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ou don’t chase Greenbacks for numbers — you chase them for the story. They’re Colorado’s state fish, once thought extinct, now thriving in select high-country streams and lakes. If you want one in your net, here’s the no-nonsense cheat sheet.
Where to Find Greenback Cutthroat
These trout don’t live where cell service does. Plan for a hike and thin air. Best bets:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – hike-in lakes like Dream Lake, Mills Lake, and alpine creeks with cruising cutthroat.
- South Platte headwaters – trickles and pocket water above Eleven Mile and Cheesman.
- Poudre & Big Thompson drainages – small restoration streams with pure populations.
- High-country lakes – stocked alpine tarns where Greenbacks thrive in crystal water.
👉 Rule of thumb: If your buddy’s complaining about the climb, you’re probably close.
Best Time to Fish
Forget winter — most lakes are frozen and streams are locked up. Here’s when to go:
- Late June – September – ice is gone, bugs are hatching, fish are active.
- Early mornings & evenings – mid-day alpine sun kills the bite.
- Storm watch – lightning rolls in fast up high. Fish early, hike out early.
Top Flies for Greenbacks
Keep it simple. Greenbacks aren’t PhD-level picky — they just want something buggy in the right size.
- Dries – Adams, Royal Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis (#14–20).
- Nymphs – Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, RS2, Zebra Midge (#18–22).
- Terrestrials – Ants, beetles, hoppers in late summer.
- Attractors – Big bushy stuff like a Stimulator when you need to grab attention.
👉 Presentation beats pattern. A well-placed #18 Pheasant Tail > the wrong fly with a sloppy cast.
Gear & Setup
You don’t need a cannon. Light, delicate, and sneaky is the name of the game.
- Rod – 3- to 5-weight is plenty.
- Tippet – 5X–6X to keep it invisible in gin-clear water.
- Leader – 9–12 ft works fine, shorter if you’re bushwhacking small streams.
- Rig – Dry-dropper covers your bases without overcomplicating.
Tactics That Work
These aren’t tailwater rainbows. Fish Greenbacks like you’re sneaking into their living room.
- Sight fish – crystal water means you’ll see them before they see you.
- Stealth – crouch, hide your silhouette, cast short.
- Cover water – don’t overwork one pool, there’s usually just one or two fish in each pocket.
- Target inlets/outlets – fish love where food funnels in and out.
Rules & Ethics
Quick reminder before you go hero shot crazy:
- Catch-and-release only in most waters — check CPW regs.
- Handle with care – wet hands, quick photo, get them back fast.
- Respect the hike – these are fragile ecosystems; leave no trace.
👉 Treat every Greenback like it’s the last one — because not long ago, it almost was.
Quick Trip Checklist
- Map and trail plan (you’re hiking in).
- Polarized glasses (for sight fishing).
- Bug spray (the mosquitos hit harder than the trout).
- A mix of small dries, nymphs, and terrestrials (#14–22).
- Layers and rain gear (mountain weather has mood swings).
Bottom line:
Greenback Cutthroat Trout fishing is less about grip-and-grins and more about the journey. If you’re willing to hike high, fish light, and respect the resource, you’ll earn one of Colorado’s most memorable catches.
