Fly Fishing Near Denver During Runoff: Where to Go, What to Use, and How to Catch Fish

Colorado’s spring runoff season can wreck a fishing trip—blown out rivers, muddy water, unpredictable flows. But it doesn’t mean your rod needs to stay in the garage. There are still high-quality fly fishing spots near Denver during runoff, if you know where to look and how to adapt.

This guide covers:

• What runoff season actually is (and how it affects rivers)
• The best places to fly fish near Denver during runoff
• Fly selection, rig setups, and runoff-specific tips
• An FAQ that answers exactly what Google searchers are asking

Let’s turn runoff into opportunity.

What Is Runoff Season in Colorado?

Runoff in Colorado happens when melting snow from the mountains floods down into the rivers—usually from late April through mid-June depending on elevation and weather. Flows spike, rivers turn to chocolate milk, and the fish either hide or move to safer holding water.

You’ll know it’s runoff when:

• The river is 2x normal flow or higher
• Visibility drops below 12 inches
• Wading becomes dangerous
• Banks are flooded and the current is ripping

But not every river is affected equally. Tailwaters and lakes remain fishable, and that’s your opening.

Best Places to Fly Fish Near Denver During Runoff

Here are the top fly fishing locations near Denver that stay productive—even when the rest of the state is blowing out.

1. Cheesman Canyon / Deckers (South Platte River)

Drive Time: ~1 hr 15 min
Why It Works: Controlled release from Cheesman Dam means clear water even during peak runoff.
What to Fish:

• RS2 (#20–22)
• Zebra Midge (#20–24)
• Leech patterns
• San Juan Worms
  Tip: Use light tippet, long leaders, and sight-fish to holding trout in slow seams.

2. Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte)

Drive Time: ~2 hours
Why It Works: Below Eleven Mile Reservoir, this tailwater stays clear and consistent even as the rest of the river blows out.
What to Fish:

• Blue Winged Olive dries (#18–20)
• Top Secret Midge (#22–24)
• Black Beauty (#22)
  
  Tip: Watch for mid-morning risers and match the hatch. Bring 6X tippet and keep your profile low.

3. Waterton Canyon

Drive Time: ~45 minutes
Why It Works: Easy access tailwater. Can get stained but usually not unfishable.
What to Fish:

• Caddis pupae (#16)
• Tungsten Perdigon (#18)
• Pats Rubber Legs (#10)
  Tip: Ride your bike in to access quieter water. Fish the transition zones where fast water meets soft eddies.

4. Bear Creek (High Elevation Above Morrison)

Drive Time: ~35 minutes
Why It Works: Higher elevation stretch may not receive full runoff surge early.
What to Fish:

• Parachute Adams (#16)
• Prince Nymphs (#14–16)
• CDC Caddis (#16)
  Tip: Fish upstream near Lair o’ the Bear Park early in runoff season before flows get heavy.

5. Stillwater Lakes: Gross Reservoir, Evergreen Lake, Pine Valley Ranch Ponds

Why They Work: No current = no runoff impact.
What to Fish:

• Balanced leeches
• Chironomids
• Damsel nymphs
  Tip: Fish deep with indicators or slow-stripped intermediate lines. Look for cruising fish near structure.

How to Adapt Your Fly Fishing Strategy During Runoff

Runoff fly fishing is all about finding clarity, slowing things down, and fishing edges and structure. Here’s how:

• Target tailwaters and lakes
• Fish close to the bank where slower water holds trout
• Use attractor nymphs like worms, eggs, or leeches
• Go deep with split shot or tungsten flies
• Increase tippet size if clarity is poor (4X is fine in dirty water)
• Fish slowly and thoroughly—cover small water with focus

Best Flies for Fly Fishing Near Denver During Runoff

These are proven patterns for runoff season:

• San Juan Worm (red, pink, wine)
• Pats Rubber Legs (#8–10)
• Squirmy Wormy (#12–14)
• Beadhead Prince Nymph (#14)
• Tungsten Perdigon (#16–18)
• RS2 & Top Secret Midge (#20–24, for tailwaters)
• Balanced Leech (black or olive)
• Chironomid midges (for lakes)

FAQ: Fly Fishing Near Denver During Runoff

What is the best fly fishing near Denver during runoff?
The best fly fishing near Denver during runoff is at tailwaters like Deckers, Cheesman Canyon, and Eleven Mile Canyon. Stillwaters like Evergreen Lake and Gross Reservoir also fish well.

Can you fly fish during runoff in Colorado?
Yes, but you need to avoid blown-out freestones. Focus on tailwaters and lakes. Look for clear or slightly stained water and fish slow, deep water near the bank.

When does runoff season start near Denver?
Runoff generally starts in late April or early May, peaking in mid to late June. Lower-elevation streams blow out first; higher elevations lag behind.

What are the best flies for fly fishing during runoff?
Use big, visible patterns like San Juan Worms, leeches, and Rubber Legs in stained water. In clear tailwaters, small midge patterns still dominate.

Where can I check river conditions during runoff?
Use live flow and clarity apps like River Whisper to find real-time conditions across Denver-area rivers.

Is it worth fly fishing during runoff?
Absolutely—if you’re strategic. Fish where runoff doesn’t reach: tailwaters, lakes, or high-elevation creeks. Adapt your setup and you’ll still find feeding trout.

Final Take: Don’t Let Runoff Shut You Down

Fly fishing near Denver during runoff is about information and adaptation. The fish are still there—but they’re not in the middle of the river. They’re tight to the bank, tucked into soft seams, and stacked deep behind structure.

Use River Whisper or flow data to find fishable clarity, bring flies that punch through dirty water, and shift your approach.

The anglers who succeed during runoff? They don’t complain about conditions. They outsmart them.