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When most anglers trade their rods for ski poles, a quiet migration happens along Colorado’s rivers.
The real die-hards pull on another layer, fill their thermos, and head for the tailwaters — those rare stretches of river where steady releases keep trout feeding all winter.
If you’ve ever wondered where the locals disappear to between November and March, this is their therapy.
1. The Dream Stream – Spinney to Eleven Mile Reservoir
The Dream Stream earns its name year-round, but winter brings a special kind of magic.
Flows hover around 60 CFS, the water’s gin-clear, and you can sight-fish to rainbows cruising slow flats behind gravel bars.
Winter Flies: Juju Baetis #20, Black Beauty #22–24, Egg Pattern #14
Pro Tip: Midday is prime. Fish slow and deep — those trout aren’t sprinting anywhere.
Read the full Dream Stream Report.
2. Cheesman Canyon – The Graduate Course
If you can catch trout here in January, you can catch them anywhere.
Low winter flows (70–90 CFS) and water so clear it hurts mean you’ll need flawless drifts and 6X tippet.
Winter Flies: Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger #22, Black Beauty #24, Mini Leech #12
Pro Tip: Skip the early morning freeze. Arrive at 10 AM when the canyon finally thaws and light hits the seams.
Check the latest Cheesman Canyon Report.
3. The Blue River – Silverthorne to Green Mountain
A town tailwater with trophy potential and steady flows all winter.
The outflow below Dillon Reservoir runs cold and clear thanks to bottom releases, keeping midges and mysis active even in January.
Winter Flies: Mysis Shrimp #16–18, Mercury Black Beauty #22, RS2 #20
Pro Tip: Fish behind the outlets near the bridge mid-day; trout stack deep but feed constantly.
Get current details in the Blue River Report.
4. The Yampa River – Below Stagecoach
When the rest of Steamboat freezes solid, Stagecoach’s tailwater stays alive.
Stable temps and gentle flows create perfect winter sight-fishing conditions — think soft presentations, long leaders, and tiny bugs.
Winter Flies: WD-40 #22, Zebra Midge #24, Juju Baetis #20
Pro Tip: Approach from downstream, keep shadows off the water, and watch the drift more than the indicator.
Explore our Yampa River Report.
5. Deckers – The Accessible Classic
If winter cabin fever hits, Deckers is your easy fix.
An hour from Denver, it stays open year-round with reliable flows and plenty of pocket water that still holds fish through the coldest weeks.
Winter Flies: Two Bit Hooker #18, Olive WD-40 #22, Manhattan Midge #22
Pro Tip: Sleep in — the best bite is after 11 AM once the sun warms the canyon walls.
How to Make Winter Work for You
- Fish Midday: Cold mornings waste coffee and patience.
- Go Small: #20–26 midges are the currency of winter.
- Use Light Tippet: 6X or 7X fluoro keeps drifts natural.
- Watch Flows Daily: Tailwaters can fluctuate fast with dam operations — check USGS Colorado Flows before you drive.
- Dress Like a Local: Layer down, not bulky. Thin insulation and windproof shells beat big parkas when casting.
The Real Reward
Winter tailwater fishing isn’t about numbers; it’s about moments — steam rising off the river, ice framing your guides, and a single trout flashing silver against snow.
It’s Colorado fly fishing distilled down to grit and grace.