Be sure you have the right flies for your fly fishing trip. Choosing ones that best match the current hatches occurring in your fishing spot can make all the difference in the success of your next fly fishing Colorado trip.
Early in the season as weather and waters warm, many streams will see significant hatches of blue winged olives. Using a high visibility parachute fly will increase your odds of tempting rising trout. The Parachute Adams in the right size will also do well to fool quality trout when the mayflies are active. When the olive nymph and midges are predominant, the RS2 fly is an all-round favorite. Mimic nymph action with the Pheasant Tail nymph, Copper Johns or Prince Nymphs. The Zebra Midge fly works well in areas where the midge is a trout diet staple. The Disco Midge, WD-40 and Rojo Midge are other effective choices.
When fly fishing Denver and fly fishing Vail waters, the early spring caddis hatch can result in some of the most successful action for fly fishing enthusiasts. Choose flies like a black elk hair caddis or the foam caddis to mimic the adult caddis. Another favorite during the caddis hatch is a Royal Gorgeous fly. Some flies like the Pheasant Tail nymph provide good classic action wherever trout are present.
The baetis hatch is one of the most important hatches in many Colorado waters later in the season, and here again the RS2 flies prove effective. Match the predominant forage insect in your favorite waters to increase your chances of latching on to that trophy fish.
Weather conditions in Colorado can change rapidly, and this will affect which bugs are hatching in a given stream or lake. Before heading out to a favorite fly fishing spot, it is a good idea to get your hands on the most up to date fishing report for that area. There is no better place to get this information than from a fly fishing guide who is on the water daily. Drop in to the Minturn Anglers shop in Vail, Denver or Minturn for reports on the latest Colorado fly fishing reports, and pick up a few new flies that will match the current hatch.