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The thermometer drops, waders stiffen, and every fair-weather angler starts talking about tying flies “until spring.”
Good.
That’s when Colorado’s best trout fishing begins.
“Winter isn’t the off season. It’s when the real anglers come out to play.”
Why November Matters
Most rivers settle into predictable flows after irrigation season ends. Tailwaters like the Blue below Dillon and Green Mountain, the Fryingpan, and Deckers all hold perfect winter water - steady, clear, and stable.
When water temps drop below 50°F, insect life doesn’t stop; it just shrinks. Midges, baetis, and scuds take over, and trout shift from chasing food to waiting for it. That’s your advantage.
Quick Take: Consistency beats chaos. Fall storms may come and go, but tailwater trout stay hungry every calm day in November.
The Science Behind the “Slow Season”
Trout metabolism slows in cold water, but it doesn’t stop. They feed less often but more predictably - usually late morning through early afternoon when sunlight nudges temps up a few degrees.
That’s why a 90-minute window in November can out-fish an entire August day.
Pro Tip: Track water temperature, not the clock. A 2° jump in mid-day water temp means trout start moving again.
Where to Fish When Everyone Else Is Gone
- Blue River Below Dillon – Cold, clear, and crowded with smart fish that reward slow drifts.
- Blue River Below Green Mountain – Canyon solitude, big browns, and active scuds.
- Fryingpan River – Steady flows and consistent midge hatches all winter.
- Deckers / Cheesman Canyon – Technical, but warmest flows on the Front Range.
- Arkansas Near Salida – A sleeper in calm weather, excellent BWO activity through Thanksgiving.
Gear Note: 9-foot 5x leader, 6x tippet, and flies smaller than you’re proud to admit.
The Flies That Matter in November
Forget the summer box. This is precision season.
- Black Beauty #20–22
- Top Secret Midge #22
- RS2 Grey #20
- Egg Pattern #16 peach
- Red JuJu Midge #20
- Scud #18
- Mini Leech Olive #12
- Pro’s Note: Pick confidence flies, not trendy ones. Fish won’t care about your Instagram patterns.
Mindset Shift: Fishing Against the Calendar
Most anglers quit when they stop seeing rises. But the guides who stay out know that midges bring trout up even in 35°F water - you just need to be still enough to see it.
Winter rewards patience. You don’t cover water; you cover inches.
“The off season isn’t defined by weather - it’s defined by excuses.”
Your Seasonal Playbook
- Timing: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - ignore the dawn patrol.
- Location: Tailwaters and lower canyon stretches.
- Gear: Layer light, keep hand warmers handy, and fish shorter leaders for control.
- Crowds: Low to none. You’ll recognize the people who belong there.
When Everyone Else Puts Their Rods Away
You’ll start to notice the difference between fishing for fun and fishing for understanding.
Winter trout aren’t easy. But they teach more than any summer hatch - precision, restraint, and the quiet satisfaction of doing something most people won’t.
Because there is no “off season” - just fewer people watching when you finally get it right.
