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The Slate River, located just north of Crested Butte, Colorado, offers some fantastic small-stream fly fishing for brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Known for its classic pocket water and stunning mountain views, the Slate River is ideal for anglers who enjoy both wade fishing and solitude. With fall in full swing, the river is running clear, and the trout are feeding aggressively ahead of the colder months.
Slate River Fly Fishing Report – July 3, 2025
The Slate River is running clear, cold, and low — classic high-country water demanding finesse and patience. Flows are just above 30 CFS, and that means fish are tight to cover and opportunistic in the early hours. After that, the sun’s overhead, the bugs go sparse, and stealth becomes your best fly.
This is a small stream with outsized potential if you time it right. Terrestrial patterns, dry-dropper rigs, and light line are the move. If you’re looking to throw hoppers in the shadow of the Elks, now is the time — just bring your accuracy.
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Conditions Summary
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- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Good technical fishing in early windows, but low flows and sun exposure require stealth and timing)
- Flow Rate: ~32 CFS and stable
- Water Temp: 46–54°F, climbing by noon
- Air Temp: Mid 70s°F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Best Times: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Fishing Pressure: Light — more hikers than anglers
- Wind: Light early; gusts possible near exposed valley sections
River Flow Chart
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Source: USGS and on-the-ground checks
Slate River Hatch Chart (July, June, May)
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| May | Midges, BWOs | Zebra Midge (#20–22), RS2 (#20–22) |
| June | Caddis, Yellow Sallies | Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18), Yellow Sally (#14–16) |
| July | Hoppers, Ants, Tricos | Parachute Hopper (#12–14), Black Ant (#16–18), Trico Spinner (#22–24) |
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Parachute Hopper, size 14 – target foam pockets and undercut banks early
- Nymph: Black Zebra Midge, size 20 – dropper rig under a terrestrial dry
- Streamer: Mini Leech or Slumpbuster, size 10 – effective in deeper, shaded pockets post-storm or low light
Tips Fly Fishing the Slate River
- Seasonal Tip: The river is low and exposed—target shaded sections early and fish with precision.
- Dry Fly: Use long leaders and fine tippet. Fish react better to natural drift than perfect fly choice.
- Dry-Dropper: A size 14 hopper with a size 20 Zebra Midge on 6x is a proven combo here.
- Streamer Fishing: Rarely the best bet, but in cloudy conditions or dusk light, you can pull a few from deep plunge pools.
Access Points
1. Washington Gulch Confluence
- Why Fish Here: Colder water input, better structure, minimal foot traffic
- Rating: ★★★★☆
2. Lower Slate River Trail
- Why Fish Here: Easy access, dry-fly friendly, but fish are spooky
- Rating: ★★★☆☆
3. Slate River Road Pullouts (above town)
- Why Fish Here: Classic pocket water, solid terrestrial opportunities in midday shadows
- Rating: ★★★★☆
Hot Spots
- Pocket shelf below Peanut Lake overlook – holds fish deep in shade
- Upper bends near the ranch gate – watch for sipping trout along foam lines
- Undercut bank just past the second footbridge – best hopper water on the stretch
Local Regulations & Notes
- Artificial flies only
- Lower flows = handle fish quickly and avoid mid-day fishing if water exceeds 65°F
- Respect private crossings—many spots above Crested Butte pass through ranch land
FAQ on the Slate River
Q: Is the river too low to fish right now?
A: Not too low, but flows are tight. You’ll need to focus on small water tactics and approach carefully.
Q: Are hoppers actually working?
A: Yes. Mornings and cloud-covered afternoons bring out terrestrial takes in exposed water.
Q: What’s the best rig right now?
A: Hopper-dropper with long leader and fine tippet. Size 14–16 dry with size 20 dropper.
Q: Is this good water for beginners?
A: Not ideal. Fish are spooky and tight. Great for intermediate anglers looking for dry-fly challenges.
Q: Are streamers effective here?
A: Occasionally. Use in low light or after a storm when fish move into deeper cover.
