Looking for the best fly fishing in Colorado today? We've got you covered. In this episode, we break down the hottest rivers to fish right now (April 28, 2025), with updated flow rates, current water clarity, and the exact flies you need to pack to have an epic day on the water.

We cover top rivers like:

• The Arkansas River near Salida (starting to see early caddis and fantastic flows for spring nymphing and dry fly action)

• The South Platte River at Deckers (clear water, perfect flows, and midges and BWOs hatching thick)

• The Gunnison River below Almont (Baetis mayhem happening midday, streamer eats possible too)

• Clear Creek west of Golden (near-perfect flows, easy access for Denver anglers)

• Bear Creek near Morrison (tight, technical, and producing for those willing to work the banks)

Hot Flies for Today:

• Griffith’s Gnat #20–22

• Juju Baetis #18

• Elk Hair Caddis #16

• RS2 Emergers #20

• Jigged Pheasant Tails #16

• Slumpbuster Streamers #8…and a few other sneaky patterns you'll want if flows or weather shift midday.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Where the flows are ideal and what rivers are blowing out

• How to adjust your fly selection based on afternoon vs morning conditions

• Why warmer days this week will turn rivers like the Arkansas and Gunnison into dry fly playgrounds

• Specific reach-by-reach notes (not just vague river names — real spots, real insights)

• Pro tips for fishing near Denver today if you’re short on time

Plus:
We’ll share why now is a critical time to fish before full runoff chaos hits Colorado rivers, and how the River Whisper App can give you real-time updates as conditions evolve throughout the day and week.

Need more fly fishing info for Colorado?
Check out more real-time river reports, hatch charts, hot flies, and fishing tips at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com.

🎣 Whether you're chasing browns, rainbows, or just an afternoon away from the desk, this episode will have you dialed in on the best fly fishing Colorado has to offer right now.

April is a prime month for fly fishing in Deckers along the South Platte River, especially if you’re well-prepared. As we approach the week of April 21, 2025, there are several key factors to consider for a successful fishing experience. First, understanding the current river conditions is crucial. This week, flows are reported between 174 and 225 CFS (cubic feet per second), which can significantly influence access points and fish behavior. Higher flows can make certain areas more accessible while pushing fish into varied holding spots, so it's worth adjusting your strategy accordingly.Timing is everything when it comes to fly fishing. The ideal times to cast your line typically align with the activity of the insect hatches. This time of year, the Blue Winged Olive hatch is particularly active, meaning that having the right flies on hand is essential. Top patterns that have proven effective include RS2s, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Zebra Midges, Barr’s Emergers, and Parachute Adams. Each of these flies mimics the natural food sources that trout are feeding on right now, increasing your chances of a catch.When constructing your fishing setup for spring, consider using two-fly rigs or dry-dropper configurations, which allow you to cover more water effectively. Additionally, there will be moments when streamers can work wonders, especially when targeting more aggressive fish. Access points are also critical; the recommended spots this week are Deckers Bridge, Trumbull pullouts, Schoolhouse, and Scraggy View. Each of these locations offers unique opportunities and challenges, providing various environments to explore and increase your chances for success.Beyond just the fly and setup, gear selection in April plays a vital role in your fishing experience. Pay attention to tippet selection as well: using 5X and 6X tippet can adjust your approach depending on the visibility conditions and the size of the flies you're using. Finally, nymphing strategy takes center stage as we discuss how time of day affects fish behavior and where they might be holding as the spring flows push food through the river system. By understanding the flow patterns and fish movements, you can position yourself more effectively for those bites.For anyone eager to enhance their spring fly fishing skills, this episode is packed with insights and strategies. It’s part of a larger series in the Rise Beyond Fly Fishing podcast, which not only brings you weekly river reports for Deckers and other popular Colorado fishing locations but also features insights from local anglers and guides who know the waters intimately. Be sure to hit follow for continuous updates to keep your fishing game strong!

The Yampa River near Steamboat Springs is heating up, and so is the spring fly fishing. If you're fishing in or around the Yampa Valley this April, this episode is your full tactical download.

We cover:

• Current flows between 600–800 CFS and how that affects clarity, wading, and fish movement

• Which hatches are happening now: Blue Winged Olives, early Caddis, and midges

• Top fly patterns for April including Barr’s Emergers, Elk Hair Caddis, RS2s, and Mini Leeches

• How to rig for success — double nymph rigs vs dry-dropper setups

• The best times of day to fish based on sunlight, water temp, and insect activity

Plus:

• The top access points near Steamboat: Rotary Park, Fetcher Park, and the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area

• A breakdown of the best spots for streamer fishing deep runs

• A side-by-side comparison of this stretch of the Yampa vs Stagecoach and tailwater alternatives

Whether you’re hiking in before work, planning a spring weekend trip, or guiding new anglers, this episode is loaded with actionable tips to make the most of your time on the Yampa.

Brought to you by Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, this podcast is designed for modern anglers who want up-to-date river conditions, fly pattern insights, gear tips, and honest info from those on the water.

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