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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 – Crested Butte (Aug 22, 2025)
The Slate north of Crested Butte is running low, clear, and technical — classic late-summer high-country pocket water. Browns and rainbows are tight to seams and grassy banks, sipping small bugs and smashing terrestrials when the timing is right.
Expect Green Drake stragglers, strong caddis evenings, and plenty of hopper-dropper action through the day. If you bring stealth, long leaders, and a pocket full of ants and beetles, the Slate will reward you.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: Low and clear
- Water Temp: ~55°F mornings, warming slightly mid-day
- Air Temp: 50s in the morning, 70s by afternoon
- Clarity: Crystal-clear
- Best Times: 7–11 AM (hatches) and 1–4 PM (hopper bite)
- Fishing Pressure: Light to moderate — quieter upstream of Oh-Be-Joyful
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (technical but rewarding)
Slate River Hatch Chart
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Caddis | Green Drakes | Hoppers | Ants/Beetles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| July | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| August | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ (lingering) | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Sept | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
Flies to Try – Slate River (August)
Nymphs
- Frenchie – 16–18
- Sparkle Wing RS2 – 20–22
- Pheasant Tail – 18–20
- Juju Baetis – 20–22
- Zebra Midge – 20–22
Dries
- Green Drake Spinner – 12–14 (if they’re still around)
- Parachute Adams – 18–22
- Amy’s Ant – 14
- Black Beetle – 14–16
- Elk Hair Caddis – 14–16
- Hopper Juan – 12–14
Streamers
- Mini Leech (olive/black)
- Thin Mint Bugger – 8–10
- Baby Gonga (brown/olive)
Tips for Fishing the Slate
- Morning: Target riffle seams with Tricos and PMDs; occasional Drake surprises.
- Midday: Hopper-dropper rigs with small tungsten nymphs are money.
- Afternoon: Ants and beetles tight to undercut banks keep trout looking up.
- Evening: Caddis still deliver, especially near grassy bends.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Oh-Be-Joyful Campground | Classic high-country pocket water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upper Slate Canyon | Light pressure, technical dry fly water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Near Crested Butte | Easy access, more anglers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
FAQs – Slate River
Q: Are Green Drakes still around in late August?
A: Yes, but sporadic. Don’t build your day around them — they’re bonus eats.
Q: Best flies right now?
A: Hopper-dropper rigs with a small RS2, plus ants and beetles in the afternoons.
Q: Do I need 6X tippet?
A: Yes — the water is clear and trout are spooky.
Q: How’s the pressure?
A: Moderate near town, light if you hike upstream.
Q: Is wet wading OK?
A: Absolutely. Flows are low and the water is comfortable.
Q: Can beginners fish the Slate?
A: Yes, but it’s technical. Perfect for learning stealth and presentation.
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