#16), Prince Nymph (#14), Yellow Stimulator (#12)
• Tip: Focus on pocket water in canyon sections. Fish start looking up by early afternoon.

3. Blue River – Silverthorne

Classic tailwater behavior. Clear, cold water and big trout on a tight diet. Mysis shrimp and midges are the go-to—and sight-fishing is strong.

• Flow: ~100 CFS
• Clarity: Gin-clear
• Conditions:
  • Dry Fly: ★★ (occasional mid-morning risers)
  • Nymphing: ★★★★ (midge and mysis double rigs are deadly)
  • Streamer: ★★★ (low-light retrieves near boulders can produce)
• Hatches: Midges, Mysis Shrimp
• Top Flies: Mysis Shrimp (#18), RS2 (#20–22), Zebra Midge (#20–24)
• Tip: Bring your A-game. These fish see everything.

4. Bear Creek – Morrison to Evergreen

A solid “after-work” water. Great flows, active fish, and it’s shaping up for dry-dropper season.

• Flow: 80 CFS
• Clarity: Clear
• Conditions: 
  • Dry Fly: ★★★★ (midday caddis and BWO risers)
  • Nymphing: ★★★ (small attractor + dropper combo works well)
  • Streamer: ★★ (not ideal, but possible near structure)
• Hatches: BWOs, caddis
• Top Flies: Parachute Adams (#16–18), Copper John (#18), Elk Hair Caddis (#14)
• Tip: Fish near structure and bends for ambush feeders.

5. South Boulder Creek – Walker Ranch

Low flows and gin-clear water make for technical conditions, but the canyon is fishing well if you stay stealthy.

• Flow: ~60 CFS
• Clarity: Clear
• Conditions:
  • Dry Fly: ★★★ (BWOs and midges in slick water)
  • Nymphing: ★★★★ (small Pheasant Tails and RS2s under indicators or tightline rigs)
  • Streamer: ★ (don’t bother this week—too clear and tight)
• Hatches: BWOs, midges
• Top Flies: RS2 (#20–22), Griffith’s Gnat (#22–24), Pheasant Tail Nymph (#18)
• Tip: Use long leaders, light tippet, and approach with care.

Weekly Fly Fishing Strategy

• Nymph early, dry mid-day: Subsurface bite starts early, dries are most productive from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Tippet: Use 5X for most nymphing, 6X fluorocarbon for clear water or picky risers.
• Rod choice: 9' 5-weight covers most water, but a shorter 3- or 4-weight is perfect for small creeks like Bear and South Boulder.

FAQ: Colorado Fly Fishing This Week

Where is the best fly fishing near Denver right now?
Deckers, Bear Creek, and Clear Creek are producing consistent fish this week. Tailwaters are stable, and freestone clarity is improving.

Is Colorado fly fishing good during runoff?
Yes. Tailwaters like Deckers (South Platte), Blue River, and Cheesman Canyon stay clear during runoff. Lower elevation freestones like Bear Creek are also stabilizing.

What flies are working in Colorado right now?
Top producers include:

• Nymphs: RS2, Zebra Midge, Copper John, Mysis Shrimp
• Dries: Parachute BWO, Elk Hair Caddis, Griffith’s Gnat
• Streamers: Slump Buster, Thin Mint (best on Blue and Clear Creek)

What time of day is best to fly fish in May?
Late morning to early afternoon (10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) offers the most consistent dry fly activity and active feeding.

What’s the best fly fishing river in Colorado this week?
Deckers is a top pick for tailwater consistency and trout numbers. Clear Creek is a solid freestone choice for dry fly action.

Can you fish the Blue River right now?
Yes. Conditions below Dillon Dam are clear with consistent flows around 100 CFS. Sight fishing is strong with Mysis Shrimp and midges.

Do I need small flies this week?
Yes. Midges and BWOs are dominant. Be ready to fish sizes #20–24 with precision drifts. Heavier nymphs still work to get down quickly early in the day.

Where can I avoid crowds?
Try South Boulder Creek (Walker Ranch) or upper Bear Creek mid-week. Early mornings on Clear Creek can also provide solitude before the canyon fills up.

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