Fall Seasonal Hatch Guides: Understanding and Matching Hatches in Colorado

Fall in Colorado is nothing short of a spectacle, and not just because of the golden aspens and crisp air. For fly fishers, it’s a season that calls for precise timing, a keen eye, and the right fly in hand. If you’re not on your A-game, the trout will outsmart you faster than you can say, “Strike!” So, let’s dive into the colorful world of fall hatches in Colorado and make sure your fly box is as sharp as your wit.

Key Fall Hatches in Colorado

Blue Wing Olives (BWOs)

• • When: September through November
  • Where: All over Colorado’s rivers and streams, from the mighty South Platte to the secret backcountry creeks.
  • Why: These tiny mayflies are like the pumpkin spice latte of the trout world—highly anticipated and extremely popular. The cooler weather brings them out in droves, especially on those moody, overcast days that make you question your life choices. The fish love them, and so should you. Matching the hatch with a Parachute BWO or a CDC BWO (sizes 18-24) is a surefire way to keep the trout coming back for more.

Midges

• • When: Year-round, but they really shine in the fall, especially when other hatches start to dwindle.
  • Where: Tailwaters like the Blue River and the Fryingpan, where the water stays consistently cool.
  • Why: Midges are like the bread and butter of the trout diet—they’re always around, and in the fall, they’re the go-to snack when other insects have called it quits for the year. These little guys might be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to catching fish. Arm yourself with a Zebra Midge or Griffith’s Gnat in sizes 20-24, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank (of the river, that is).
  • More Info: Winter and late-fall hatch tips at TroutBitten
    
    

Caddisflies

• • When: Early September, before the frosts send them packing.
  • Where: Freestone rivers like the Arkansas and Roaring Fork—think wild, untamed waters where the caddis thrive.
  • Why: The caddis hatch is like that one last summer fling before the reality of winter sets in. These bugs are party animals, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. An Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 14-18 is the ticket to an end-of-summer bash that the trout just can’t resist.
  • More Info: Dig deeper into fall hatches at Mid Current
    
    

Terrestrials

• • When: Until the first hard frost turns them into trout food ice cubes.
  • Where: Stream banks and meadows, especially in those wide-open spaces where the wind can whip up a grasshopper feast for the fish.
  • Why: Terrestrials are the gift that keeps on giving, especially in the fall. Grasshoppers, ants, and beetles are still on the menu, and when they get blown into the water, the trout go bonkers. Think of it as trout trick-or-treating, and you’ve got the perfect analogy. Patterns like the Chubby Chernobyl or Foam Beetle in sizes 10-16 are your candy bars—sweet, satisfying, and sure to get some attention.
  • More Info: For more on fall terrestrial action, visit Denver Post

Tactics for Fall Fly Fishing

1. Match the Hatch: It’s like speed dating for flies—if you don’t have the right one, you’re going home alone. Be ready to switch things up as the day progresses, starting with terrestrials in the morning, moving to caddis in the afternoon, and capping off the day with BWOs and midges.

2. Watch the Weather: Fall in Colorado is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get. Cloudy, drizzly days are prime BWO conditions, so don’t be a fair-weather fisherman. Embrace the gloom, and the trout will embrace your fly.

3. Focus on Prime Time: Forget the early bird nonsense; in the fall, it’s all about the warmest part of the day. Midday to early afternoon is when the water temps are just right, and the bugs (and fish) are most active.

4. Fish Deep and Slow: As the water cools, trout slow down their feeding but not their appetite. Nymphing deep with a slow drift can be the difference between a few nibbles and a net full of fish. Think of it as going for the slow dance at the end of the night—it’s where the magic happens.

Essential Gear for Fall Fishing

• Layers: Colorado fall mornings are brisk, but the afternoons can feel like summer. Be the onion—dress in layers you can peel off or pile on as needed.
• Polarized Sunglasses: Seeing beneath the surface is crucial, especially when the sun’s low and glare is high. Plus, they make you look cool.
• Waders and Boots: The water might look inviting, but trust me, it’s cold. Keep your feet dry and warm with a solid pair of waders and insulated boots.

Final Thoughts

Fall in Colorado is a season for the fly-fishing books. Whether you’re stalking the banks for terrestrials or matching the hatch on a cloudy day, understanding the fall hatches and adapting your strategy is the key to success. So, grab your gear, brush up on your bug knowledge, and get out there—because the fish are waiting, and they’re hungry.

• Explore More About Hatches: Fly Fishing Hatch Charts 
• Purchase Fishing Licenses: Colorado Parks and Wildlife