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Fly Fishing Blog
Stay up to date with the latest from Colorado River Outfitters through our fishing blog. Our professional guides regularly share current fishing reports, seasonal hatch guides, fly recommendations, river conditions, techniques, and on-the-water insights from the Eagle, Colorado, Roaring Fork, and other waters we fish throughout the Colorado Rockies. Whether you're planning an upcoming trip or simply want to know what's happening on the water, our blog gives you information straight from the guides who fish these rivers every day. Subscribe to the CRO blog to get our latest reports, hatch updates, fly selections, and fishing tips delivered directly to you.
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August Hatch Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Colorado’s Hatches in August
Every August, one of the Colorado River’s most overlooked feeding events begins—the annual crawfish molt. As crawfish shed their shells, trophy brown trout key in on these easy meals. Learn how Colorado River Outfitters co-owner Brian Hilbert targets this unique window with his proven hopper-and-crawfish technique, and why it consistently produces some of the biggest trout of the year.
brianchilbert
Aug 79 min read
July Hatch Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Colorado’s Hatches in July
Discover Colorado’s best July fly fishing hatches with CRO’s complete hatch guide. Learn when and how to fish midges, tricos, yellow sallies, caddis, PMDs, golden stoneflies, hoppers, and flying ants on the Eagle River, Colorado River, and Roaring Fork River. Includes expert fly recommendations, hatch timing, and pro tips from Colorado River Outfitters guides.
brianchilbert
Jul 210 min read
Colorado Fly Fishing Report 6/25/26 Eagle River • Upper Colorado River • Lower Colorado River • Roaring Fork River
Get the latest Colorado fly fishing report from Colorado River Outfitters with expert updates on the Eagle River, Roaring Fork River, and Colorado River. Learn what’s hatching, the best fly patterns, proven guide tips from Matt Fletcher and Sam Kinney, current river conditions, water temperature updates, and responsible trout fishing practices. Plan your next Vail, Aspen, or Glenwood Springs fly fishing trip with confidence.
brianchilbert
Jun 256 min read
Colorado Fly Fishing Report: Eagle River, Roaring Fork River & Colorado River Update
Colorado fly fishing remains excellent on the Eagle River, Colorado River, and Roaring Fork River, but anglers should pay close attention to rising water temperatures as flows continue to drop. Our latest fishing report covers current conditions, productive hatches, top fly patterns, and important trout conservation guidelines, including when to stop fishing as water temperatures approach 68°F.
brianchilbert
Jun 196 min read
June Hatch Guide: A Complete Guide to Colorado's Hatches in June
June is one of the best months of the year to fly fish in Colorado. From prolific PMD and caddis hatches to golden stoneflies, yellow sallies, blue-winged olives, and midges, trout have plenty to eat. Our June Hatch Guide breaks down each hatch, when to expect it, where trout feed, and the best tactics for success. Get prepared for some of Colorado’s most exciting fly fishing opportunities of the season.
brianchilbert
Jun 66 min read
Vail Valley Fishing Report - 5/29/26
The latest Vail Valley fishing report features current conditions on the Eagle River, Colorado River, and Roaring Fork River. The Eagle and Upper Colorado are providing excellent fly fishing opportunities with productive nymphing, dry fly, and streamer action. Stay updated with local hatch activity, fly recommendations, river conditions, and expert insight from Colorado River Outfitters, Vail’s trusted fly fishing guides.
brianchilbert
May 295 min read
Vail Valley Fishing Report 5/23/26
Spring fishing in the Vail Valley is firing on all cylinders right now. The Eagle River is producing excellent action with strong hatches of BWOs, caddis, stoneflies, and midges keeping trout active throughout the day. Cooler weather has temporarily slowed runoff, creating improved clarity and ideal flows across many local fisheries. Whether you’re floating the Eagle, wading Gore Creek, or exploring the Colorado River, anglers are finding eager fish and increasing dry fly opp
brianchilbert
May 234 min read
May Hatch Guide – Everything You Need to Know About Colorado Hatches in May
May is one of the most exciting months to be a fly angler in Colorado. It’s the transition from spring into early summer, and the rivers come alive with bugs, rising fish, and opportunity. With a warm spring and a lighter snowpack this year, we’re seeing hatches show up a little earlier than normal across the Vail Valley and surrounding waters. That means if you’re paying attention, you can get ahead of the curve and capitalize on some of the best fishing of the year. Below i
brianchilbert
May 74 min read
April Hatch Guide – Everything You Need to Know About Colorado’s Hatches in April
Hilbert’s “Day Saver Baetis” with Montana Fly Company is a perfect match for spring blue wing olives. April in Colorado is one of the most dynamic and productive months of the entire year. We’re sitting right in that pre-runoff window where flows begin to creep up, bugs are active, and trout are feeding hard. If you know what to look for and how to adjust, this can be some of the best fishing you’ll experience all season. Let’s break down everything you need to know to dial i
brianchilbert
Apr 65 min read
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