BEST TIME TO FLY FISH IN COLORADO
Colorado is home to some of the country’s most scenic and productive fly fishing waters. With over 6,000 miles of streams and more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, it’s no surprise that anglers travel worldwide to cast a fly here. But while the state offers year-round opportunities, knowing the best time to fly fish in Colorado can make the difference between a decent day on the water and a truly unforgettable one.
At Sage Outdoor Adventures, fly fishing isn’t just something we do—it’s a core part of our identity. Our guided fly fishing trips on the Eagle River and surrounding waterways give anglers of all levels access to some of the finest stretches of water in the state, including private land access you won’t find elsewhere.
If you’re wondering when to plan your Colorado fly fishing trip, this guide will explain seasonal conditions, hatch activity, and what to expect month-by-month—all through the lens of what Sage Outdoor Adventures can offer.
A Season-by-Season Breakdown of Fly Fishing in Colorado
Fly fishing in Colorado is not just about catching fish; it’s also about the experience of immersing yourself in nature’s beauty. With breathtaking landscapes and varying wildlife, every trip is an adventure waiting to be had. Here’s what you can expect in each season for fly fishing in Colorado.
Spring (March-May): A Time of Transition
Spring fly fishing in Colorado is often underrated, but it can be highly productive with the right timing and location. As winter loosens its grip, trout become more active and hungry, especially on warmer afternoons.
Highlights:
- Blue-winged olives (BWOs) and midges are the go-to patterns.
- Pre-runoff conditions on tailwaters and lower-elevation freestones can offer excellent action.
- Water clarity starts to improve, and fish begin moving into feeding lanes.
At Sage Outdoor Adventures, spring begins our guided fly fishing season, especially on the Eagle River. With fewer anglers on the water and fish eager to feed after a long winter, booking a trip is an excellent time if you want solitude and strong results.
Summer (June – August): Prime Time for Fly Fishing
Ask any experienced Colorado angler, and they’ll likely tell you that mid-June through early August is the best time to fly fish in Colorado. Dry fly fishing becomes the main attraction once runoff subsides and water levels stabilize.
Highlights:
- Major hatches: Caddis, PMDs, green drakes, stoneflies, and terrestrials (hoppers, ants, beetles).
- Rivers are clear, accessible, and full of active fish.
- It is ideal for walk-and-wade or float trips.
Sage Outdoor Adventures offers half-day and full-day guided fly fishing experiences during summer. Our professional guides know the hatch schedules, water levels, and prime stretches of water to give you the best chance at success. Whether you’re looking to land wild browns or cast dry flies on crystal-clear riffles, this season delivers.
Fall (September – November): Low Pressure, High Reward
Fall in Colorado is often overlooked—but it may be the most visually stunning time to fly fish. As the temperatures drop, the trout feed aggressively in preparation for winter.
Highlights:
- Cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and fewer crowds.
- Reliable hatches of BWOs, tricos, and October caddis.
- It is an excellent time for streamers to fish and sight-cast to select trout.
At Sage Outdoor Adventures, fall is one of our favorite seasons to take guests out. You’ll enjoy peaceful rivers with golden aspens and clear water conditions perfect for technical presentations and light tippets. If you want a combination of productivity and serenity, fall fly fishing in Colorado is hard to beat.
Winter (December – February): Tailwater Tactics
Winter fly fishing isn’t for everyone, but for the committed angler, it offers a unique and rewarding challenge. Fish are sluggish but still feed—primarily on tiny midges and nymphs.
Highlights:
- Fishable waters are limited to tailwaters like the Blue River and South Platte.
- Midges dominate the hatch chart.
- Focus on midday fishing, when water temps rise slightly.
While Sage Outdoor Adventures pauses most guided fishing trips during the coldest winter months due to access and safety, we’re happy to advise guests on when and where to go if they’re interested in DIY winter fly fishing. When conditions allow, early March and late February can produce solid fishing.
What Influences the Best Time to Fly Fish in Colorado?
The best time to fly fish in Colorado is often influenced by factors such as the season, water temperatures, and insect hatches, which can vary significantly across different regions of the state.
Snowmelt and Runoff
Runoff—usually from late May into early June—can make many freestone rivers murky and high. During this period, we shift our trips to tailwaters and smaller streams, where flows remain more consistent and the water is clearer.
Hatch Cycles
Understanding seasonal insect hatches is key to fly fishing success. Our guides at Sage Outdoor Adventures study local hatch charts, river temperatures, and water flows to match flies to what trout are feeding on.
Water Temperature
Trout thrive in water between 50°F and 65°F. Too cold or too warm, and their feeding activity slows down. Our guides closely monitor river temperatures to determine the best time of day to be on the water.
Where We Fish: Sage Outdoor Adventures Fly Fishing Destinations
At Sage, we primarily guide on the Eagle River, one of Colorado’s most beautiful and productive freestone rivers. Because of our exclusive access to private water, guests can enjoy stretches of river untouched by public pressure, leading to more aggressive fish and less competition.
Depending on water conditions and seasonal access, we also offer trips to nearby tributaries and creeks. Our guided experiences include:
- All necessary gear (rods, reels, waders, boots, flies)
- Transportation to and from the river
- Personalized instruction and casting tips
- Half-day and full-day options
- Wading and floating trip options
- Custom trips based on hatch charts and skill level
Fishing licenses are required in Colorado. You can follow this link to purchase a temporary license.
Whether you’re a first-time fly fisher or a seasoned angler looking to refine your skills, our guides ensure your educational and memorable trip.
Fly Fishing Tips by Season
- Spring: Focus on tailwaters; fish nymphs deep and slow.
- Summer: Start early or fish evenings; pack dry flies and terrestrials.
- Fall: Use streamers to target big browns; expect clear, technical water.
- Winter: Fish midges mid-day in slower tailwater sections.
Plan Your Fly Fishing Trip with Sage Outdoor Adventures
The best time to fly fish in Colorado ultimately depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for—but Sage Outdoor Adventures is here to help make it unforgettable. From springtime hatches to peak summer dry fly days and peaceful fall mornings, our expert guides will help you find the right season, the right stretch of river, and fly.
Ready to fish? Book your Colorado fly fishing adventure with Sage Outdoor Adventures today.
Nick Junker
General Manager
I’m dedicated to leveraging my skills and experiences to make a positive impact in the professional realm.
With a background in Sales and Outdoor Recreation, I’ve navigated through various roles where I’ve honed my expertise in Risk Management, Business Development and Financial Analysis. From Account Executive to General Manager, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of client and employee relations, Human Resources, Project Management and overall business operations from generating sales to budgeting expenses and managing over 30 employees.
My mission is to create a great culture in any organization I am apart of, through creating efficient industry specific systems within the business that satisfies both employees and investors. Whether it’s through implementing new business systems or managing employee expectations, I’m committed to meeting the goals of the organization.
Known for my strong leadership and organizational skills, I excel in delegating tasks to keep projects and goals on task and on budget. I’m passionate about systems, always seeking innovative solutions to making the business run smoother and more efficiently. I believe in the power of collaboration and enjoy working with diverse individuals to build a strong team thats driven to accomplish the organizations goals.
