Looking for a dialed-in fly fishing report for Waterton Canyon? This episode breaks down the April 2025 conditions on one of the most technical and rewarding stretches of the South Platte River, just outside of Denver, Colorado.

We cover:

• Flow conditions (currently 45–60 CFS)

• Water clarity and temperature trends

• The best times of day to fish in April

• Current Blue Winged Olive hatch windows

• What flies to use (like RS2s, Zebra Midges, and Mini Leeches)

• The best access points from the trailhead to Mile 5

• A quick gear breakdown for success (leader length, tippet, and more)

Whether you're heading out solo or want to prep before guiding a buddy, this episode gives you everything you need to succeed on one of the South Platte’s clearest and most technical tailwaters.

Plus:

• When to bike in vs hike in

• How Waterton stacks up against Deckers and Cheesman Canyon

• Why stealth fishing is critical and how to do it

This is part of our weekly series of Colorado fly fishing reports built for the modern angler — paired with gear tips and real-time strategies from Rise Beyond Fly Fishing.

🎧 Hit play. Tight lines. Trout await.

Looking for a dialed-in fly fishing report for Waterton Canyon? This episode breaks down the April 2025 conditions on one of the most technical and rewarding stretches of the South Platte River, just outside of Denver, Colorado.

We cover:

• Flow conditions (currently 45–60 CFS)

• Water clarity and temperature trends

• The best times of day to fish in April

• Current Blue Winged Olive hatch windows

• What flies to use (like RS2s, Zebra Midges, and Mini Leeches)

• The best access points from the trailhead to Mile 5

• A quick gear breakdown for success (leader length, tippet, and more)

Whether you're heading out solo or want to prep before guiding a buddy, this episode gives you everything you need to succeed on one of the South Platte’s clearest and most technical tailwaters.

Plus:

• When to bike in vs hike in

• How Waterton stacks up against Deckers and Cheesman Canyon

• Why stealth fishing is critical and how to do it

This is part of our weekly series of Colorado fly fishing reports built for the modern angler — paired with gear tips and real-time strategies from Rise Beyond Fly Fishing.

🎧 Hit play. Tight lines. Trout await.

If you're planning to fish the Colorado River near Grand Junction this April, this podcast is your real-time river rundown for early spring success. From Palisade to Connected Lakes and all the seams in between, this stretch of the Colorado is waking up—and so are the trout. With flows in the 1,000–1,400 CFS range and hatches ramping up, we’re entering one of the most productive windows before full runoff hits. Whether you're wading the back channels or floating the Kokopelli stretch, we’ve got everything you need to know to fish smarter—not harder.

🎧 In this episode, we dive into:

✅ Current River Conditions
• Flows: 1,000–1,400 CFS and slowly rising with spring melt
• Water Temps: 50–55°F
• Clarity: Clear in the morning, slightly tinted by afternoon
• Wind: Mild in the mornings, gusty later in the day
• Best Fishing Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon, especially during BWO activity

✅ What’s Hatching Now
• Midges: Still active, especially early and late in the day
• Blue Winged Olives: Prime time—look for hatches between 11 AM–2 PM, especially on cloudy days
• Caddis: Just starting to make an appearance, mostly lower in the system
We’ll tell you when and where to target these hatches and which patterns are converting best.

✅ Top Fly Patterns
• Dry: Blue Wing Olive Parachute (#18–22)
• Nymph: JuJu Baetis (#18–20), Zebra Midge (#20–24), and Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10–12)
• Streamer: Sparkle Minnow and Olive Slump Buster – fished slow and deep near structure
We cover how to rig for each tactic and what gear will give you the edge.

✅ Access Point Deep Dive
• Connected Lakes State Park: Great wade access, perfect for sight-fishing and slow water seams
• Corn Lake: Awesome for both boat launches and bank fishing. Diverse water types from riffles to deep eddies
• Palisade Riverfront Trail: Less pressured water, especially in the early morning. BWOs love it here
We break down what each section offers, how to fish it, and when to hit each spot for maximum results.

✅ 🔥 Hot Spots Unlocked
• Confluence Pool near Riverbend Park – stealthy dry-dropper gold
• East Orchard Mesa Back Channel – BWO emergences and spooky risers
• Below the 29 Road Bridge – textbook nymph water with dependable trout holding patterns

✅ Tactical Tips for April Fishing
• Use 4X–5X fluorocarbon to handle changing clarity
• Fish long leaders when dry-fly fishing slow water seams
• Target transitional zones where fast water meets slow for your best shot at active trout
• Streamer retrieves should be slow and deliberate—trout are feeding, not chasing

✅ Regulations & River Etiquette
We cover landowner boundaries, local city/county park guidelines, public access zones, and why this is a great time to go catch-and-release only.

🎯 Perfect for:
• DIY anglers visiting western Colorado
• Locals planning their weekend on the water
• Floaters and waders alike looking to fish with purpose
• Anyone tired of vague, outdated shop reports—this is the no-fluff version

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🎣 For more reports like this, head to RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com for real-time river conditions, hatch charts, fly picks, and expert advice across Colorado’s top trout waters.

🎧 Hit play, tie one on, and rise beyond.

Welcome to the Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Podcast — your no-B.S. guide to Colorado’s most iconic waters. This week, we’re diving deep into the April fly fishing conditions on the Blue River, from the tailwater below Dillon Dam in Silverthorne all the way down to the inlet of Green Mountain Reservoir.

Whether you're chasing picky tailwater rainbows on mysis shrimp or hunting wild browns in the pocket water below, the Blue demands a technical approach — and this episode breaks it all down.

🎯 In This Episode:

• April conditions update: flows, temps, clarity & wind

• Real-time hatch report (Midges, Baetis, and early Caddis)

• Top 3 flies for the week (with exact sizes and how to fish them)

• Section-by-section access with 🔥 hot spot callouts

• Local regulations, landowner tips, and fly shop-free honesty

• When to bring the 5X and when to bring patience instead

We also highlight recent Blue River conservation projects, including the efforts of:

• Blue River Watershed Group

• Colorado Trout Unlimited - Gore-Ten Mile Chapter

• Town of Silverthorne Recreation

This is the episode for you if:✅ You’ve been burned by the Blue before and want redemption
✅ You’re tired of fly shops feeding you fluff to sell $400 rods
✅ You want to fish smart, fish light, and maybe even out-fish the guy in Patagonia head-to-toe

We’ll walk through each stretch:

• Silverthorne Public Access — mysis shrimp city and risers on cloudy days

• Blue River State Wildlife Area — deeper runs, fewer crowds

• Green Mountain Inlet — pre-spawn fish and streamer potential

✨ Stealth, small bugs, and timing are everything this month. If you’ve got the patience, the Blue will reward you with gorgeous, hard-fighting trout and solitude just minutes off the highway.

🎣 Mentioned Gear:

• Zebra Midge (#20–24)

• RS2 (#20–22)

• Blue Wing Olive (#18–20)

• Mini Leech Streamers (#10–12)

• Shop these flies at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.shop

🚗 Access Maps & Photos:
Visit the full blog report at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.shop

In this episode of Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, we share 16 essential fly patterns and expert hacks for tackling the Colorado River. From iconic tailwaters to wild stretches, the Colorado River offers a diverse and rewarding fly fishing experience.

Tune in to learn:

• The must-have flies for different sections of the Colorado River
• Seasonal strategies for choosing and fishing these patterns
• Insider hacks for improving your presentation and technique
• Tips for navigating this legendary river and finding the best spots

📲 Follow us for more fly fishing insights and tips:
Website: RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com
Instagram: @RiseBeyondFlyFishing

Whether you’re planning your first trip or refining your strategy, this episode has everything you need to make the most of the Colorado River.

If you're heading to the Colorado River near Kremmling this April, this is the real-time river report you need in your ears before you wade, float, or swing your first fly. From Pumphouse through Radium to State Bridge, this section of the Upper Colorado is fishing strong as spring hatches begin to ramp up. Flows are holding in the 850–950 CFS range, clarity is good, and fish are feeding actively on midges, Blue Winged Olives, and early stonefly nymphs. Whether you're walking the banks with a hopper-dropper or launching the raft for a full-day float, this episode gives you a full tactical breakdown of what’s working now.

🎧 In this report, we cover:

✅ Current Conditions:
• Flows at 850–950 CFS
• Water temps from 42–46°F
• Mild wind, great clarity, and steady afternoon activity
• Moderate pressure—weekends busier than weekdays

✅ Hatch Activity & Timing:
• Midges (all day) – great for early morning action
• BWOs – popping around 11 AM–2 PM, especially on cloudy days
• Early stoneflies – no adult hatches yet, but nymphs are moving
We cover fly selection, leader/tippet strategy, and how to read water in April when trout are shifting out of their winter lies.

✅ Top Fly Patterns for April:
• Nymph: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10–12), RS2 (#20–22), Zebra Midge (#20–24)
• Dry: Blue Wing Olive Comparadun (#18–22), Parachute Adams (#18–20)
• Streamer: Slump Buster (#8–10), Olive Mini Dungeons, Sparkle Minnows
You’ll learn how to fish each fly type depending on time of day, light conditions, and flow clarity.

✅ Access Points & Where to Fish:
We break down the river mile by mile, highlighting:
• Pumphouse Recreation Area – great walk-wade water and launch point
• Radium Campground – ideal for soft seam targeting and emerging BWOs
• Sheephorn Creek Confluence – underrated structure and productive nymph water
Plus, we give you three hot spots: where to find risers, where streamers produce, and where to get away from crowds.

✅ Techniques for Success:
• How to rig your nymph setup for fast and slow water transitions
• What streamer retrieves are working (hint: swing-and-hold beats strip-and-rip right now)
• Where to find trout holding zones between riffles, runs, and tailouts as water warms

✅ Regulations & Etiquette:
We touch on private land concerns, high-water mark laws, barbless hook use, and recommended conservation practices for this heavily-fished but resilient section of the Colorado River.

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🎯 This episode is perfect for:
• Local anglers looking to get the most out of a weekend trip
• DIY visitors planning a float or walk-in trip near Kremmling
• Fly fishers seeking real conditions—not vague shop talk
Whether you're swinging streamers at dawn or sight-casting midges at lunch, this episode helps you fish with purpose, insight, and confidence.

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🎣 Get more no-fluff, real-time Colorado river reports at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com, and follow us on Spotify for new weekly conditions, hatch info, and expert breakdowns for fly fishers across the Rockies.

🎧 Hit play, tighten your loop, and rise beyond.

In this episode of Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, we explore the art of tying seasonal fly patterns, starting with the vibrant and productive flies of fall. As trout prepare for winter, fall presents unique opportunities for anglers, and having the right patterns in your box is key.

Tune in to learn about:

• The best fall fly patterns to tie, including dry flies, nymphs, and streamers
• Key materials and techniques for tying seasonal favorites
• How to match the hatch during Colorado’s fall fishing season
• Tips for preparing your fly box for upcoming seasons

📲 Follow us for more fly tying tutorials and fishing insights:
Website: RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com
Instagram: @RiseBeyondFlyFishing

Whether you’re an experienced tyer or just starting out, this episode will help you craft the perfect flies for fall fishing success.

Spring is here, and the Fryingpan River below Ruedi Reservoir is dialed in for fly anglers who love precision, sight fishing, and technical takes. In this April 2025 fly fishing report, we cover everything you need to know to succeed on one of Colorado’s most iconic tailwaters. Whether you’re hunting trophy trout near the Toilet Bowl or working emerger patterns in the flats, this is the episode to get you dialed.

We break down current conditions with flows at 164 CFS, water clarity that’s gin-clear, and water temps holding in the low 40s—ideal for Mysis shrimp and Blue Winged Olive activity. Mornings are slow and cold, but by late morning, midges and BWOs start to stir, bringing trout into feeding lanes. You’ll hear real-time updates on the bugs, the fish behavior, and where to be (and when) for your best shot at a 20-inch rainbow.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

✅ The Myth and Magic of the Toilet Bowl
How to fish the powerhouse section directly below Ruedi Dam, when to go, and how to avoid spooking fish that have seen every pattern in your fly box. Mysis Shrimp is the name of the game—but not the only one.

✅ Effective April Hatch Strategies
We cover the full lineup:
• Midges in the early morning
• Blue Winged Olives in the afternoon
• Mysis Shrimp all day long (in the upper section)
• The first few caddis bouncing around lower down the canyon

Get the exact fly patterns and sizes that are working now, from Zebra Midges to Barr’s Emergers and CDC BWOs, plus rigging tips that give you an edge in this technical fishery.

✅ Top 3 Flies Right Now:
• Dry: Blue Wing Olive Parachute (#18–22) – Perfect on overcast days and slow water
• Nymph: Mysis Shrimp (#16–18) with a trailing RS2 or Top Secret Midge
• Streamer: Sculpin or small leech patterns for deep water on low-light days

✅ Where to Fish by Mile Marker
We walk you through the river section by section, with special focus on the Upper Fryingpan (Mile Marker 8–12) where trout key in on shrimp, and the Middle Pan (Miles 4–8) where pools and pocket water offer dry-dropper opportunities. The Lower Fryingpan gets a little more flow fluctuation but can reward persistent anglers with BWO sippers and solitude.

✅ Access Tips & Hot Spots:
• Bend Pool – Consistently productive and often overlooked
• Baetis Bridge – Afternoon hatches and soft seams draw risers
• The Flats – Sight-fish to spooky trout in shin-deep water with long leaders and 6X tippet
• Toilet Bowl – Deep, oxygen-rich, shrimp-loaded—and always a challenge

✅ Rigging & Gear Advice:
You’ll want a 9-foot 4 or 5-weight rod, long leaders (12–14 feet), and fluorocarbon 5X–6X tippet. Euro-nymphing setups are deadly here, especially in high-pressure zones. Be stealthy. These fish are pros.

✅ Regulations & River Etiquette:
We cover Fryingpan-specific regulations, including barbless hooks, catch-and-release expectations, and how to handle fish safely in cold spring conditions. We also talk landowner rights and how to stay within the legal fishing zone near the dam.

🎯 Who This Podcast Is For:
Whether you’re a local who fishes the Pan weekly, or you’re planning a trip to Basalt or Aspen and want to sneak in a day of technical tailwater fishing, this episode gives you the seasonal advantage. It’s fly fishing intel without the fluff.

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🎣 Want More Reports Like This?
Check out RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com for real-time, no-BS fly fishing reports covering the Colorado, Roaring Fork, Crystal, South Platte, and more.

🎧 Press play, tie one on, and rise beyond.