Spring in Colorado: High Water, Hungry Fish, and Why It’s Absolutely Worth It

Spring fly fishing in Colorado gets a bad rap.

Flows are up. Weather swings hard. And most casual anglers won’t touch a river until June.

But here’s the truth: if you know where to go—and go with someone who’s dialed—spring can fish lights out.

It’s not easy. But it’s honest. And it’s often the best shot you’ll get at feeding fish that haven’t seen a fly in months.

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The Bugs Show Up Before the Crowds

Winter holds long in the Rockies. But once the sun sticks around and the water ticks above 40, things start moving.

March–April:

• Midges wake up first, bringing tight technical fishing to tailwaters.
• Blue-winged olives (BWOs) pop on cloudy days, triggering that first real surface activity of the season.
• Nymphing is still the game, but the bite picks up, and the windows stretch longer.

Late April–May:

• Mother’s Day caddis can explode on the Arkansas and lower rivers.
• Stoneflies start crawling around in freestone systems.
• Big attractors, worms, and streamers begin to turn heads—especially with off-color water.

Photo Credit: @RigsFlyFishing Book Rigs Fly Fishing Guides Here

The Water’s High. That’s the Point.

Spring means runoff. And runoff means movement—both in flow and in fish.

Tailwaters like the South Platte, Blue, and Fryingpan hold steady early, making them prime spots for March and April trips.

But once May hits and melt starts rolling, freestones like the Eagle, Gunnison, and Colorado start swelling. The water gets pushy, but it also gets warmer. And fish start feeding harder.

Callout:
A guide in spring isn’t just helpful. It’s the difference between fishing to a side eddy—and knowing there’s a soft seam tucked behind it where trout are stacking up.

Why Fish It?

Because the fish haven’t been hammered for five straight months.

Because the big browns that wintered deep start sliding back into shallows.

Because the pressure is low, the rewards are high, and if you don’t mind a little mud, you’ll get a lot of river to yourself.

What to Know Before You Go

• Flows matter. Guides track them daily. A bump might shut down one stretch and light up another.
• Dress for anything. Morning frost, mid-day sun, afternoon wind—you’ll likely get all three.
• Don’t expect dry fly heaven. Expect technical nymphing, chunky bugs, deep rigs, and maybe a streamer shot at something serious.

When to Book

• Early March: Start of the season. Midges and BWOs on tailwaters.
• Late March–early April: Weather warms, bugs pick up, fish wake up.
• Mid–late April: Pre-runoff magic. Some of the best spring windows fish during this stretch.
• May: You’re now dancing with runoff. Book with someone who knows how to pivot.

Final Word

Spring in Colorado isn’t postcard fishing. It’s gritty, changing, and weirdly beautiful.

But if you lean into the conditions—and fish with someone who knows how to read spring’s chaos—it might be your favorite season on the water.

You’ll work for your fish. But they’ll be there. And they’ll be ready.