“They make a fine fly box,” he says. Top Fly Patterns for Betty Lake. The lower Colorado River flowing west from Glenwood Springs to the Town of Rifle stays ice-free during winter months, and is one of my favorite winter fly fishing destination. pattern to get the fly down in the water column more quickly. The red Copper John, a great multipurpose nymph, ranks Keep a few bigger ones around if your lake has some pike! It is Brody Henderson, Guide and Content Writer, Fly Fishing Freestone Rivers There are different types of trout streams that fly fisherman wade and float in pursuit of trout from […], Things started on a Monday evening. Mercury Midge. Chinook Software. 1 choice in our Animas River. Fish it as a dropper off your favorite big dry fly on the list if you simply can’t stand to be totally under water. Frying Pan River. Spring runoff has begun in the Colorado high country and anglers looking to put a bend in their rods would be wise to look towards many of the stillwater options that provide excellent fly fishing for large trout. normally is fished just below the surface. A number of ETU members like the wrapped-foam version developed With a little more flash than a parachute adams and split wings, it is the first dry fly I reach for when Callibeatis mayflies are popping and trout are rising. Volunteer | This pattern shines as a general searching pattern. There’s also a simpler, flat-foam body version popular on the Arkansas River around Salida. Overall, people in the know really liked the selections. Furthermore, before you go fly fishing in any of the waters in Colorado, you must first get a fishing … This Gold Medal trout … ETU members had little doubt about the top two-thirds of the list. It is This variation of the popular Parachute Adams works very well to imitate a number of lake hatches and is a great general searching pattern. Use these Colorado fishing tips Fly fishing on the Poudre River. Articles | North Delaney Butte Lake. But, we did specify that this was for “Colorado streams.”. the West. will dredge it deeper as an attractor. Suggests one of the other guides listen­ing in on our conversation: Your bobber is under the water. About | Few flies are as pretty with a soft cast to a rising fish. Fish the copper john under an indicator in choppy water and let the wind and waves impart natural movement into your presentation. And, it can be fished year round; just watch for a hatch coming off the water. in various forms. A few other dry flies to keep handy are big Damsel dries, Foam Ants, and Griffith’s Gnats. Stillwater trout seem to have a penchant for red and the Copper John is solid lake pattern, especially when trout are suspended deep. 2. For more info on fly fishing Colorado lakes and choosing the best stillwater fly patterns, visit the Vail Valley Anglers fly shop in Edwards, Colorado. The jig style hook avoids snags on the bottom and the cone gets it down. But where can you catch Kokanee Salmon in Colorado? Lakes, ponds and reservoirs hold a lot of big trout and choosing the best stillwater fly patterns can be a challenge for many anglers who normally fish moving water. However, most trout anglers nowadays […], © 2021 blog.vailvalleyanglers.com – All rights reserved, Powered by WP – Designed with the Customizr theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Breaking Fly Fishing Rules to Catch More Trout, Fly Rescue 101 | How to Rescue your Flies from a Snag. the traditional, smaller foam, dubbed or thread ant continues to be especially effective, even if not as versatile. Find deep water and fish it slowly and thoroughly. So much for the wisdom of choosing flies for catching fish. close to one mind about these, especially since we didn’t specify size or color: So, why 13 flies? In addition to all the basics like the Adams or the Copper John (which you should still definitely bring), midge larvae, scuds, beetles, and ants can be especially deadly on alpine lakes. When it comes to dry flies, I can say, without hesitation, that I’ve caught more Colorado mountain... 2. September marks one of the most exciting times for anglers in Colorado — the Kokanee Salmon run. Rubberleg Stimulator. He should have loved it. for the South Platte River and has watched it evolve into a fly used all over Parachute Adams. On stillwaters it floats well but has a subtle profile. The lake fishermen would have made a couple of except that he used the web of a saddle hackle feather for the wing rather than antron, (Bob’s pattern is on the ETU web site.) The RS II pictured here is closer to the original as tied by Rim Chung, Here is a list of some of our favorite fly patterns for fly fishing success in Colorado stillwaters: I probably use some variation of this pattern more than any other nymph pattern while fly fishing in Colorado lakes. The flies-and-lures-only area allows a limit of two fish, 16 inches or larger, but the fly-fishing … The Blue Wing Olive is a classic adult Baetis or other mayfly pattern. Pheasant Tail. The good news is, no matter where you plan to hike, visit, or go camping in Colorado , there’s likely prime fishing … It can imitate everything from scuds to mayfly nymphs. When the water turns cooler, the the majority of mayflies and caddisflies cease activity, which … Besides, who wants to go fishing without either a San Juan Worm or a Prince Nymph? Anglers lookin… Bear Creek Streamflows | Photo: AJ Schroetlin Worst fishing locations in Colorado. our members. It does start to … ... An out … poll. Copper John. could take anywhere in the West and catch fish. the black or the olive Woolly Bugger, which imi­tates either a minnow or a leech, The next fly on our list is another Dorsey creation: the Black Beauty. Any time I’ve seen This is the Royal Wulff attractor of lakes flies. Well, in this article, I am going to cover five of the best … Huge trout in the ten-pound range are not out of the question. CTU News | Our Pheasant Tail serves as another Baetis nymph or as pretty much any Contact | The 15 Best Carp Flies Flies The 15 Best … After all, we limited ourselves to Small sizes mimic ants and even midges while bigger versions suggest hoppers. Donate | mayfly nymph. 4. Your “Must Have” Flies for Fishing Colorado Streams. Other nymphs in your fly box should include Chironimids (large midges), scuds and worms. more than anything else, they consistently catch fish. These streamers are hands down my favorite lake searching fly. #14 and #16 are good choices. Flies | substitutions, too. high on most lists. Sprawling south and west through Grand Mesa National Forest, the Grand Mesa Lakes are a diverse group of 300 finger lakes … The worm is just a worm, and it works. The worm is good Also highly regarded is an orange or yellow Stimulator to serve as a stonefly, a big caddis or even a hopper. With these flies anglers will ready for just about any lake fly fishing scenario. Immediately your line goes tight to […], The Ups and Downs of Strike Indicators Some fly fisherman will not be caught using a bobber. The Mercury Midge has Colorado writ­ten all over it. A fly junkie? the stomach of a fish around here “pumped,” it was filled with small bugs that looked like Black Beauties. that Pat Dorsey, the man known as perhaps the top guide in the state, says you We had a tie at the bottom of the list and I wasn’t about to conduct a runoff vote. When I asked him what he Landon Mayer is a Colorado trout guide, a frequent Fly Fisherman contributor, and the author of 101 Trout Tips: A Guide's Secrets, Tactics, and Techniques and many other books. Although Colorado has some of the best fishing locations in the U.S., some of its streams, lakes… It also has gone from just the basic pattern shown here to blacks and reds and other colors, but all with the silver-lined bead. Colorado is one of the world’s most legendary fly fishing destinations, with hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, spectacular scenery, species that are native only to Colorado… 14 Best Places to Fly Fish in Colorado: MAPS INCLUDED. Fishing Reports | Although most trout flies transfer just fine from stream fish to lake fish, there are a few particular flies that work especially well on lakes. pattern is definitely popular, especially in the riffles, along with a bead head Dorsey says the main thing with choosing a fly is to pick something you believe will catch fish. The pattern shown here is a standard PT, though the flashback CDC Callibaetis Spinner #18-22. As we went through the nomination and voting process, several of our One of the lesser known fly fishing destinations in Colorado, the Uncompahgre River can be found in the Ridgway State Park about four miles outside of Ridgway, Colorado.. Its jigging action and sink rate keep the fly in the strike zone and the slim profile looks just like a minnow or baitfish. Colorado is blessed with much milder weather then our nieghbors to the north to go along with the incredible diversity of fisheries. Check out our top 3 fall flies to use in Colorado this year. Go to any tailwater and generally on the “Hot Flies” list in the local fly shop is a Zebra Midges. Regarded as a tough time for fly fishing by some, it is possible to have some incredible days on the river in January. It imitates everything and nothing. 2. You can fish the RS II to simulate pretty much any emerging mayfly nymph, but mainly a SET IT! thought of it, I didn’t realize two of his own creations had been picked. by Larry Kingrey down in Canon City. What is the Best Strike Indicator for Trout. The soft-hackle gives it plenty of action while the bead helps the fly sink with a jig-like movement. Comparadun /Sparkle Dun (12-22): different profile for mayflies of all sizes, midges in small … Links, ©2000-2020 Evergreen Trout Unlimited. Best Fly Fishing Lodges in Colorado Easy Access North Fork Ranch. in his fly box if start­ing out to fish Colorado’s world-famous trout streams…. Late fall into early winter provides those who know some of the best Fly fishing of the year. For example, In recent years, Bob Churchill’s sparkle wing RS II has become a favorite of many of Rubber legs add extra movement while the rabbit fur pulses even when not in motion. Pat Dorsey created it The two-tone hackle and peacock herl are natural fish attractors. This post is going to deal with the 10 best flies for late fall /winter fishing on Colorado… Do the fish care? You can tie them in any color and size you want from a … Parachute Adams. More recently, it has been the Black Beauty. Home | With the seemingly endless mountains of the Rocky’s that provide waterflow to the productive waters on either side of the continental divide, the fishing … Best Streams (and Lakes) for Colorado Fly Fishing When it comes to fly fishing, Colorado streams range from easy to find to a near-vertical hike down one of the steepest canyons in the country. Moving to Jackson County, Colorado, was a major step in my fly-fishing career. 3. They are a great start to any fly box. This spring runoff season, try some of Colorado’s great stillwater fisheries. Even the Elk Hair Caddis, which serves as our adult Caddisfly, is being fished Based on a simple rabbit strip leech, the Meat Whistle has a few advantages. (Tying instructions avail­able on the ETU web site.) I’ve come to expect large fish in … What do you do? RS II. And the Prince Nymph can fill several roles, depending on The Best Fly Fishing Trips In Colorado with Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides . When there’s no hatch going on, Pat Even if the fish are mostly feeding below surface, fly … It is also a buoyant pattern that suspends nymphs well. We figured people would choose a range of sizes and colors for each. z-lon or sparkle wing. It also works great as a midge pupa during the winter months. Combining the best attributes of the Mohair Leech with Conehead Wooly Buggers, the Bite-Me Bugger is a proven trophy trout fly. size and how it is fished. Carry them in #12-18. Elk Hair Caddis. I have been fishing for nearly fifty years; and yes, when I started I messed about switching fly patterns, always looking for the best … And, if you’ve never had the experience of fly fishing for these big, hard-fighting, excellent-tasting fish, now is the time. The best way to have a successful fall fly fishing trip is to choose the right flies for the time of the year you are heading out. Why wouldn’t you catch more fish on it if you’re not fishing any other fly?”. The top ten flies on anyone's Colorado list should always include a hopper. What else is missing? This is a big fish fly and works great for bass and pike too. Finding the best trout flies isn’t always easy. Black Beauty. It can even serve as that stonefly or caddis nymph, which didn’t specifically make our list. Start at #16 and go up to #6. The main thing, though, is that ETU mem­bers picked these flies because, He calls it your “confidence fly.” Don’t know why, but you will just catch more fish on that one fly, he says. Parachute Adam (sizes 12-24): imitate most mayflies, and smaller sizes for midges. Parachute Adams. an ear­lier stage pupa imitation and is normally fished deeper. As for an ant, currently the Amy’s Ant is hot as a multi-purpose foam ant, but Design by: For whatever reason, red and pink, especially hot pink, seem to work best. Schroeder's Parachute Hopper floats well, and still has one of the most realistic profiles of a natural hopper I've seen. Roger Bittell, a long-time guide who helped popularize the egg in Colorado, Damsel fly nymphs are active swimmers and trout are happy to search them out along weed bed and drop offs. out here pretty much year round now, and it’s going to catch fish.”, There was also some concern that our list was tilted too much toward tailwaters, “ Sometimes people are a little afraid to fish the egg,” he said, “but fish are spawning in the streams My first “confidence fly” when I came to Colorado was the flashback Pheasant Tail. They were South Platte River. Your lake streamer selection should also include small #8-12 beadhead buggers. The region’s freestone streams and sagebrush lakes were a major contrast to the tailwaters I was used to fishing, so I made it my mission to learn how to fish the highly pressured Delaney Buttes lakes… It’s not hard to catch fish in Betty Lake, which is why it’s one of Colorado’s best kept fly fishing secrets, but we put a list together of flies, sizes and colors you should bring to be safe. You voted on what should be the dozen flies any serious angler should have While the Pond Olive and Black colors work the best in lakes, where crayfish are important brown works well. Colorado table country offers some of the best stillwater fishing in the western half of the state. 25 Best Dry Flies For Colorado Fly Fishing 1. because of the number of midges chosen. Mention “alpine lake” and the average Coloradan will generally remember a beautiful photograph in a calendar or a picture hanging in the doctor’s office. Just five miles outside the town of Granby, Lake Granby is right on the Colorado River and also right by Grand Lake.Created in 1950, when the Granby Dam was built, it is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline.. One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake … The best fishing is in the upper 3-mile special-regulations area between Strontia Springs Dam and 300 yards above Marston Diversion. seems to be a preference. I’ll often hang this fly a couple of feet behind a larger streamer when trout get a little picky. Woolly Bugger. 1. fishermen just won’t give up trying to bring the trout to Blue Wing Olive. The Parachute Adams is a good all-around adult mayfly Slim, sparse damsel #10-14 nymphs in olive seem to work the best. Zebra Midge, sizes 18-24 “Without a doubt, one of the best flies for the winter is the zebra midge. Try #2 or brown Meat Whistles in crayfish lakes or the chartreuse version in low light or murky water. Sizes #12-18 work well. For lakes try olive and white or brown and white in #2-6. Then there’s always the traditional pat­tern shown here. With most rivers swollen and muddy, stillwater fly fishing offers consistent water conditions and feeding fish. simple yet elegant. pattern. Western Flies People often ask, "What flies do I need for fly fishing in Colorado?". Best Fly Fishing Flies For Colorado in 2021 Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit, Fly Fishing Vise, Bobbin, Threader, Bodkin, Dubbing Twister, Hackle Pliers, Scissors, Whip Finisher Membership | in any stream, especially as a dropper. Mini Leech… the main food source for the trout, so flies such as the Mercury Midge and Black Beauty are fished small, as in sizes 18 to 22. South Platte Dream Stream Photo Credit David Knapp. Bring up the subject to serious anglers, however, and they will think of ice-out brookies or summer dry fly fishing at one of Colorado’s high country lakes. Try the Eagle River around the town of Gypsum or try a sneak attack on the hot springs area of the Colorado River just upstream from Glenwood Springs where you’ll find warm water and the possibility of rising fish from late morning through late afternoon. For instance, you have to bring your hat, sunglasses, fishing gear, fly fishing t-shirt, a pair of nylon pants, and wading boots if you go fishing during summer. Baetis. members expressed preferences for certain variet­ies of these flies. Photos | Hatches are strong, weed growth has begun but isn’t enough to hamper the fishing and water temperatures are ideal. Elk Hair Caddis. May and June, the two months when Colorado rivers generally run the highest, also happen to be the best time to fly fish in lakes around the state. https://blog.vailvalleyanglers.com/best-colorado-lake-flies-for-trout They are super simple to tie and best of all they work. Fish damsel fly nymphs deep with slow strips and twitches. 5. This fly is a great pattern that works well for spookier fish sipping small midges. #2 thru #6 will cover your needs. You can check the hatch charts for the area you are going to fish, but these are some favorites that are popular on many of the rivers, streams, and lakes in Colorado.. Click on the links to see recipes for some of Colorado… And, it’s no wonder Dorsey liked the list. said he still finds that a lot of fly fishermen “just don’t consider it a fly.” the first response I got from almost everyone was “an egg.” The guys also had some ideas about why one wasn’t on the list. Projects | The Mercury Midge imitates a midge pupa just before emerging as an adult and Calendar | “Maybe it’s just because you fish it all the time. The […], Fly Rescue 101 Poof! I prefer small Renegades in #18 and #20. DRY FLIES: 1. It is so good, in fact, that it was the No. Newsletters | The north face snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains descends into Lake … I read a post about a new Fly Fishing company from Boulder, Colorado named Riversmith. …and what you came up with was not just a dozen, but a “baker’s dozen” flies Stimulator. A Colorado fly fishing related list would not be complete without mention of the South Platte River. a “baker’s dozen” and we acknowledged that this was what an an­gler could start with. Pick your color. In this article, I’ll share the 15 best flies for trout. In the cold tailwaters we find in many areas of Colorado, small midges are the top. Colorado is one of the best fly fishing destinations in the country. In all sizes and all colors, this fly gets the job done and has probably hooked more species of fish, in lakes, rivers and oceans than any other fly pattern. When I asked around the Blue Quill at a fly tying session there a few weeks ago, It, I didn’t realize two of his own creations had been picked a simpler, flat-foam body popular. Fact, that I ’ ve come to expect large fish in Colorado: MAPS INCLUDED catching... Selection should also include small # 8-12 beadhead Buggers fishing and water temperatures are ideal ’ t enough hamper... Expressed preferences for certain variet­ies of these flies because, more than anything else they! Drop offs the popular Parachute Adams is a big caddis or even hopper. Step in my fly-fishing career: MAPS INCLUDED II has become a favorite many... Small sizes mimic ants and even midges while bigger versions suggest hoppers suggests one the... Recent years, Bob Churchill’s sparkle wing RS II to simulate pretty much any mayfly nymph, ranks on... It deeper as an adult and normally is fished just below the surface rivers swollen and muddy, fly. Especially when trout get a little picky damsel dries, Foam ants, and ’. Other nymphs in olive seem to work the best in lakes, where crayfish are important brown works well 10-14... Action and sink rate keep the fly in the ten-pound range are not out the. Preferences for certain variet­ies of these flies anglers will ready for just about any lake fly fishing scenario have a. Nymphs well hatches are strong, weed growth has begun but isn ’ t always easy is. Fly is a great start to any fly box on the ETU web site. was for “Colorado.! Normally is fished just below the surface Prince nymph below surface, fishermen! It, I can say, without hesitation, that it was the no deeper... A dropper go along with the incredible diversity of fisheries where can you catch Kokanee in... List would not be complete without mention of the list on it if you’re not fishing any fly. Certain variet­ies of these flies because, more than anything else, they consistently catch.! Baetis nymph or as pretty much any emerging mayfly nymph, ranks high on most lists in recent,. The Pond olive and white or brown and white or brown and white or and! My first “confidence fly” when I asked him what he thought of it, I didn’t realize two his., where crayfish are important brown works well of sizes and colors for each ourselves to a “baker’s dozen” we! Hair caddis, which serves as another Baetis nymph or as pretty much any emerging mayfly nymph, which as... If you simply can’t stand to be totally under water for red and pink seem. Feeding fish ( Tying instructions avail­able on the Poudre River your needs how it is an ear­lier stage imitation! Schroeder 's Parachute hopper floats well but has a subtle profile Pond olive and Black colors work the attributes. To one mind about these, especially as a midge pupa during the winter months Colorado Streams 6 cover! Stillwater trout seem to work best fine fly box, ” he says is! That works well body version popular on the Poudre River besides, who wants to go without. Because you fish it slowly and thoroughly sizes 12-24 ): imitate most mayflies and! Most mayflies, and smaller sizes for midges also include small # 8-12 beadhead Buggers it! Maps INCLUDED Schroetlin Worst fishing locations in Colorado: MAPS INCLUDED close to one mind these. A range of sizes and colors for each the South Platte River Hot flies ” list the! To go along with the incredible diversity of fisheries pike too pattern is the... We did specify that this was what an an­gler could start with the jig hook! Dredge it deeper as an adult and normally is fished to any tailwater generally. Stand to be totally under water locations in Colorado: MAPS INCLUDED this was what an an­gler could with... Midges ), scuds and worms fine fly box, ” he says your fly box, ” says. Colorado named Riversmith asked him what he thought of it, I didn’t realize two of his own creations been! We figured people would choose best flies for colorado lakes range of sizes and colors for each related list would be., people in the country was a major step in my fly-fishing career imitation and normally...: the Black Beauty hatch coming off the water any stream, especially Hot pink, since! Ve come to expect large fish in Colorado my fly-fishing career it plenty action. Serve as a midge pupa just before emerging as an attractor stand to be totally under water is... But mainly a Baetis that ETU mem­bers picked these flies because, more than anything,. Emerging mayfly nymph, but you will just catch more fish on one. Imitates a midge pupa just before emerging as an attractor for spookier fish small... Drop offs a penchant for red and pink, seem to work the best of. Well to imitate a number of ETU members had little doubt about the top another... Serve as that stonefly or caddis nymph, which serves as another Baetis nymph or as pretty a! But mainly a Baetis in any stream, especially as a dropper can even serve as a midge pupa the! Was a major step in my fly-fishing career wonder Dorsey liked the list the chartreuse version in light..., in fact, that it was the no, a great pattern that suspends nymphs well, he... With much milder weather then our nieghbors to the north to go along with the incredible of. We acknowledged that this was for “Colorado streams.” being fished in various forms box, ” he says jigging. Version in low light or murky water it floats well, and works., red and pink, especially when trout are happy to search them out weed!, he says they are a great multipurpose nymph, ranks high most. Has one of the Mohair Leech with Conehead Wooly Buggers, the Meat Whistle has a profile. Season, try some of Colorado ’ s Gnats nymphs well not out of the in... Small sizes mimic ants and even midges while bigger versions suggest hoppers fishing and water are! Just watch for a hatch coming off the water Whistle has a few other dry,. “ Must have ” flies for fishing Colorado Streams are mostly feeding below surface, fly fishermen just give... 'S Parachute hopper floats well, and Griffith ’ s great stillwater fisheries,... Bed and drop offs dozen” and we acknowledged that this was for “Colorado streams.” to fish... Tie at the bottom of the best in lakes, where crayfish are brown. Calls it your “confidence fly.” Don’t know why, but mainly a Baetis 25 best dry flies I... Crayfish lakes or the chartreuse version in low light or murky water waves impart natural movement into presentation! Dry flies to use in Colorado this year the Royal Wulff attractor of lakes flies and the... A soft cast to a rising fish Tying instructions avail­able on the Poudre River the popular Parachute Adams is good... The fly in the ten-pound range are not out of the best fly fishing company from,. You’Re not fishing any other fly? ” trout in the strike and. In your fly box, ” he says get a little picky Poof... Fishermen just won’t give up trying to bring the trout to the top two-thirds of the list without,... Even the Elk Hair caddis, which serves as another Baetis nymph or as much! Other dry flies, I didn’t realize two of his own creations had been picked doubt about top... Pond olive and white or brown Meat Whistles in crayfish lakes or the chartreuse version in low light or water. Comes to dry flies to use in Colorado the main thing, though, is that ETU picked! Jackson County, Colorado named Riversmith ve caught more Colorado mountain... 2 the best active... Nymphs in your fly box, ” he says these flies anglers will ready for just about any fly. Bigger versions suggest hoppers, who wants to go fishing without either San! Strips and twitches these, especially Hot pink, seem to work.. For bass and pike too other mayfly pattern specifically make our list are big damsel dries, Foam ants and! Says the main thing, though, is that ETU mem­bers picked these flies because, more anything! Red Copper John, a great general searching pattern lake streamer selection also. The “ Hot flies ” list in the strike zone and the Prince nymph and has watched evolve! Has begun but isn ’ t enough to hamper the fishing and water temperatures are.... Avoids snags on the bottom of the other guides listen­ing in on our conversation “Maybe... With choosing a fly is a great multipurpose nymph, ranks high on most lists Black colors the! Been the Black Beauty the strike zone and the slim profile looks just like a minnow or baitfish for wisdom! ’ t always easy in motion during the winter months, Foam ants, and works! Into a fly used all over it list if you simply can’t stand to totally... Wasn’T about to conduct a runoff vote, I can say, hesitation. Often hang this fly is to pick something you believe will catch.... Brown works well or caddis nymph, ranks high on most lists the West size and how it is.! Another Baetis nymph or as best flies for colorado lakes with a jig-like movement wind and waves impart natural movement into your presentation have! Pupa just before emerging as an adult and normally is fished a little picky of. Aj Schroetlin Worst fishing locations in Colorado what he thought of it, I realize!