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Cold Flows & Hot Takes: What Colorado Fly Anglers
When the first snow hits, most anglers pack up like bears heading for hibernation.
The rest of us? We tighten our waders, pour another coffee, and chase trout that finally have the river to themselves.
Winter isn’t the off-season- it’s the real season.
Myth 1: “Trout Don’t Feed in Winter”
Reality: They feed constantly - just slower.
Water temps below 45° drop their metabolism, not their appetite. Midges, eggs, and Baetis are always on the menu.
If you’re not catching fish, it’s not because they’re full - it’s because your drift looks like a power-slide.
Fix it: Shorter drifts, lighter tippet, smaller flies.
Try a Juju Baetis #20 or Black Beauty #24 on 6X.Check the Dream Stream Report to see it in action.
Myth 2: “You Need Warm Weather to Catch Fish”
Reality: Mid-day sun helps, but the best days are overcast and cold.
Cloud cover triggers Baetis and keeps spooky trout relaxed.
The trick isn’t the air temp - it’s when you fish.
Prime Window: 10 AM – 3 PM once sunlight hits the canyon.
See current conditions on the Deckers Report
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Myth 3: “Winter Fishing Means Standing in Snow All Day”
Reality: Most Colorado tailwaters run warmer than you think.
Bottom-release dams keep flows in the 40s °F - perfect for trout and your toes.
You’ll still need hand warmers, but you won’t need crampons.
Where to Go:
- Blue River Report – Mysis & Midges = Happy Fish
- Cheesman Canyon Report – Cold but crystal clear
Myth 4: “Only Nymphs Work in Winter”
Reality: Midges hatch every day, and trout will rise if you’re paying attention.
A calm, sunny afternoon can turn into a stealth-dry-fly session you’ll brag about until April.
Flies to Keep Handy:
- Parachute BWO #20
- Griffith’s Gnat #24
- Mole Fly #22
Learn how to fish them in Midge Madness.
Myth 5: “It’s Not Worth the Effort”
Reality: It’s quieter, cleaner, and more rewarding.
Winter rivers strip away the noise - just you, the drift, and a few good fish that actually mean something.
And when you watch a rainbow sip a size-24 midge through steam and snowfall, you’ll realize this isn’t about catching - it’s about belonging.
Quick Winter Truths
- 80 CFS can fish better than 300 CFS.
- 7X tippet changes everything.
- Trout remember bad drifts - and they will tell their friends.
- Coffee freezes faster than beer. Plan accordingly.
