Cold Water Classics: The Best Flies and Rigs When Temperatures Drop

The first skim of ice hits the edges, the mornings sting a bit more, and yet… the fish are still there.
Late October into November is when Colorado separates the “fair-weather” anglers from the frost-bitten faithful.
If you’re still chasing trout this time of year, it’s time to downsize your flies, slow your drifts, and fish smart — not just brave.

These are your Cold Water Classics: the flies, rigs, and late-fall adjustments that turn a freezing day into a day you’ll brag about till spring.

1. The Low and Slow Rule

Cold water slows metabolism — meaning trout move less and eat smaller, easier meals.
That flashy hopper-dropper rig? Save it for next summer. In November, subtle is your superpower.

• Best Rig: Double nymph setup with a small attractor lead and micro-midge trailer.
• Example: Two Bit Hooker (#18) to WD-40 (#22) or RS2 (#22) on 5X or 6X tippet.
• Depth Control: Add the smallest split shot needed — over-weighting kills the drift.

Read our Top 3 Fall Rigs for Deckers to see this in action on the South Platte.

2. Match the Micro Hatch

This time of year, “small” means tiny. Midges, Baetis, and micro-worms dominate cold flows.
The key isn’t just imitation — it’s presentation. Keep the flies low and the drift slow.

• Top Patterns: Mercury Black Beauty #22–24, Juju Baetis #20–22, WD-40 Olive #22
• Bonus Pattern: Rainbow Warrior #18 when visibility drops
• Pro Tip: A single dry-dropper (Parachute BWO to RS2) still works mid-day under cloud cover

3. Streamers, But Make Them Small

You can still move big fish in cold water — just don’t throw meat the size of a sparrow.
Downsize your streamers and slow your retrieve. Think patience, not power.

• Best Patterns: Goldie #10, Thin Mint #8, Mini Leech #12 (Olive or Rust)
• Retrieve: Short strips with long pauses — almost dead-drifting
• Rig Tip: Run one small split shot 12 inches above the streamer for steady depth

4. Warm Water, Big Advantage

When everything else freezes, tailwaters still produce. The constant flow below dams keeps bugs hatching and fish feeding longer.

Best Late-Season Tailwaters:

• Blue River below Silverthorne – consistent midges and eggs all winter
• South Platte at Deckers – clear flows and steady Baetis
• Yampa below Stagecoach – warm release and aggressive fish

5. Rig Like It’s Winter — Because It Is

If your fingers still work, rigging right makes the difference. Cold-weather fish are predictable: deep lanes, soft water, slower takes.
Think minimalist: lighter indicators, longer leaders, and smaller bugs.

Winter Rig Setup:

• Indicator: Thingamabobber or Air-Lock (¼ inch)
• Lead Fly: Juju Baetis or Two Bit Hooker
• Trailer: RS2, Black Beauty, or WD-40
• Weight: Tiny split shot if needed
• Tippet: 5X or 6X