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The South Platte’s Trico Circus
Few things in fly fishing are as maddening—or as magical—as a Trico hatch on Colorado’s South Platte River. Picture it: mid-morning clouds of size 22–26 mayflies doing synchronized mating dances, followed by a kamikaze descent onto the water. Trout line up like it’s an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, and anglers (you included) are left sweating over size 7X tippets, perfect drifts, and which microscopic fly to tie on next.
Fish here get downright PhD-level selective. If your imitation is off by even a whisper, expect the trout equivalent of an eye roll and a casual sidestep. That’s why having the right Trico patterns—matched to the right hatch stage—is the difference between hero status and “that guy muttering at the river.”
Let’s break down the three best Trico patterns that consistently fool South Platte trout.
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1. RS2 Emerger (Black or Green) – The Hatch Whisperer
The RS2 is the Beyoncé of Trico flies: iconic, timeless, and universally admired. In black, it covers most emergers. In green, it mimics the female Trico’s coloring with uncanny accuracy.
- When to fish it: During the emergence, when Tricos are peeling off the riverbed and trout key on crippled bugs just below the surface.
- Why it works: The RS2’s slim profile and delicate wing cue scream “vulnerable mayfly,” making it irresistible to South Platte browns and bows.
- Sizes:
Pro Tip: Fish it on 6X or 7X fluorocarbon with a long leader. A tiny twitch now and then mimics life—because even bugs panic.
2. CDC Biot Spinner / Spent-Wing Patterns – The Spinner Fall Specialist
If the RS2 is Beyoncé, this is Jay-Z at the after-party. Once the mating swarm is over, thousands of Tricos hit the deck in a lifeless sprawl. Trout abandon emergers and start Hoovering up spinners.
- When to fish it: Late morning, peak spinner fall.
- Why it works: CDC and biot wings create a realistic, flat silhouette of a spent bug. Fish can’t say no to an easy meal lying helplessly on the film.
Pro Tip: Trail a spent spinner behind a slightly bigger dry (like a parachute Adams) so you can see your rig. Otherwise, good luck spotting a size 24 Trico in the glare.
3. Triple Trico – The Buffet Buster
Invented for days when the hatch is thicker than a frat house keg line, the Triple Trico imitates what actually happens—bugs clump together in rafts. Trout love efficiency, and one gulp nets them a cluster snack.
- When to fish it: During peak density hatches when single bugs aren’t cutting it.
- Why it works: It looks like three flies for the price of one. Trout are natural bargain hunters.
Pro Tip: Use sparingly. On days with lighter hatches, it can look unnatural. On days when the river looks like it’s snowing bugs, it’s a cheat code.
Quick Comparison: Top 3 Trico Patterns
| Rank | Fly Pattern | Best Hatch Phase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RS2 (Black/Green) Emerger | Early hatch emergence | Classic, versatile, hyper-realistic |
| 2 | CDC Biot/Spent Spinner Patterns | Spinner fall frenzy | Perfect silhouette of dead Tricos |
| 3 | Triple Trico | Peak density hatches | Mimics bug clumps = trout buffet |
Bonus Tips for Surviving a Trico Hatch
- Go light: 6X and 7X tippets are non-negotiable. Heavy line = instant trout rejection.
- Be stealthy: Fish feed in precise bug lanes just inches wide. If you’re not in the lane, you’re basically casting into outer space.
- Switch quickly: Refusals are feedback, not failure. Rotate between emergers and spinners until you crack the code.
- Arrive early: Fish are keyed in before you’ve finished your second cup of coffee. Be there at first light.
FAQ: South Platte Trico Hatch
Q: What time of year is best for Trico fishing on the South Platte?
A: Mid-July through late September. Warm mornings and stable flows bring the best hatches.
Q: What size flies should I carry?
A: Sizes 20–26. Most locals swear by 22–24 as the sweet spot.
Q: How long does a spinner fall last?
A: Typically 30–90 minutes. It’s a narrow window—miss it, and you’ll be staring at empty runs while fish nap.
Q: What’s the best section of the South Platte for Tricos?
A: Deckers and Cheesman Canyon are classic hotspots, but Tricos show up throughout the river system.
Q: Do I need special gear for Trico fishing?
A: Not really—just patience, long leaders, tiny tippet, and flies so small they’ll make you question your eyesight.
Final Cast
The South Platte’s Trico hatch is a love-hate affair: maddeningly selective, yet unforgettable when you dial it in. Armed with an RS2 for emergers, CDC spinner patterns for the fall, and a Triple Trico for buffet days, you’ve got the playbook to dance with trout during this epic micro-mayfly circus.
