Best Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado

Most people think that fly fishing is just a summer activity, but don’t be fooled!  You can still catch monster trouts in the river on a snowy afternoon.  During the winter season, divert your locations to bigger pools of water.  Fish in the winter are lazy and tend not to hang out; much different than the warmer months, where they’re on the move all the time.  Use the following few techniques to continuously get a good catch throughout the colder months!

Colorado is filled with endless rivers to fish while the snow falls.  Head out to the Gold Medal waters and you will surely spot some huge trout!  Only one hour west of the Denver area, The Blue River – a tributary of the Colorado River – is approximately 65 miles long.  The river starts at the base of Quandary Peak south of Breckenridge and goes all the way to Kremmling, CO.  The 19 miles that pass from Silverthorne to Green Mountain Reservoir are a gold mine.  Be sure to use mysis shrimp flies, as those will get the trout’s attention on cold winter days.

The Colorado River will stay ice free in sections for the winter months.  With the Colorado River being a very popular river, a lot of weekender flock here in hopes to grab a monster. From Pumphouse to Radium, you are going to find the best section of water to get those trout.

Near the South Platte Waterton Canyon below Strontias Springs Reservoir, has always been a great winter fishery.  However, over the last few years it has been spotty at best. If flows are below 50 and the temps have been dipping well below freezing, prepare for a long hike before you find open water. While hiking in the winter can be very rewarding, you want to make sure that you are fully equipped to head out in the backcountry during the winter months.  Layering under your waders and doubling up your socks are going to help you keep the warmest, as well as gloves are essential.  Patagonia produces some of the best waders on the market.

Flies for Winter Fishing

Dry Flies: Sprout BWO, Griffiths Gnat, Shucking Midge, Sprout Midge, Parachute Adams.

Nymphs: Poison Tung, Ray Charles, BWO Emerger,
Flashback Pheasant Tail, Rainbow Warrior, Trout Beads, Desert Story, Juju Midge, and Pats Rubber Legs

Streamers: Thin Mint, Bread ‘n Butter Bugger, Gummer Bugger, and Slumpbusters

Takes these tips for the winter months, grab your buddy (and maybe a beer) and get out on the river.  If you are in need of some assistance with your fly fishing technique, contact us to get you on the river this season.

 

*Featured image courtesy of Gink and Gasoline.