---
title: "The Colorado Winter Fly Box: 10 Patterns You Actually Need"
description: Building a winter fly box for Colorado? Skip the junk drawer. Here are the ten flies that keep trout feeding through freezing flows — and how to fish each one.
image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Product/20240411_130221.jpg
---

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# The Colorado Winter Fly Box: 10 Patterns You Actually Need

- October 29, 2025

![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png)

[Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel)

 

![20240411_130221](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Product/20240411_130221.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=20240411_130221.jpg)

Winter in Colorado doesn’t care about your streamer box or that crate of summer dries.  
Once the water dips below 45°, the fish get lazy, the bugs get tiny, and every fly in your box has to earn its place.

So clean house, sharpen your hooks, and build the *only* winter box that matters.

---

## **1. Black Beauty (#22–24)**

The MVP of winter. Works in every tailwater in the state.  
Dead drift it behind an attractor or drop it solo in glassy runs.

- **Best For:**[Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-middle-fork-south-platte-river), Cheesman, Blue River
- **Pro Tip:** Add a tiny tungsten bead if the drift feels too fast.

Learn how it fishes on the Dream Stream →

---

## **2. Mercury Midge (#22)**

The sparkle that seals the deal. That tiny bead head catches light even in low sun.

- **Best For:**[Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-green-mountain), [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs)
- **Pro Tip:** Fish it as a top fly above a smaller midge; keep it subtle.

See it in action on the Blue River →

---

## **3. Juju Baetis (#20)**

When trout ignore midges, this BWO crossover closes the deal.

- **Best For:** Deckers, [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs)
- **Pro Tip:** Fish it mid-column — not on the bottom.

Check this week’s Deckers Report →

---

## **4. Top Secret Midge (#24)**

For when Cheesman Canyon decides to humble you.

- **Best For:** Cheesman, [Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-middle-fork-south-platte-river)
- **Pro Tip:** 7X tippet, no indicator, and a prayer.

Cheesman Canyon details →

---

## **5. RS2 (#20–22, Gray or Olive)**

**![RSII-1](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Product/RSII-1.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=RSII-1.jpg)**

Old-school emerger that still fools fish when nothing else will.

- **Best For:**  [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/guide-to-fly-fishing-in-deckers-on-the-south-platte-river), [Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-middle-fork-south-platte-river)
- **Pro Tip:** Trail it behind a Baetis or WD-40.

Learn how to rig it in Midge Madness →

---

## **6. WD-40 (#22)**

 

The fly every winter angler swears they invented. Simple, perfect, and deadly.

- **Best For:** [Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-middle-fork-south-platte-river), [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/guide-to-fly-fishing-in-deckers-on-the-south-platte-river)
- **Pro Tip:** A single split shot 12" above makes this drift just right.

---

## **7. Zebra Midge (#22–24)**

**![Zebra Midge Black](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Zebra%20Midge%20Black.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=Zebra%20Midge%20Black.jpg)**

The workhorse pattern when visibility is low or fish are sluggish.

- **Best For:** [Yampa,](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/top-fly-fishing-spots-in-yampa-river) Bear Creek
- **Pro Tip:** Use red on cloudy days, black on bright ones.

[Yampa River Report →](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs)

---

## **8. Mini Leech (#12–14, Black or Olive)**

The cold-water streamer that earns its keep.

- **Best For:** Blue, Cheesman, Arkansas
- **Pro Tip:** Slow strips, long pauses. Fish it like it owes you money.

See it swing in Tailwater Therapy →

---

## **9. Egg Pattern (#14–16, Peach or Pink)**

**![20240910_105023](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Product/20240910_105023.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=20240910_105023.jpg)**

Still relevant post-spawn when fish key in behind redds.

- **Best** For:[Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-middle-fork-south-platte-river), D[eckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/guide-to-fly-fishing-in-deckers-on-the-south-platte-river)
- Pro Tip: Pair with a trailing midge for a “clean-up crew” rig.

---

## **10. Griffith’s Gnat (#22–24)**

Because even in winter, some trout will rise.

- **Best For:** Calm afternoons on the Platte
- **Pro Tip:** Grease it lightly; let it sit and shimmer.

---

## **Bonus Gear Picks**

- **Tippet:** 6X–7X Fluorocarbon
- **Leader:** 10–12 ft
- **Indicator:** Small yarn or pinch-on foam
- **Rod:** 3- or 4-weight with soft tip
- **Hands:** Thin gloves + hand warmer = sanity

 

 

---

## **Why This Box Works**

You don’t need 200 patterns — just 10 you trust.  
Every fly here covers one of three food groups: midges, baetis, or eggs.  
The rest? Leave them at home and thank yourself later.

 Blog Post

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