Fly Fishing in Colorado
Tailwaters full of big trout, high mountain creeks with native cutthroat, and freestone rivers with strong summer hatches: Colorado is one of the top fly fishing states in the West.
- 34River guides
- 17Game fish
Flows right now in Colorado
4 of 9 top rivers are flowing normal for today
- Gunnison River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 98 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Animas River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 224 cfs Much above normal Above the 90th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Roaring Fork River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 2 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Blue River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 11 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 36 minutes ago
- Taylor River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 98 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Fryingpan River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 47 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- East River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 109 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Gore Creek(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 3 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 51 minutes ago
- San Juan River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 501 cfs Much above normal Above the 90th percentile updated 1 hour ago
USGS readings compared with each gage's daily flow percentiles (historical record for today's date).
Check the water before you go
Live flows, hatches and fishability ratings for every one of these rivers, in the free FlyFishFinder app.
When to go
How busy the hatches are each month across Colorado, from the watershed hatch charts.
- Fewer to more hatches
- Prime season
- Runoff
- This month
Typical hatches in Colorado in October
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Blue-Winged Olive PeakMayfly
South Platte River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Gunnison River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Roaring Fork River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
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Mahogany DunMayfly
South Platte River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Gunnison River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Roaring Fork River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
Starting next month: Midge
Smaller streams often see lighter or later hatches; check local reports.
Fish in Colorado
Tap a fish to see every Colorado river that holds it.
Brown Trout
In 26 river guides
Brook Trout
In 12 river guides
Common Carp
In 10 river guides
9 more game fish
Fly fishing in Colorado
Colorado's tailwaters are its most famous trout water. The South Platte below Cheesman and Spinney reservoirs, the Fryingpan below Ruedi Reservoir and the Taylor River hold large rainbow and brown trout in clear, steady water. These rivers fish year-round and are known for small flies and picky fish.
The freestone rivers come alive after runoff. The Arkansas, Colorado, Roaring Fork, Gunnison, Eagle, Yampa, Animas and Cache la Poudre all have good hatches, with caddis, mayflies and stoneflies through the summer. The state's best stretches are designated Gold Medal Waters.
Up high, small streams and lakes hold brook trout and native cutthroat, including greenback, Colorado River and Rio Grande cutthroat in protected waters. A short rod and a hike will get you to wild fish in the mountains most of the summer.
Tips for fishing Colorado
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Fish tailwaters in spring
During runoff, head to the South Platte, Fryingpan or Taylor. Midges and small mayfly nymphs on fine tippet are the standard.
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Catch the summer hatches
Caddis and mayflies are common on the freestones after runoff, and stoneflies hatch on some rivers in early summer. Hoppers work along the banks in late summer.
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Go high for cutthroat
Small streams and alpine lakes hold brook trout and cutthroat. A 3 or 4 weight and a few attractor dries are all you need.
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Respect the altitude
Much of Colorado's water is above 8,000 feet. Drink water, wear sun protection, and get off the water when afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
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Float the bigger rivers
Rivers like the Colorado, Gunnison and Roaring Fork are good for a drift boat or raft, and floating covers more water than wading.
Find the right Colorado river for today.
- Top Waters Today ranks the rivers near you on live conditions
- Every access point and parking area on one map
- Live flows from every USGS gauge in the state
Colorado fly fishing FAQ
Where is the best fly fishing in Colorado?
The South Platte, Fryingpan, Arkansas, Roaring Fork, Gunnison and Colorado Rivers are some of the best-known trout rivers, with tailwaters fishing year-round.
What are Gold Medal Waters?
Gold Medal Waters are rivers and lakes that Colorado Parks and Wildlife designates for high-quality trout fishing, based on the number and size of trout.
When is runoff in Colorado?
Runoff usually peaks from late May through June and can last into July. Tailwaters are the best bet until the freestone rivers drop and clear.
What kinds of trout are in Colorado?
Rainbow, brown and brook trout, plus native cutthroat, including greenback, Colorado River and Rio Grande cutthroat in protected waters.
Do I need a license to fly fish in Colorado?
Yes, you need a Colorado fishing license. Many rivers have special regulations, so check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current rules.
What flies work on Colorado tailwaters?
Small midges, mayfly nymphs, scuds and egg patterns. Fish are often picky, so go small and use light tippet.
