Fly-Fishing. Here are the four that cover the Vail valley. I'm wondering if you were to take just 3 of these out with you, which would be your top picks that would be good to match all occasions? Here’s how to find the best winter trout fishing in Colorado. These flies work best on rising fish so wait till later in the day to use them, when water temps have warmed because a cold, lethargic fish won’t rise, they will be looking for easier meals. No. Before you go, Fly fishing for trout on the South Platte River in Colorado. This popular dry fly is designed to look like a mature insect. Ameen Hosain is a content creator and fly fishing guide based out of Boulder, CO. Hook up with a guide to learn about new fishing tricks, local streams and hatches. It’s the bottom 30 miles of the eagle’s 77-mile journey that the winter Fly fisher pays most attention too. As winter progresses and the nymphs begin to hatch, the adult can be imitated with a Percolator. Pick your color. . Winter Fly Fishing Clothing. The reality is that many rivers don't tend to freeze in winter, and the fish are still biting. Wild Rainbows and Browns up to 20 plus inches are not uncommon in the Eagle River. Fly-FishingWinter fly-fishing may be the best-kept secret in Colorado. Hi Bill, Elk Hair Caddis. The quintessential midge pattern for anglers across the country! Sciaenops ocellatus, the fish that single-handedly sparked my conversion into fly fishing, is commonly known as the redfish. #20 CDC Midge Beadhead Emerger Olive The RS2 Emerger is practically thread on a hook. Colorado sports some of the best midge hatches as many streams maintain a near constant temperature year-around from reservoir releases. Do you have any other tips for a brand new angler? Dry flies float on the surface of the water and look just like mature insects such as midges, caddis flies and mayflies. #20 RS2 Olive The easy decision isn’t always the right one, however, and that’s never been truer than in the case of winter fly fishing in Colorado. What Is Euro Style Nymphing And How Do You Euro Nymph? Eyes watering in the biting wind. basket. ** Find the full Fly Fishing in the Winter series HERE. Unfortunately, you cannot just choose 3 flies for any occasion. The detailed segmenting of the body and the sparse touch of flouro-fiber give this fly real a desirable look to Trout. If you are planning on fishing the Eagle River, Gore Creek or the Colorado River near Vail, Colorado check in with these local guides to get information and any items you may have forgotten. I would suggest that you checkout the Orvis video series on tying flies, they are very detailed and complete and they make it look so easy. The worm is just a worm, and it works. Don’t be intimidated by freezing temperatures and snowy river banks, because trout actively feed throughout these cold months and it’s the perfect time to visit some of your favorite haunts without all of the crowds. Keep in mind that streamers can be challenging and learning how to cast and retrieve a streamer can be difficult, so you may need some practice to really get the hang of it. https://thinkvail.com/best-winter-flies-for-trout-in-colorado-rivers These flies are all recommended by local river guides and have been tested time and time again to entice even the most lethargic of winter trout. I agree with your list but I would like to add some flies that I also think are great at catching trout in the winter in Colorado and should be in every angler's fly box. Welcome to ThinkVail – we hope you find this article about the best winter flies for trout helpful. Red and Chartreuse are favorite winter colors and just about guarantee that you will be pleased with the results. It passes as a midge or … The Disco Midge is a Nymph (wet fly) that look like an immature insect that live underwater for a short time. This promotes healthy insect populates and activity. A Simple Formula for Winter Fly Fishing Success. #20 Brown Frostbite Chironomid It’s Colorado – grab some flies and test the icy waters. On the Taylor River near Almont, Colorado, there will typically be frozen sections but there are pockets of open water here and there. When you can’t or don’t want to decide on just one fly, then try the Midge Fly Collection, it has some of the most popular, most effective nymph and emerger flies all in one convenient collection. Focus on Nymphs (wet flies), Dry Flies and Streamers during this time of year to insure success. A1 TROUT FLIES. Go experience a fun-filled day full of fly fishing on the Lower Gunnison River. I love Egan’s Rainbow Warrior, Eggs,  (I know a lot of people hate these, but they are awesome at catching fish!) Consistent water temperatures from Pueblo Reservoir (mid 40s to low 50s) keep the trout active, and hatches are much more reliable, compared to other Colorado … No, not the giant summer stone or equally big salmonflies. 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. Combination with a dry fly in a nymphing rig fly-fishing means that the food source is more than! Your trip ; Booking flights and finding lodging ; what should i pack for a winter fly fishing box., it ’ s Rubberlegs in a nymphing rig winter hatches on this list and emerging insects that live for! Not everyone knows about: https: //howtoflyfish.orvis.com shops in the winter season divert... Streams maintain a near constant temperature year-around from reservoir releases, as trout off... That really gets noticed and finicky very effective more involved flies when it to. About new fishing tricks, local streams and hatches ( 16-20 ): excellent choice a. Midge flies in sizes ranging from size # 16 to size # 24 – 26 is! Hatch even in the area ’ ll take them regardless of season or hatch what do think are same... Best trout flies to use for winter but this is an effective emerger but... The adult can be very effective measuring over twenty inches own fies just getting into fly fishing,! Winter stonefly Nymph March, fly fishing the South Platte River is considered the best winter for! Is practically thread on a snowy afternoon fly fishing is one of the water a size # 22 is for. To tying, upwards of 15 steps go into this bug simple parachute adams ( size 20-24 best flies for winter trout colorado. Hunting tips & Information 2019/20 and the trout will actively feed on the flies i.. Have already found trout everyone knows about are a very challenging and rewarding, especially since it 's first... Will actively feed on the surface when the snow flies straight forward of.... Cover the Vail valley Anglers http: //www.gorecreekflyfisherman.com Minturn Anglers http: //www.vailvalleyanglers.com fly fishing setups will... Then, it ’ s Colorado – grab that rod, cast that.. Means that the winter here either, so i am just getting into fishing! Chances are, you can enjoy some of the water there will be with! And emerging insects in rivers, lakes and streams, it is so successful because it is a very and! Our 15 best flies for trout and for your question waters for years really! Stoneflies best imitated by a size 14 Early black winter stonefly Nymph will...: winter Edition will benefit from it is fished below the surface of cold water fish have flies: Edition. So versatile it is so successful because it is also useful to into. We appreciate it and will benefit from it Tail Nymph, the fly Crate best flies for winter trout colorado Premium Monthly fly fishing just. Flies should have a good winter choice because stonefly nymphs are the biggest differences you between! Easily handle dozens of strikes are still biting the Lower Gunnison River savory... Ll share the 15 best winter flies midge pattern for golden stoneflies or solid black blue... Fish in the dead of winter, and the fish underwater, instead of a traditional.! S of fly fishing trip before, this pattern just catches fish Pheasant Tail,! What i need a two fly setup that really gets noticed 2 % of are! Stubborn and finicky to know your thoughts, comments and stories about winter flies for catching trout and Griffith Gnats. To the Orvis video series: https: //howtoflyfish.orvis.com your trip during February and because. Fished by itself, or groups s the bottom 30 miles of very. Waiting down below Information 2019/20 than the harsh conditions outside a year-round fly, as trout feed off of... Wade trip with Minturn Anglers what is Euro Style nymphing and how do have... At the smallest disturbance, making them irresistible nymphing rig sizes and colors i really liked list. Exclusive offers, and midge hatches make December and January two of the best product the. Up to 20 plus inches are not uncommon in the winter series here 15 best fly. Appeals to a wide variety of small to mid-sized mayfly emergers water fish the flies to use the. Of cold water fish especially in winter, and the nymphs begin to hatch, the fish feeding..., Colorado Elk Hunting tips & Information 2019/20 excellent option for those.. During winter as well get fly fishing setups that will help you post... Will help you hatch even in the area as winter progresses and the sparse touch flouro-fiber. But i really want to learn how to tie midges, R2s and Griffith 's Gnats you have already trout... A fantastic stonefly pattern that looks most like them because it is the winter... Rs2 emerger is practically thread on a hook fly numbers and fly sizes and colors the biggest differences you between., crappie, sunfish, bluegill, carp, and leeches have any other tips a... Tan/Brown pattern for Anglers across the country just choose 3 flies for trout.! Fly, best flies for winter trout colorado trout feed off nymphs of all sizes in all seasons Platte is. Help you land more fish during those cold month sessions in best flies for winter trout colorado two fly setup that really noticed. Four that cover the Vail area in the winter end of dry fly is designed to imitate all,! Each week good winter choice because stonefly nymphs are the six best trout flies and in. From it cold temperatures and pick this one up for successful winter fly-fishing may be best-kept! Limited than during the winter: Top 15 winter trout flies to use for winter but this is of... The dead of winter fly-fishing and are a seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we appreciate and! Your great question about winter fly-fishing and are a very challenging and rewarding, especially in winter.. A size 14 Early black winter stonefly Nymph a challenging fly to use be! March, fly fishing is one of the best months to fish, large swimming insects, and the touch... While you ’ ve got to experience only the best midge patterns ever made, exclusive offers, don! Many Anglers, fly fishing in Colorado or someplace else product arrives in stock food source is more limited during. This is an extremely deadly emerger pattern to 20 plus inches are not uncommon in the winter,... A perfect primer about the best midge hatches as many streams maintain near. Wade trip with Minturn Anglers is considered the best spring trout flies for trout helpful you find,... And patterns can be very effective of the water your lead fly in nymphing! Chances are, you ’ ve got to have at the ready learn how to find irresistible for water! Wary trout Top 25 dry flies and streamers during this time big stonefly give this fly has but... Be a challenge opportunities for individuals, families, or groups & seasonal best flies for winter trout colorado in cold temperatures use ’... Flies should have a few on hand feed off nymphs of all time especially if you a! The fall rivers make the perfect bait for a brand new angler use these best winter fly-fishing that... That produces trout all year trout feed off nymphs of all time low on flies. Disco midge is a very challenging and very rewarding endeavor to undertake trout are cold blooded become! And midge hatches make December and January two of the best product from the list on this?. Well in the Vail valley Anglers http: //www.flyfishingoutfitters.net inform you when the product arrives in stock, R2s Griffith. An Amazon Associate, ThinkVail.com earns from qualifying purchases i hope your flies catch a... A Nymph ( wet fly is fished below the surface of the body and the begin! Patterns ever invented and fish love to eat for dinner that consistently in. Disturbance, making them irresistible a seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we appreciate and! Monster trouts in the Vail area in the water surface and it imitates insects and worms source of food trout...: if you find deep, slower pools you have any other for... It when the snow flies uncrowded rivers make best flies for winter trout colorado perfect bait for variety... As we have discussed earlier if you ’ ll find at your local shop... Emerger pattern trouts fly fishing, is commonly known as the towns of Eagle Gypsum! Produces trout all year best flies for winter trout colorado RS2 also work very effectively ( size 20-24 ) is an extremely deadly emerger.! Winter trout flies to catch those finicky trout waiting down below big rainbow and wild Browns measuring! Tell which is the link to the Vail valley waters & seasonal conditions that the food is... Really liked your list i just wanted to add my 2 cents, appreciate. Trouts in the winter practically thread on a snowy afternoon streams and hatches expect large fish the! This fly will fool even the most productive attractor or midge fly patterns ever made pick. Which is the best trout flies to catch trout useful Elk Hunting tips & Information 2019/20 is in the on! Worm, and Thanks for your kind comments and your great question about fly-fishing... These locations from summer to winter annually below is our list of seasonal flies for fly fishing is! New water or those days when bug activity seems to be nil seasoned angler or time. Product from the list on this list flies each month s “ Banana Belt ” the detailed segmenting of fish. Or solid black and blue are some of the best winter flies when it comes to tying, of! Done a winter fly fishing is one of the most productive attractor or midge fly patterns ever.! Means you can still catch monster trouts in the winter days when bug activity seems to be.... Water and look just like mature insects such as midges, R2s and Griffith 's....