This week, we leave the mall rats behind and head downstream—to the remote, rugged waters of the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir.

This isn’t Silverthorne. This is freestone-style tailwater with long hikes, tricky access, and trout that eat like they’ve never seen a human. If you're looking for elbow room, PMD hatches, and a chance at truly wild fish, this is the stretch that delivers.

In this episode, we break down:

• Flow updates and water clarity for July

• How to fish the PMD hatch (and why you’re probably missing the window)

• Our go-to flies for this stretch: nymphs, dries, and streamers

• Access points worth the sweat equity

• Whether to bring a dry-dropper, a euro rig, or your 6-weight and streamers

We also talk about why this is one of the most underappreciated sections in Colorado—and why that might be a good thing. It’s not easy water, but it’s rewarding.

Want the flies we mention? We tie them in small batches and ship fast. Find them on Amazon or direct at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com.

Subscribe to the River Whisper Report for weekly stream updates, hatch charts, and fly picks for Colorado’s best water. Real reports from anglers who actually fish.

Fish better. Fish smarter. Rise Beyond.

This week on Rise Beyond River Reports, we head back to one of Colorado’s most talked-about—and most technical—tailwaters: Deckers. With flows hovering around 135 CFS and crystal-clear conditions, the trout are skittish, selective, and downright suspicious. But they’re still feeding, if you know how to approach them.

This episode is your mid-July Deckers survival guide. Whether you're gunning for dry fly eats in the morning trico slicks or trying to fool mid-column cruisers with tiny nymphs, we’ve got you covered.

We break down:

• Why 6:30–9:00 AM is primetime for trico spinners and where to find the best risers

• Midday tricks for high sun and heavy pressure: lighter tippet, longer leaders, and quiet feet

• The evening bite window—is it real or a rumor? (Hint: yes, but only with the right approach)

• Top 3 flies this week, including size, presentation tips, and when to rotate out

• How to handle weekend crowds and still find fishable water (without a brawl)

Plus: hot spot intel for Trumbull, the bends above Deckers Corner, and the underrated runs near the Cheesman trailhead.

Whether you're a Deckers regular or planning your first mission, this episode gives you the tactical edge. Less guesswork, more tight lines.

Pair this episode with the updated blog report at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com and get a full game plan before you even lace your boots.

Fish early. Fish smart. Fish like you’ve been here before.

Looking to catch Colorado’s rarest native trout? In this episode of the Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Podcast, we’re talking about everything you need to know to find and fool Greenback Cutthroat Trout — from the alpine creeks of Rocky Mountain National Park to secret high lakes near the Continental Divide.

The Greenback Cutthroat Trout isn’t just a gorgeous fish — it’s a symbol of Colorado’s native heritage and a bucket-list catch for fly anglers. But they don’t live in your average tailwater. These trout thrive in remote high-altitude waters, and catching one takes more than just tying on a pretty fly.

1. Where to Find Greenback Cutthroat Trout in Colorado:

• Top streams and lakes near RMNP, Guanella Pass, Herman Gulch, and Roaring Fork tributaries

• How to navigate the access points, trailheads, and wilderness rules

• The best time of year to target greenbacks in lakes vs creeks

2. The Gear You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Best rod weights for backpacking and alpine streams

• Ideal leader and tippet setup for spooky water

• Why a lightweight pack and hiking boots matter more than a thousand-dollar reel

3. What Flies Work (and When):

• Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (#16–18), Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16), Black Ants

• Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, and Beadhead Midges (#18–20)

• Bonus: Small streamers in deep pools during fall feeding binges

4. Catch and Release Ethics and Regulations:

• Why barbless hooks and wet hands matter

• How to identify pure-strain greenbacks

• What waters are part of Colorado’s recovery efforts (and how to fish them responsibly)

5. Why This Species Matters:

• Brief history of the Greenback Cutthroat’s near-extinction

• How conservation efforts brought them back from the brink

• What anglers can do to help ensure their future

This is one of the most complete guides to catching Greenback Cutthroat Trout in Colorado — and it’s designed for modern anglers who want more than just a stocker pond experience. Whether you’re a backcountry veteran or new to hiking with a rod, this episode gives you the insight to turn a bucket-list dream into a fly fishing reality.

Subscribe to the podcast and join us each week as we break down rivers, lakes, tactics, and conservation news across Colorado’s wild trout country.

In This Episode You’ll Learn: