The Ark near Buena Vista is skinny but clear at 175 CFS. Fall hatches are shifting: Tricos linger in the mornings, BWOs are gaining strength on cloudy days, and midges/baetis nymphs carry fish through the middle of the day. With steady pocket-water flows, trout are concentrated and spooky — perfect conditions for those who like technical fishing.

Wading is wide open, but pressure is medium with anglers scattered along public access.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Buena Vista Dispatch
We dig into how to fish skinny fall flows — from picking the right Trico spinner to rigging a two-fly nymph setup that can still turn heads in pressured water.

• Flow Rate: 175 CFS — skinny but very wadeable
• Water Temp: Low/mid 40s°F — stable, safe for trout
• Air Temp: 40s°F mornings, climbing to low 70s afternoons
• Clarity: Clear — fish are spooky, approach with stealth
• Best Times: 7–10:30 AM Trico spinners; BWOs on cloudy afternoons
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — public pull-offs see traffic, but hiking spreads anglers
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — productive windows, but technical

Notes: Tricos remain strong early, but BWOs are the future. Midges and baetis nymphs keep subsurface drifts alive.

Nymphs / Emergers

• JuJu Baetis (olive/black, #20-22) – steady producer in pocket water.
• RS2 (gray/olive, #20-22) – deadly as a dropper below dries.
• WD-40 (brown/black, #20-22) – crossover midge/baetis pattern.
• Tungsten Pheasant Tail (#18-20) – anchor fly in two-nymph rigs.
• Duracell Jig (#16-18, copper/black) – great for fast seams.

Dries / Terrestrials

• Trico Spinner (CDC wing, #22-24) – morning must-have.
• Blue Wing Olive Parachute (#20) – for cloudy afternoon hatches.
• Parachute Adams (#20-22) – versatile dry that covers multiple hatches.
• Hi-Vis Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – for midges in slow slicks.
• Amy’s Ant (#14-16, peacock/tan) – still picks off opportunistic browns.

Streamers

• Lil’ Kim (white/olive, #8-10) – triggers bigger fish in deeper slots.
• Slumpbuster (natural/black, #10-12) – swing through pocket water.
• Mini Leech (#12, olive/black) – subtle, effective in skinny flows.
• Sparkle Minnow (#10-12, sculpin colors) – useful in shaded banks.

• Morning (7–10:30 AM): Target riffles and slow flats with Trico spinners; trail RS2 or WD-40.
• Midday: Nymph seams with JuJu Baetis or tungsten PT anchor, trailing RS2/WD-40.
• Afternoon (clouds): BWOs emerge; parachutes and emergers do the trick.
• Evening: Streamers like Lil’ Kim or Slumpbuster swung in deeper pockets.
• Rig Note: Long leaders (12–14 ft), 6X-7X fluoro. Anchor with tungsten PT or Duracell; trail micro nymphs.

• Downtown Buena Vista: Accessible runs; good Trico water but pressured.
• Upstream toward Johnson Village: Riffle/run water with lower traffic.
• Cottonwood Creek confluence area: Good nymphing water, less crowded.

Q: Is 175 CFS too low?
A: No — it’s skinny but very fishable. Stealth is key.

Q: What’s the go-to pattern?
A: Trico spinner in the morning, JuJu Baetis or RS2 below the surface midday.

Q: Are streamers worth fishing here?
A: Yes, especially in the evening. Stick to smaller patterns.

Q: Best quick access?
A: Public runs near town; hike upstream for less pressure.

Q: What rod/tippet setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt, long leaders (12–14 ft), 6X for dries, 5X for streamers.

The Arkansas through Cañon City is running 354 CFS, clear, and in full fall swing. Morning Trico spinner falls still drive the surface game, but BWOs are starting to show stronger on cloudy days. This is technical but rewarding fishing: riffles, seams, and pocket water are alive early, with trout sliding deeper as temps climb.

Flows are prime for wading, and while pressure is medium in town, a short walk will buy you elbow room.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Royal Gorge Gateway Dispatch
We cover the best riffles for Trico spinners, which BWO emergers are producing, and how to set up a tactical nymph rig for browns that have seen it all.

• Flow Rate: 354 CFS — stable, wadeable, perfect pocket-water flows
• Water Temp: Low/mid 50s°F — safe, active trout temps
• Air Temp: 50s°F mornings, climbing to 70s-80s afternoons
• Clarity: Clear — excellent visibility, stealth required
• Best Times: 7–11 AM Trico spinner falls; BWOs on cloudy afternoons
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — easy access draws anglers, but room available
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong fishing if you match hatches

Notes: Tricos headline mornings; BWOs are on deck for cloudy afternoons. Midges and caddis keep fish feeding subsurface.

Nymphs / Emergers

• JuJu Baetis (olive, #20-22) – staple baetis imitation; deadly on light rigs.
• Barr’s BWO Emerger (olive/gray, #20-22) – perfect for afternoon overcast.
• WD-40 (black/olive, #20-22) – midge/baetis crossover, great as a trailer.
• Tungsten Pheasant Tail (#18-20) – classic attractor, works in riffles.
• Duracell Jig Nymph (brown/black, #16-18) – high sink rate, picks up opportunistic feeders.

Dries / Terrestrials

• Trico Spinner (CDC, #22-24) – key for morning spinner falls.
• Parachute Adams (#20-22) – versatile, covers Tricos and BWOs.
• Hi-Vis BWO Parachute (#20) – for spotting in choppy riffles.
• Amy’s Ant (peacock/tan, #14-16) – warm afternoon terrestrial option.
• Micro Chubby Chernobyl (#16, olive/tan) – doubles as hopper/dropper anchor.

Streamers

• Lil’ Kim (white/olive, #8-10) – flashy, great in deeper slots.
• Thin Mint Bugger (#10-12) – brown/black/olive blend for all-around use.
• Slumpbuster (natural/black, #10-12) – swing through shadowed runs.
• Mini Dungeons (olive, #8-10) – for aggressive browns in off-color water.

• Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinners on 6X with RS2 or WD-40 droppers. Target riffle tails and glassy flats.
• Midday: Two-fly nymph rigs with JuJu Baetis and Barr’s BWO Emergers. Focus on seams and pocket water.
• Afternoon (if cloudy): BWOs hatch strong; hi-vis parachutes and BWO emergers shine.
• Evening: Streamer work in deeper runs or shadow lines.
• Rig Note: 10–12 ft leaders, 5X-6X fluoro. Anchor with a tungsten PT or Duracell, trail WD-40/RS2.

• Riverwalk Trail (Downtown Cañon City): Classic riffle/run sections; prime Trico water.
• Upstream toward Royal Gorge: Technical water with deeper pools; good for nymphing and streamers.
• Downstream of town: Lower pressure, slower seams, strong evening streamer water.

Q: What’s the hatch schedule?
A: Tricos in the morning, BWOs if cloudy in the afternoon, midges and caddis filling in throughout.

Q: What’s the go-to fly right now?
A: Trico spinner early, then nymphs like JuJu Baetis and WD-40 midday.

Q: Are streamers working?
A: Yes, especially Thin Mints and Lil’ Kims in deeper shadowed runs.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 5 wt for versatility — dries, nymphs, or streamers.

Q: Is it safe to wade at 354 CFS?
A: Yes, flows are prime for wading and covering pocket water.

​​

Welcome to the North Fork of the South Platte River. This stretch of river is a hidden gem just outside of Denver, less crowded than its more famous cousins like Deckers or Cheesman Canyon, yet equally rich with opportunities to catch trophy-sized trout.

The North Fork near Bailey is running 200 CFS, clear, and delivering classic fall fishing conditions. Trout are keyed in on Tricos in the morning, with BWOs sliding in on cloudy afternoons. Midges and small baetis nymphs keep rods bent through the middle of the day.

Flows are in a sweet spot — wadeable, with enough water to spread anglers out. Medium pressure is the norm, but you can find space by walking away from road pull-offs.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – North Fork Dispatch
We cover why the Trico hatch is still running strong, how to pair it with tiny nymph droppers, and when to switch gears to BWOs or leeches.

• Flow Rate: 200 CFS — steady, wadeable, and fishable
• Water Temp: Mid-40s°F — cool and safe for trout
• Air Temp: 40s°F mornings, 70s°F afternoons
• Clarity: Clear — trout easily spooked in shallow runs
• Best Times: 7–11 AM Trico spinners; 4–7 PM BWOs if clouds appear
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — roadside access draws anglers
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — steady fishing, but technical

Notes: Morning Tricos are still the top ticket. BWOs are more consistent on overcast days. Midges are constant subsurface producers.

Nymphs / Emergers

• WD-40 (#20)
• RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
• JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
• Zebra Midge (#22-24)

Dries / Terrestrials

• Blue Wing Olive (#20)
• Trico Spinner (#22-24)
• Parachute Adams (#20-22)
• Micro Hopper (#16, fading but still an option)

Streamers

• Mini Leech (#12, olive/black)
• Slumpbuster (#12-14)
• Sparkle Minnow (#10-12)

• Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinner fall is prime; fish small spinners with RS2 droppers.
• Midday: Double-nymph rigs with WD-40s, baetis, and midges. Trout are subtle, so watch your indicator.
• Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs on cloudy evenings, micro-streamers in shaded slots.
• Rig Note: Long leaders (12–14 ft) and light tippet (6X/7X) are required in clear water.

• Bailey Section: Roadside access, classic riffle/run water.
• Downstream toward Shawnee: Less traffic, deeper pools, and pocket water.
• Above Bailey: Smaller water, stealth essential, but great Trico sight-fishing.

Q: Is the North Fork too crowded right now?
A: Medium pressure. Roadside spots fill up, but walking upstream/downstream finds room.

Q: What’s the best bug?
A: Trico spinners early; WD-40s and JuJu Baetis under a dry are reliable.

Q: Are streamers worth it?
A: Yes, in shaded banks or deeper runs. Keep them small.

Q: Can I wade safely at 200 CFS?
A: Yes — flows are excellent for wading.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 4-5 wt with 12–14 ft leaders and 6X tippet.

The Blue below Green Mountain is running 6 CFS — painfully low. Clear water and medium angling pressure mean spooky trout, limited holding water, and very technical conditions. This is one of those stretches where stealth, long leaders, and micro bugs are non-negotiable.

If you fish it, expect a grind: tiny Tricos and BWOs in the mornings, small nymph rigs through seams, and the occasional trout willing to swipe at a micro-streamer in deeper pockets.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Blue River Dispatch
Flows are minimal, trout are tough, but we break down how to still pull fish from this challenging tailwater with stealth and precision.

• Flow Rate: 6 CFS — extremely low, technical fishing only
• Water Temp: High 30s°F mornings, creeping up slowly with sun
• Air Temp: Upper 30s°F dawn, climbing into 60s by afternoon
• Clarity: Crystal clear — trout spook easily
• Best Times: 7–10 AM for Tricos; 4–7 PM for BWOs if clouds roll in
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — low flows concentrate fish and anglers
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐ — very tough, but rewarding if you’re dialed in

Notes: Tricos are the main dry-fly play. BWOs appear on cloudy days; midges fill the gaps subsurface.

Nymphs / Emergers

• WD-40 (#20-22)
• RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
• JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
• Zebra Midge (#22-24)

Dries / Terrestrials

• Trico Spinner (#22-24)
• Parachute Adams (#20-22)
• BWO Cripple (#20)
• Small Ant (#18, sparingly)

Streamers

• Slumpbuster (#8-10, black/olive)
• Mini Leech (#12, natural tones)
• RS2 Soft Hackle (#18 swung in seams)

• Morning (7–10 AM): Focus on Trico spinners and micro-droppers in soft water.
• Midday: Nymph tiny baetis/midge patterns; keep weight light and drifts perfect.
• Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs on cloudy evenings, micro-streamers in deeper runs.
• Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders with 6X–7X tippet; stealth is everything.

• Below the Dam: Most productive runs, though heavily pressured.
• Public pull-offs downstream: Skinny water, but sight-fishing opportunities.
• Deeper pockets & tailouts: Best bet for streamer swings.

Q: Is it worth fishing at 6 CFS?
A: Only if you like technical, sight-fishing challenges. Trout are concentrated but spooky.

Q: What’s the best fly right now?
A: Trico spinners early; WD-40s and RS2s carry the rest of the day.

Q: Can streamers work at these flows?
A: Yes, but keep them small and swing through the few deeper slots.

Q: Is wading safe?
A: Absolutely. At 6 CFS, you can cover water easily, but stealth is key.

Q: What rod/tippet setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt, 12–14 ft leader, 6X–7X tippet.

Welcome to Clear Creek, Colorado, where the trout are wily and the water is swift! This picturesque creek runs parallel to I-70 from Georgetown to Golden, offering easy access to some fantastic fly fishing spots.

Clear Creek at Golden is running 98 CFS, clear, and very approachable for fall fishing. Tricos dominate the bug menu right now, with spinner falls keeping trout active in the early hours. Once the sun hits the canyon, trout slide into pocket water and seams, where small nymph rigs with baetis or WD-40s are the ticket.

Afternoon fishing slows but isn’t dead — a foam emerger or small bugger in shadowy runs can pick off fish that tuck away from bright light. Pressure is medium; Golden access points get traffic, but hiking upstream quickly finds elbow room.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Golden Creek Dispatch
We cover why Tricos are still king here, how to fish pocket water effectively, and the streamer tweaks that actually move fish in skinny water.

• Flow Rate: 98 CFS — perfect for wading and covering pocket water
• Water Temp: High 40s°F — cool and safe for trout activity
• Air Temp: Upper 40s°F mornings, climbing into 70s by afternoon
• Clarity: Clear — trout easily spooked
• Best Times: 7–10 AM for Trico spinner falls; dusk for a small streamer swing
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — popular, especially near Golden, but thins with a walk
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — solid action if you stay stealthy

Notes: Tricos dominate mornings. BWOs are light but can pop with clouds. Midges remain a staple for nymph rigs.

Nymphs / Emergers

• Two-Bit Hooker (#16)
• WD-40 (#20)
• RS2 (#20-22)
• Zebra Midge (#22)

Dries / Terrestrials

• Trico Spinner (#22)
• Foam Wing Emerger (#20)
• Parachute Adams (#20-22)
• Micro Hopper (#14-16, fading)

Streamers

• Black Bugger (#10)
• Slumpbuster (#10-12)
• Mini Leech (#12, olive/black)

• Morning (7–10 AM): Trico spinner fall in slower water. Match size and keep drifts drag-free.
• Midday: Pocket water nymphing with WD-40s, RS2s, and hooker patterns. Light weight, short drifts.
• Evening (4–7 PM): Swing small streamers in shadows, or prospect with a foam emerger.
• Rig Note: 9–10 ft leaders with 6X for dries; 5X fluoro for nymphs.

• Downtown Golden: Easy access, high pressure, great for quick hits.
• Upstream toward Clear Creek Canyon: Pocket water, fewer anglers, prime for dry-dropper rigs.
• Golden Gate Canyon junctions: Cooler, less pressured water.

Q: Is the creek too low?
A: No, 98 CFS is perfect for wading. Just fish with stealth.

Q: Best bug right now?
A: Trico spinners in the morning.

Q: Do streamers work in skinny water?
A: Yes, small buggers and leeches moved slowly.

Q: Where’s easiest access?
A: Right through downtown Golden or the pull-offs in Clear Creek Canyon.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 8’6”–9’ 4 wt for dries, 5 wt if you plan to streamer fish.

Nestled just an hour from Denver, the Deckers stretch of the South Platte River is a renowned playground for fly fishing enthusiasts. Known for its crystal-clear waters, challenging trout, and stunning scenery, Deckers offers a mix of excitement and tranquility that keeps anglers coming back year-round.

Deckers is running 212 CFS, crystal clear, and right in that sweet spot for fall fishing. The canyon browns are tuned into Tricos in the mornings and BWOs on cooler/cloudy afternoons. Nymph rigs are the bread-and-butter most of the day, but a well-placed Trico spinner early or a small streamer in the evening shadows can turn heads.

Pressure is medium — expect anglers at the obvious pull-offs, but you can find space if you’re willing to walk.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Deckers Dispatch
We cover exactly how to fish the Trico spinner fall, which nymphs are producing, and how to outsmart trout that have already seen three Parachute Adams before breakfast.

• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — steady action if you nail the hatch timing
• Flow Rate: 212 CFS — excellent, wadeable, and trout-friendly
• Water Temp: Mid-40s°F — stable and safe for trout activity
• Air Temp: 40s°F at dawn, warming into 70s midday
• Clarity: Clear — stealth and finesse required
• Best Times: 7–11 AM for Tricos; 4–7 PM for BWOs and streamer shots
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — popular, but manageable with walking

Notes: Tricos dominate mornings, BWOs slip in with clouds, midges keep trout feeding under the surface, and caddis linger on warmer afternoons.

Nymphs / Emergers

• WD-40 (#22)
• RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
• JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
• Zebra Midge (#22-24)

Dries / Terrestrials

• Blue Wing Olive (#20)
• CDC Trico Spinner (#22-24)
• Parachute Adams (#20-22)
• Micro Chubby (#16, for dropper rigs)

Streamers

• Mini Leech (#12, black/olive)
• Slumpbuster (#12-14)
• Thin Mint Bugger (#12)

• Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinner fall is prime. Fish long leaders (12–14 ft, 6X/7X) with micro-droppers.
• Midday: Double-nymph rigs with WD-40s, RS2s, and JuJu Baetis. Small shot, subtle drifts in slots.
• Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs on cloudy days, caddis if it stays warm. Small streamers can move fish in shaded banks.
• Rig Note: Keep rigs light and precise. Deckers trout won’t forgive sloppy presentations.

• Trumbull to Deckers: Classic runs, easy access but often pressured.
• Downstream toward Wigwam Creek: Good variety of pocket water, less traffic.
• Upper Meadows: Productive riffle/run water, great for dry-dropper setups.

Q: Is Deckers crowded right now?
A: Medium pressure. Popular pull-offs are busy, but hiking spreads anglers out.

Q: What’s the hot bug?
A: Trico spinners in the morning, followed by WD-40s and RS2s.

Q: Do streamers work at Deckers?
A: Yes, especially in low-light conditions. Keep them small and natural.

Q: Can I wade safely at 212 CFS?
A: Absolutely. Flows are in the ideal wadeable range.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt with a long leader (12–14 ft) and fine tippet (6X/7X).

The Eagle has settled into its fall rhythm—low, clear, and technical. Tricos are still the breakfast menu, PMDs are hanging around, and terrestrials are pulling bonus eats in the afternoons. Crowds thin as hunting season kicks off, leaving the river mostly to the hardcore anglers who know how to downsize and stealth fish.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5 – fishable but technical)
Flow (CFS): ~260 CFS
Water Temp: 54–58°F mid-morning
Air Temp: Mid-70s°F afternoons
Clarity: Clear, spooky fish
Best Times: 7–11 AM for tricos, late PM for terrestrials
Fishing Pressure: Medium
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22 | RS2 #20 | Amy’s Ant #12

👉 Download this river’s Hatch Chart (PDF)

Title: Eagle River Fall Fishing – Tricos, Ants & Pocket-Water Nymphs
Description: We cover Eagle River’s September challenges—low flows, picky trout, and where to find consistent eats.

Source: OpenWeather / NOAA

• Mon (9/15): 48°–77°F – Clear

• Tue (9/16): 49°–79°F – Clouds

• Wed (9/17): 50°–82°F – Sun

• Thu (9/18): 52°–81°F – Clouds

• Fri (9/19): 50°–76°F – Clear

• Dry Fly Setup: CDC Trico Spinner #22 on 12–14’ 6X leader.

• Nymph Setup: RS2 Emerger #20 below a Juju Baetis #20, 18” apart, 5X fluoro.

• Streamer Setup: Thin Mint Bugger #10 or small Sculpzilla, swung in shadow lines.

• Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper with Amy’s Ant #12 + RS2 #20.

Q: When’s the best time to fish the Eagle in September?
A: Early mornings for tricos, evenings for terrestrials.

Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Trico spinners, RS2s, and ants near the banks.

Q: Is the Eagle crowded in fall?
A: Moderate—most anglers are hunting, so weekdays are quiet.

Q: Any special regs or closures?
A: Standard regs apply—check CPW updates during warm spells.

Q: Best stretch for beginners?
A: Town of Eagle runs—easy access and forgiving wade lines.

The Dream Stream is in full fall swing, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Flows are low, fish are spooky, and every cast feels like a midterm exam. But September is prime time for sight-fishing to big browns staging for their run, and if you bring your “A” game, you can turn refusals into grip-and-grin moments.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 – technical, but rewarding)
Flow (CFS): ~120
Water Temp: 54–58°F
Air Temp: Low 70s°F afternoons
Clarity: Clear, glassy in the flats
Best Times: 7–11 AM and 4–7 PM
Fishing Pressure: High (especially weekends)
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22 | RS2 #20 | Amy’s Ant #14

👉 Download this river’s Hatch Chart (PDF)

Title: Dream Stream Fall Playbook – Tricos, Browns & Pressure Hacks
Description: We dive into September strategies on the Dream Stream—how to target staging browns, crack the trico puzzle, and find quieter water when the parking lots are jammed.

Source: OpenWeather / NOAA

• Mon (9/15): 47°–72°F – Clear

• Tue (9/16): 46°–74°F – Clouds

• Wed (9/17): 48°–77°F – Clear

• Thu (9/18): 49°–75°F – Clouds

• Fri (9/19): 45°–70°F – Clear

• Dry Fly Setup: CDC Trico Spinner #22 on 12–14’ 6X leader.

• Nymph Setup: RS2 #20 below a Zebra Midge #22, 18” apart, 6X fluoro.

• Streamer Setup: Mini Dungeon or Thin Mint #8, stripped slow along undercuts.

• Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper with Amy’s Ant #14 + RS2 #20 dropper.

Q: When’s the best time to fish the Dream Stream in September?
A: Early mornings for tricos, evenings for terrestrials and staging browns.

Q: What flies are producing now?
A: Trico spinners, RS2 emergers, midges, and ants near banks.

Q: Is the Dream Stream crowded right now?
A: Yes, especially weekends. Go midweek or hike away from parking lots.

Q: Can I catch big browns here in September?
A: Absolutely—this is staging season. Fish deeper runs and undercuts.

Q: Any closures or special regs?
A: Artificial flies/lures only, barbless strongly encouraged.

Q: What’s the water like right now?
A: Clear and low, so stealth and long leaders are mandatory.