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If you're searching for the best fly fishing in Colorado, you're in the right place — and just in time. Between early spring hatches and perfect flows, Colorado’s rivers are firing on all cylinders. But blink and you’ll miss it. Conditions change fast, and so do the crowds. That’s why we’re not just guessing — we’re pulling real-time intel straight from the River Whisper app to guide you to the hottest fly fishing spots across the state.
Whether you’re chasing wild browns on the South Platte or swinging streamers through the Colorado River’s deeper seams, now is prime time. Tighten those knots, dust off your 5-weight, and let’s dive into the best places to fly fish in Colorado right now — before everyone else figures it out.
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Meet River Whisper: Your Real-Time Colorado Fly Fishing Guide
Forget old fishing reports. River Whisper delivers real-time river flows, water clarity, temperature trends, hatch activity, and fly recommendations tailored for anglers across Colorado. No guesswork, no wasted trips — just up-to-the-minute data so you know exactly where to fish and what flies to throw. If you want to maximize your Colorado fly fishing this season, the River Whisper app is your new best friend.
Best Places to Fly Fish in Colorado Right Now
1. Colorado River (Glenwood Springs Area)
- Flow Rate: ~1,870 CFS
- Water Temperature: Mid-40s °F
- Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
- Best Time to Fish: Late morning to early afternoon
- Hatches Happening: Blue Winged Olives, early Caddis
- Top Fly Picks:
- Dry: BWO Sparkle Dun (#18-20)
- Nymph: Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
- Streamer: Thin Mint, Black Woolly Bugger
- Why Fish Here Now: Steady flows and heavy BWO hatches mean aggressive fish in easy-to-reach seams.
2. South Platte River – Deckers Section
Water Temperature: Low 40s °F
Clarity: Crystal clear
Best Time to Fish: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Hatches Happening: Midges, Blue Winged Olives
Top Fly Picks:
Dry: Parachute Adams (#20-22)
Nymph: Zebra Midge (#20-24), Top Secret Midge (#22-24)
Pro Pick: RS2 (#20-22)
Why Fish Here Now: Consistent hatches and sight-fishing for spooky, but catchable, trout.
Quick Tip: 6X tippet and small flies are the price of admission here.
3. North Fork of the South Platte River
Water Temperature: Low 40s °F
Clarity: Clear
Best Time to Fish: Morning through early afternoon
Hatches Happening: Midges, early BWOs
Top Fly Picks:
Dry: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22)
Nymph: Black Beauty (#20-24)
Streamer: Olive Slumpbuster
Why Fish Here Now: Low pressure, healthy post-winter fish, and early-season dry fly eats.
Quick Tip: If you can, snag a private water pass — monster rainbows are lurking.
4. Roaring Fork River (Aspen to Basalt)
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Water Temperature: Mid-30s to low 40s °F
Clarity: Crystal clear
Best Time to Fish: Midday as water warms
Hatches Happening: Midges, early Blue Wings
Top Fly Picks:
Dry: CDC BWO Comparadun (#18)
Nymph: WD-40 (#20-22)
Streamer: Mini Sculpin
Why Fish Here Now: Clear water and low flows make technical fishing exciting and productive.
Quick Tip: Target riffles and pocket water — trout are already moving to oxygenated feeding zones.
5. Animas River (Durango)
Water Temperature: Mid-40s °F
Clarity: Mostly clear with slight afternoon stain
Best Time to Fish: Noon to late afternoon
Hatches Happening: BWOs, sporadic Caddis
Top Fly Picks:
Dry: CDC BWO (#18-20)
Nymph: Prince Nymph (#14-16), Hare’s Ear (#16-18)
Streamer: Black Sculpzilla
Why Fish Here Now: Wild browns and rainbows are feeding heavily pre-runoff.
Quick Tip: Don’t overlook the in-town stretches — they can hold some of the river’s true trophies.
Pro Tips for Spring Fly Fishing in Colorado
Stay Mobile: River conditions shift daily — check River Whisper every morning before you gear up.Match the Hatch: Early spring means tiny flies rule: BWOs, midges, and emerging caddis.
Fish Midday Windows: Trout are sluggish in the cold morning water, but they wake up once the sun warms the river.
Use the Right Rig: Dry-dropper setups are king right now for covering multiple feeding zones.
Closing Cast
This is prime time for the best Colorado fly fishing — but it won’t last long. As temperatures rise, snowmelt will surge and river conditions will shift. If you want to make the most of this narrow spring window, gear up, trust the real-time updates from River Whisper, and hit the water while the fishing is truly at its best.
