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Colorado spring fly fishing is a race against the melt. Blink, and your favorite freestone is a chocolate milkshake. But for savvy anglers, there's a golden window — cool temps, active fish, and pre-runoff clarity. So, where should you fish before the rivers rise?
Let’s break down the rivers that shine in that sweet spot before the chaos of runoff kicks in.
Top Colorado Rivers to Fish Before Runoff
Five rivers that haven’t blown out (yet) — but might blow your mind.
1. South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon & Deckers
The sharpest technical playground in Colorado.
Tight loops, long leaders, and tiny bugs — this river will test your skills and your patience. But once you crack the code, it delivers like few others can. Pre-runoff, the flows are steady and the trout are waking up hungry but cautious. Think of it as fly fishing grad school, without the tuition.
- Why it works: Cold, clear tailwater with predictable spring behavior
- Best time: Late March through mid-May
- Hatches: BWOs, midges, and emerging caddis
- Hot Flies: RS2 #20, Barr’s Emerger #20, Sparkle Dun #18, Juju Baetis #18
- Pro Tip: Go during the week if you hate company. Go early if you don’t want to get low-holed by a retired guide.
2. Arkansas River – Salida to Wellsville
Where browns hit caddis like frat boys hit free pizza.
When the water’s right and the hatch is on, the Arkansas near Salida becomes a dry-fly Disneyland. Even before the main caddis hatch explodes, you’ll find fish chasing emergers, sipping BWOs, and smashing bugs in riffles. This river is your best shot at quantity and quality before the brown milkshake of runoff takes over.
- Why it works: Gold Medal stretch with warming daytime temps and manageable flows
- Best time: Late April to early May
- Hatches: Caddis, BWOs
- Hot Flies: Elk Hair Caddis #16, Hare’s Ear #14, Soft Hackle PT #16, Micro Mayfly #18
- Pro Tip: If you’re not fishing a dry-dropper by 11am, you’re probably napping or overthinking it.
3. Blue River – Silverthorne Tailwater
Where trout feed below outlet malls like it’s a food court.
It’s the only place in Colorado you can catch a 20-inch rainbow while someone shops for yoga pants above your head. Flows here are steady, and the fish see a lot — but they still eat. If you’re a precision caster with small bugs and cold fingers, this river is your jam.
- Why it works: Stable tailwater that fishes even when freestones blow out
- Best time: Year-round, but spring is magic
- Hatches: Midges, BWOs
- Hot Flies: Black Beauty #20, Frenchie #18, Blue Dun #18, Midge Cluster #20
- Pro Tip: Bring 6X tippet and a backup ego.
4. Crystal River – Near Redstone
A hidden gem that fishes like it doesn’t know how cool it is.
The Crystal doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s quiet, clear, and fishes like a dream in April and early May. BWOs love this place almost as much as the elk do. If you want solitude and rising trout under big peaks, this is your river.
- Why it works: Mid-elevation freestone with stable flows and good clarity
- Best time: April to early May
- Hatches: BWOs
- Hot Flies: Parachute Adams #18, Iron Lotus #16, Duracell Jig #16, Soft Hackle BWO #18
- Pro Tip: Midday dry fly action is common. Watch the tailouts and don’t blow past the frog water.
5. Bear Creek – Near Morrison
The sneaky front-range creek that’s always better than you think.
It’s small. It’s moody. It’s full of surprises. Bear Creek stays low and clear longer than you'd expect and fishes beautifully with tiny dries and tight-line rigs. It’s not going to win size contests, but for a quick-hit local option, it’s hard to beat.\
- Why it works: Slow to melt, easy to read, great on cloudy spring days
- Best time: Late March through April
- Hatches: BWOs
- Hot Flies: Sparkle Dun #18, RS2 #20, Frenchie #18, Griffith’s Gnat #22
- Pro Tip: Fish light and short. A size 22 dry and a good drift will beat the fanciest euro rig here.
Pro Tip: Don’t Trust the Calendar
Runoff timing varies wildly year to year. In 2023, it hit mid-May. In 2024, it started in early April. Use real-time data like the River Whisper Report to time your window precisely.
Final Word
If you're wondering where to fish in Colorado before runoff blows things out — these rivers give you clarity, consistent flows, and active hatches. Pick your window, watch the weather, and fish smart. This is the best time of year for solitude, hungry fish, and crisp spring mornings.
