Colorado fly fishing made easy – select the best flies for your next adventure on the water
There’s nothing more rewarding than spending a day out on the river angling for some of Summit County’s finest fish. If you’re staying with us in Frisco, the best part is that you don’t have to venture far from town to experience Colorado’s majestic rivers and prime fly fishing spots. The Frisco area is home to several small streams and ponds, and it’s only a short drive to some of the best fly fishing rivers including South Platte, Blue River, Arkansas River, Eagle River, Williams Fork River and, of course, the Colorado River. And, whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the sport, our Innkeepers can help point you in the right direction for gear, lures and the most recent hot spots for bites.
When fly fishing in Colorado’s high country, keep in mind that there are two main types of fly fishing flies you’ll need to have handy: imitators and attractors. Much like their name, the imitator flies imitate a living thing, similar to insects. Attractors don’t imitate, but instead their color and pattern attract various responses from fish.
Most flies used are either wet or dry. Dry flies imitate an insect that falls on the surface of the water, and wet flies imitate insects underneath water, including the nymph, which imitates bug larvae or uses the attractor effect. Streamers can also be used to imitate small minnows, although you may still hear some fishermen refer to them as “flies.”
Once you’ve got the basic fly types down, you’re ready to try your hand at casting! Stop by Blue River Anglers, located here in Frisco, to pick up the rods, reels and flies you need for a great fishing adventure. They also provide guided fishing trips and keep the locals updated on the current conditions of the rivers, and what flies are working best. As we stated above, there are a plethora of areas you can fish, but below is Blue River Angler’s scoop on what lures are working in different rivers:
Blue River
Blue below Dillon: Mysis Shrimp, Egg Patterns, San Juan Worms, Flossy Worms, Cardinal Midges, Black Beauties, Black Beauty Emergers, Miracles, Red Midge Larvae, Princess midges, Pheasant tails and more. Also look for Caddis and PMD hatches.
Blue north of Silverthorne: Egg Patterns, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stonefly patterns, Hare’s Ears, Pheasant Tails, San Juan Worms, Caddis larvae and more. Look for Caddis and PMD hatches.
Blue above Dillon: Crystal pheasant Tails, Bubble back PMD’s, Hare’s Ears, Hyrdopsyche patterns, Soft Hackle PT’s, WD-40’s, Black Beauties, Zebra Midges, Miracle Nymphs, Black Copper Johns, Egg Patterns and Streamer patterns.
Colorado River
Colorado River above Williams Fork: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stonefly patterns, Crystal Pheasant Tails, Hydropsyche patterns, Soft Hackle Pt’s, Nymphicators, Streamers and more.
When the river is high: Pheasant tails, Hydropsyche patterns, Crystal Pt’s, Hare’s Ears, Soft Hackel Patterns, WD-40’s, Red Midge Larvae, Miracle Nymphs, Candy Canes, Black Beauties, San Juan Worms, Zebra midges and more.
Lower Colorado at Kremmling: Fuzzy Wuzzies, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Nyphicators, Hydropysches, Crystal Pt’s, Soft Hack PT’s and Copper John’s.
South Platte
The South Platte between Eleven Mile and Spinney or otherwise know as the Dream Stream: Hare’s Ears, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, Barr’s Emergers, Flashback Olive WD-40’s, San Juans, Hydropysches, Tricos, small mayfly nymphs and more.
The upper stretches above Spinney: Fish with big flies. Try: Fuzzy Wuzzies, Para Madam X’s, Stimulators, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stonefly patterns, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Soft Hackle PT’s, Hydropysches, Crystal Pt’s, San Juans and more.
Keep in mind that the river’s flow levels vary a lot and we’ve had a large spring runoff this year that can be dangerous in spots. Before you head out, check the weather and water conditions to ensure your safety. For more information and to keep updated on current conditions please visit, http://www.blueriveranglers.com/.
Check out the best fly fishing excursions!
Enjoy Fishing in Colorado
Enjoy Fishing in Colorado
Enjoy fishing in Colorado
