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Welcome to our blog, your ultimate resource for everything fly fishing! We offer in-depth fly fishing reports that keep you updated on the latest conditions and hotspots, helping you plan your next adventure with confidence. Dive into our expert tips on fly fishing tactics, from casting techniques to mastering different water types, so you can elevate your skills. Our detailed insect studies give you a deeper understanding of what’s hatching, ensuring you’re always prepared with the perfect fly selection. And that’s just the beginning—our blog is packed with expert advice, gear reviews, and insider insights to enhance every aspect of your fly fishing journey.
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THE STARTING LINEUP: 3 Flies You Must Have for the Month of January with Matt Fletcher
January fly fishing separates the anglers who are willing to slow down, dial it in, and fish with intention from everyone else. Winter conditions demand a different mindset, and when you approach it correctly, some of the best and most technical fishing of the year happens right now. According to CRO guide Matt Fletcher, success in January comes down to understanding fish behavior, timing your day correctly, and carrying the right flies. Think of this as your winter starting
flyfish19
Jan 113 min read
Eagle River Fishing Report – Dec 26th, 2025
Our guides have been busy all week leading up to Christmas, and the Eagle River has been fishing exceptionally well for those willing to put hitting the slopes on hold. Thanks to warmer than normal temperatures, we have seen consistent midge activity and cooperative trout across much of the river. Wade trips have been especially productive, with fish feeding steadily during the warmest parts of the day. Winter fishing on the Eagle is often overlooked, but right now it is ver
flyfish19
Dec 26, 20254 min read
Floating vs. Wading: A Complete Breakdown of Guided Fly Fishing Trips
One of the most common questions anglers ask when booking a guided fly fishing trip is deceptively simple: “Should I float or should I wade?” The truth is, there’s no universal right answer and that’s what makes the conversation interesting. Floating and wading offer fundamentally different ways to experience a river, learn the sport, and approach fish. Each has clear advantages, real limitations, and moments where it absolutely shines. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing
flyfish19
Dec 18, 20254 min read
Winter Fly Fishing Tips with CRO Guide Brian Hilbert
Winter fly fishing can be some of the most rewarding trout fishing of the year—if you approach it with the right mindset and tactics. Fewer anglers, clear water, and predictable fish behavior all stack the odds in your favor. But winter trout are also cold, deliberate, and unforgiving of sloppy presentations. After years of guiding through Colorado winters, CRO guide Brian Hilbert has refined a simple, highly effective approach to consistently put more trout in the net when w
flyfish19
Dec 13, 20253 min read
THE STARTING LINEUP – 3 MUST-HAVE FLIES FOR DECEMBER - With CRO Guide Sam Kinney
Winter in Colorado isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders. While the slopes get all the attention, seasoned anglers know that December can produce some of the most underrated—and often exceptional—fly fishing of the entire year. Fewer crowds, stable flows, and predictable hatch cycles make this a prime month to slow things down, fish with intention, and get rewarded with quality trout. To help you build a rock-solid winter fly box, CRO guide Sam Kinney put together his Starti
flyfish19
Dec 6, 20253 min read
Roaring Fork Fishing Report 11/29/25 — With CRO Guide Brian Hilbert
The Roaring Fork continues to fish exceptionally well as our warmer-than-usual fall stretches on. Flows are sitting low and clear at 410 cfs, creating ideal conditions for floating—rafts are the perfect craft for navigating this skinny late-November water. Despite the low flows, fishing remains outstanding for those willing to adjust to the early winter techniques. River Conditions & Productive Setups With colder nights and dropping water, trout are beginning to slide into th
flyfish19
Nov 29, 20252 min read
Eagle River Fishing Report 11/18/25 — With CRO Guide Matt Fletcher
The Eagle River is fishing excellent right now, and CRO guide Matt Fletcher reports that warmer than usual conditions are offering some of the most consistent action of the fall. Clear flows, cold mornings, and mild afternoons are creating a perfect November groove—and the trout are taking full advantage. Current Conditions Expect low, clear water with fish settling into slower, deeper holding lanes where they can conserve energy. With stable weather and dependable bug activi
flyfish19
Nov 19, 20252 min read
Eagle River — Fall Fishing Report with CRO Guide Paul Killino 11/13/25
Fall is here and the Eagle River is firing on all cylinders. Low, clear water and crisp mornings have pushed fish into slower, deeper seams — the kind of places that make methodical anglers smile. Paul Killino and the crew at Colorado River Outfitters have it dialed in right now: midge activity kicks off reliably around 10:00 AM, and the bite is strong through the afternoon. Fishing the deeper, slower water with a subtle, well-presented rig is bringing some excellent fish t
flyfish19
Nov 13, 20252 min read
The Starting Lineup – 3 Flies You Must Have for the Month of November With CRO Guide Brian Hilbert
As the seasons shift and we settle into November, the lower Colorado River begins its quiet transformation. Cooler mornings, slower currents, and selective fish mark the transition from fall to winter. For anglers, this means adapting our approach, adjusting depth, and downsizing our patterns. CRO Guide Brian Hilbert has put together his “Starting Lineup” — three flies that absolutely deserve a spot on your rig this month. Whether you’re nymphing the deeper runs or prospectin
flyfish19
Nov 10, 20254 min read
Lower Colorado Fishing Report 10/27/25 with Brian Hilbert
Fall is in full swing here on the Lower Colorado, and the fishing has been nothing short of exciting. The river is in great shape, the weather has been ideal, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with quality fish. That said, this time of year, the bigger trout are out there—but you’ve got to work for them. Anglers willing to put in the time, adjust their rigs, and stay patient are being rewarded with some truly impressive catches. My Philly Cheese Cranefly has bi
flyfish19
Oct 27, 20253 min read
The Starting Lineup — Streamer Edition with CRO Guide Matt Weldon
Fall fishing is in full force, and for many of us, that means one thing—it’s streamer season. Big flies, aggressive eats, and trophy-caliber trout that are on the move. We sat down with Colorado River Outfitters guide Matt Weldon to talk about his starting lineup of streamers and the thought process behind chasing big trout when the leaves turn and the water cools. Reading Trout Behavior Streamer fishing is all about reading the attitude of the fish. In the fall, trout are ch
flyfish19
Oct 20, 20253 min read
Respect the Redds: Fishing Responsibly During the Fall Spawn
By CRO Guide Brian Hilbert Fall is my favorite time of year to be on the water. The air is crisp, the colors are stunning, and the brown trout are fired up. But with all that excitement comes responsibility. Fall is also spawning season, and as anglers, it’s on us to protect the resource. If we want to keep chasing big browns year after year, we have to approach the spawn with a fishery-first mindset. What Is a Redd? If you see a light or clean area of the river, this is usua
flyfish19
Oct 15, 20254 min read
Eagle River Fishing Report – Afternoon with CRO Guide Sam Kinney
The Eagle near Wolcott produced another fun and productive afternoon session this week. With a mix of sporadic cloud cover, conditions...
flyfish19
Oct 1, 20253 min read
Upper Colorado River Fishing Report with CRO Guide Matt Fletcher 9/24/25
Fall is in full swing here on the Upper Colorado, and the fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. The cooler nights, vibrant...
flyfish19
Sep 24, 20254 min read
Upper Colorado River — 9/16/25 Fishing Report With CRO guide Matt Weldon
Matt Weldon is a veteran Colorado Fly Fishing guide who is guiding nearly every day for Colorado River Outfitters. Fall has been off to...
flyfish19
Sep 16, 20253 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Streamer Fishing for Trout With Brian Hilbert
Insights from CRO Guide Brian Hilbert When most anglers think about fly fishing for trout, delicate dry flies or small nymph rigs come to...
flyfish19
Sep 13, 20254 min read
The Starting Lineup: 3 Flies You Must Have for September With CRO Guide Matthew Fletcher
September on the Upper Colorado is one of the most exciting times to be on the water. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons still carry...
flyfish19
Sep 5, 20253 min read
Upper Colorado River Fishing Report with CRO Guide Brian Hilbert
Fall is here on the Upper Colorado River, and with the cooler nights and crisp mornings, fishing conditions couldn’t be better. Our...
flyfish19
Sep 1, 20253 min read
Upper Colorado River Fishing Report with CRO Guide Matt Weldon 8/23/25
The Upper Colorado River continues to fish incredibly well, and CRO guide Matt Weldon has been putting anglers on fish with a variety of...
flyfish19
Aug 23, 20252 min read
Hopper / Dropper Master Class with CRO Guide Brian Hilbert
Late summer on the Colorado River means one thing: hopper season. When the banks are buzzing and trout are looking up, few rigs can rival...
flyfish19
Aug 15, 20254 min read
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