Slate River Fly Fishing Report Near Crested Butte Colorado

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.

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The Slate River near Crested Butte is winter fly fishing at its finest—quiet, scenic, and full of wild trout for those willing to put in the effort. With low flows and gin-clear water, the fish are spooky but catchable if you bring your A-game in stealth and presentation. Unlike the heavily fished Gunnison and East Rivers, the Slate offers a more secluded experience, rewarding anglers who can sneak into position and present small flies with precision.

Fishing here in winter is all about deep pools and slow runs, where trout conserve energy but still feed on midges and small Baetis. While dry fly opportunities are scarce, a well-placed Zebra Midge or RS2 nymph can do the trick. If you’re searching for a larger fish, swinging a micro-leech through deeper water might get you a shot at a hungry brown.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 10-25 CFS (very low)
• Water Temperature: 32-36°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐ (1/5 – Stunning scenery, technical fishing and very icey)

River Flow Chart😑

Slate River Hatch Chart (Winter)

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – If you see any midges clustering in slow water.
• Nymph: Jujubee Midge (#20-24) – The go-to fly for low, clear winter flows.
• Streamer: Micro Leech (#10-12) – Slowly twitched through deep pools.

Tips for Fly Fishing the Slate River

Seasonal Tip

With ultra-low flows, trout are extremely spooky—approach carefully, cast from a distance, and use 6X or 7X tippet.

Dry Fly

Minimal surface activity, but small midges may bring a few trout up in slow tailouts.

Nymphing

A double-nymph rig with a midge and Baetis nymph will yield the best results. Keep your drifts slow and precise.

Streamer Fishing

A small leech or sculpin pattern fished slowly in deep winter holding water can move a larger brown.

Access Points

Slate River Road Access (Near Crested Butte)

• Description: Open meadows and slow bends with some deeper holding water.
• Why Fish Here: Easier wading access, but requires stealthy approaches.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lower Slate River (Near the Town of Crested Butte)

• Description: A more technical stretch with deeper pools and tight bends.
• Why Fish Here: Low pressure, but tough fishing conditions.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Middle Slate River (Near Peanut Lake Road)

• Description: Scenic, winding river with limited but productive pockets.
• Why Fish Here: Best mix of access, solitude, and fishable water.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

• Much of the Slate River runs through private property—only fish designated public access areas.
• Catch-and-release is highly encouraged to maintain the wild trout population.
• Winter conditions can be harsh—pack accordingly and watch for icy banks.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and challenging winter fishery, the Slate River delivers—just bring patience, finesse, and your best small flies.