.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
TL;DR – Quick Picks for the Weekend
- Best All-Around Bet: South Platte at Deckers – Consistent flows, trico spinner falls, and terrestrial takes.
- Hidden Gem: Clear Creek at Empire – Pocket water, dry-dropper paradise, and close to town.
- Big Bug Energy: Arkansas River at Salida – Hopper mania and medium crowds.
- Best for Dry Fly Addicts: Boulder Creek near Boulder – Foam Beetles and Hopper Juans are getting crushed.
ListentothePodcast
The Best Fly Fishing Near Denver This Weekend
Looking for prime fly fishing near Denver this weekend without spending half your trip in the car? We've sorted through the data from River Whisper and hand-picked the top spots where the trout are biting, the crowds are tolerable, and the hoppers are hopping.
This is your August 7, 2025, river intel, tailored for Denver anglers with a weekend itch and a box full of foam.
1. South Platte River at Deckers
Distance from Denver: ~1 hr 15 min
Conditions: 300 CFS, clear, medium crowds
Hatch Activity: Tricos, ants, beetles
Top Flies:
- Dry: Foam Ant #14
- Nymph: Frenchie #18
- Streamer: Black Bugger #10
- Pro Pick: Hippy Stomper #14
Why Go: Deckers is your old faithful. Flows are stable, sight-fishing is solid in the morning, and tricos are in full rotation. Beat the crowds with a dawn patrol mission. Hopper-dropper combos are producing with finesse.
2. Clear Creek – Empire Section
Distance from Denver: ~45 min
Conditions: 55 CFS, clear water, medium crowds
Hatch Activity: Hoppers and nothing else needed
Top Flies:
- Dry: Amy’s Ant #12
- Nymph: Spanish Bullet #16
- Streamer: Thin Mint #10
- Pro Pick: PMX #12
Why Go: The Empire section is classic high-country pocket water. Expect tight casting lanes, eager browns, and topwater eats from late morning to early afternoon. A perfect half-day trip with bonus points for wild scenery.
3. Boulder Creek – Near Boulder
Distance from Denver: ~45 min
Conditions: 133 CFS, clear, medium crowds
Hatch Activity: Hoppers are active late morning through evening
Top Flies:
- Dry: Hopper Juan #12
- Nymph: Copper John #16
- Streamer: Sculpzilla #10
- Pro Pick: Foam Beetle #12
Why Go: The morning is best, but the creek holds strong through lunch if you're into mid-sized dries and sneaky midge work. Flows are ideal, and small fish are feeding like they’re training for winter.
4. Big Thompson River – Below Lake Estes
Distance from Denver: ~1 hr 15 min
Conditions: 53.5 CFS, clear, medium crowds
Hatch Activity: Hoppers, PMDs
Top Flies:
- Dry: Amy’s Ant #12
- Nymph: Spanish Bullet #16
- Streamer: Black Bugger #10
- Pro Pick: PMX #12
Why Go: Flows are low but manageable, and fish are holding in pocket water near the banks. Great for tight-line nymphing or classic dry-dropper action. Watch your step—spooky fish rule here.
5. Arkansas River – Salida Section
Distance from Denver: ~2 hr 30 min
Conditions: 661 CFS, clear, medium crowds
Hatch Activity: Tricos early, hoppers all day
Top Flies:
- Dry: Ant Pattern
- Nymph: RS2
- Streamer: Dungeons
- Pro Pick: Hopper Juan
Why Go: Want the big water feel? The Ark near Salida is dialed in. Morning trico spinners and midday hoppers mean you’ll get action across the water column. This is your best bet if you're after quantity, size, or just wide open space.
Honorable Mentions
- Chatfield Tailwater – Low and technical, but great for testing your precision game.
- Cheesman Canyon – Still fishing well, but bring your A-game and leave the dog at home.
- St. Vrain Creek – Lyons – Scenic, consistent, and a great post-fish beer scene nearby.
%20(12).png?width=1600&height=900&name=Animas%20River%20(1600%20x%20900%20px)%20(12).png)
Gear Tip of the Week:
Foam Beetles and Hippy Stompers are crushing it. If it floats and flutters, it fishes. Go barbless, keep it classy.
FAQ: Best Fly Fishing Near Denver This Weekend
Q: What’s the best half-day trip close to Denver?
A: Clear Creek at Empire. Short drive, dry-dropper fun, and fish willing to eat.
Q: Where should I go to escape the crowds?
A: Boulder Creek is sneakily consistent if you walk 10 minutes past the easy spots.
Q: What’s hatching right now?
A: Tricos in the morning, hoppers from brunch till dusk. It's a terrestrial buffet.
Q: Can I fish all day in August heat?
A: You can—but should you? Mornings are best. Afternoon temps can stress trout.
Q: What’s working best for nymph rigs?
A: Frenchies, Spanish Bullets, and smaller RS2s in 16–18.
Q: Are streamers worth throwing?
A: Yes. Early morning or under cloud cover—think Buggers or Thin Mints in size 8–10.
