Summer in Colorado means one thing for fly anglers: hatches. But knowing what’s hatching—and where—can make the difference between a full net and a full skunk. In this episode, we break down Colorado fly fishing summer hatches month-by-month, focusing on the best rivers and creeks near Denver for rising trout, predictable bug activity, and technical (but fun) fishing.

We’re covering the classics: South Platte, Blue, Arkansas, Clear Creek, Poudre, Big Thompson, Fraser, and Bear Creek—but also giving real attention to five under-the-radar spots most blogs overlook: Tarryall Creek, North Fork of the South Platte, Middle Fork near Fairplay, St. Vrain Forks, and Boulder Creek above town. These rivers fish incredibly well in summer and are still dominated by low-quality search results, meaning if you know, you know.

Here’s how it breaks down:

In June, runoff is dropping and the trout are back on the feed. Caddis and golden stoneflies show up first in Clear Creek, the Platte, and the Big T. These hatches spark aggressive surface eats, especially on foam flies and high-floating dries.

July is dry fly paradise. PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and lingering caddis provide consistent morning action. Mid-day, terrestrials like ants and beetles start to come into play—especially on small creeks and high-country runs. This is your best window for dry-dropper rigs and visible strikes.

August is full-blown terrestrial season. Hoppers, beetles, and ants dominate, especially on mid-elevation freestones and meadow creeks. Green Drakes taper off in lower water but still show up in alpine pockets like the upper Poudre, Middle Fork Platte, and tributaries above 9,000 feet. Most anglers keep throwing big foam—smart anglers match conditions and downsize to get eats.

September brings the return of BWOs and the beginning of fall transition. Cloudy days and cooler water push trout back into shallow edges and riffles, sipping tiny mayflies on top. Fish are pickier, but the crowds are gone. This is the month for finesse and foam lines.

We also cover:

• Which flies to pack each month for each major river

• How to fish overlapping hatches with better rigs

• Why underrated creeks like St. Vrain and Tarryall punch above their weight

• What the hatch timing shifts look like by elevation

• Why most fly shop blogs are missing the nuance (and the real windows)

• When to downsize, when to throw foam, and when to switch to emergers

There’s also a full FAQ at the end, covering common questions like:

• When does hopper season peak in Colorado?

• What’s the best dry-dropper combo right now?

• Are PMDs and BWOs the same thing?

• What flows make canyon rivers like Bear Creek or Boulder Creek fish best?

Whether you're chasing headwater cutthroat in July or picking off tailwater risers in September, this episode will help you match your hatch, pick your spot, and fish Colorado like a local.

For the full written breakdown, hatch chart, fly recommendations, and river-by-river tips, head to RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com.

Want access to the secret creeks, off-grid hatches, and deep-dives we’re holding back? Stick around. There’s a premium feed coming.

This week’s fishing report breaks down the best fly fishing near Denver for June 16–22. Flows are finally cooperating, hatches are predictable, and it’s shaping up to be a killer week on the water.

Leading the pack is South Boulder Creek, with stable flows around 90 CFS and trout rising to PMDs and caddis throughout the day. It’s the most consistent stretch close to town right now, especially for anglers who know how to drift a dry-dropper clean through the flats.

Clear Creek is a close second. Above Tunnel 1, clarity is solid through the mornings, and the fish are active on Elk Hair Caddis and small stonefly patterns. Expect great pocket water action from 9 AM until the sun’s directly overhead.

Bear Creek is going technical. Low, clear, and filled with spooky trout—but if you like fishing terrestrials with long leaders and tight casts, this is your moment. A well-placed black ant or beetle can turn the tide.

Further out, Deckers is still holding its own with flows around 325 CFS. Sight fishing is viable in the morning, and fish are eating midges and baetis under indicators. It’s not lights-out fishing, but if you’re early and focused, there are trout to be caught.

Waterton Canyon rounds out the list. The canyon’s flows are favorable, and fish are looking up for Chubby Chernobyls and small nymphs. The trick here is timing—beat the crowds, and you’ll find action.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Current flow rates, clarity, and temperature trends

• The top 5 rivers and creeks to hit near Denver this week

• The flies you need in your box right now (spoiler: it’s beetle season)

• Tactical tips for dry-dropper rigs, stealth, and drift control

Whether you’re sneaking out for a quick morning on Bear Creek or planning a full-day mission to Deckers, this episode has what you need to fish smarter, not harder.

To view the full breakdown and fly picks for the week, visit RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com.

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In this episode, we head up—way up—into the alpine zones of Colorado’s backcountry to talk high country dry fly fishing. If you’re sick of fishing behind three other people on the South Platte, this is your invitation to breathe thin air, throw big loops, and fool native cutthroat in cold, clear water.

Colorado high country streams are at their peak from mid-June through early August. The runoff has settled, the hatches are reliable, and the fish aren’t nearly as picky as their tailwater cousins—unless you screw up your drift.

We cover:

• What counts as high country (hint: if it’s under 8,000 feet, it’s not it)

• The best months, times of day, and weather windows for dry fly success

• What to pack: from Parachute Adams to terrestrials, with only the essentials

• Why stealth matters more than fly choice

• How to get technical without overthinking it

We also spotlight a few of our favorite alpine drainages and small creeks that fish lights-out with a single fly and a 3-weight. Whether you’re hiking into Rocky Mountain National Park or poking around roadside creeks near Leadville, this episode breaks down what makes high country dry fly fishing one of the most rewarding ways to catch trout in Colorado.

No indicator rigs. No mop flies. Just clean casts, good water, and rising fish.

Want to read the full post? Visit RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com for the full breakdown, fly recommendations, and more content for the modern Colorado angler.