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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
How Water Temperatures Affect Trout – An Angler’s Guide
Water temperature affects everything from trout feeding behavior to oxygen levels and post-release survival. Learn why 65°F and 68°F matter, how to accurately measure stream temperatures, and how anglers can protect trout during warm summer conditions.
brianchilbert
Jul 318 min read
Vail Valley & Roaring Fork Fly Fishing Report - Fish Early. Fish Smart. Protect the Resource.
Summer fly fishing in Colorado is still producing outstanding mornings for anglers who start early and fish responsibly. In our latest fishing report, we break down current conditions on the Eagle, Colorado, and Roaring Fork rivers, share the best hatches and productive flies, and discuss how to protect our wild trout by monitoring water temperatures and calling it a day when rivers reach 68°F.
brianchilbert
Jul 267 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
The Starting Lineup: 3 Flies You MUST Have for June Fly Fishing in Colorado
Looking for the best flies for Colorado fly fishing this June? In this month’s Starting Lineup, Colorado River Outfitters breaks down the three flies you MUST have: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD, and the Royal PMX. Learn when and how to fish them, get expert June fly fishing tips from CRO guide Matt Fletcher, and discover why these patterns are producing big trout on the Eagle River, Colorado River, and Roaring Fork River.
brianchilbert
Jun 144 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
CRO Oar Certification & Guide Training
Build the Foundation for a Successful Fly Fishing Guide Career If you’ve ever dreamed about becoming a professional fly fishing guide, there’s one skillset that separates good anglers from great guides… the ability to safely and confidently operate a drift boat in real river conditions. At Colorado River Outfitters, we’ve built our CRO Oar Certification & Guide Training to give aspiring guides the exact foundation they need to succeed on the water from day one. This is not a
brianchilbert
Apr 34 min read
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