Fly Fishing High Flows as Runoff Recedes: Tips from CRO Guide Brian Hilbert

As spring fades and summer begins to take hold in the Rockies, many anglers eagerly await the sweet spot when runoff recedes, flows stabilize, and trout begin to feed with intensity. For those who know the Colorado, Eagle and Roaring Fork well, this is a window of opportunity—a golden time to chase wild fish on big water. It’s also a time that requires thoughtful planning, solid technique, and local insight. We sat down with Brian Hilbert, veteran guide for Colorado River Outfitters (CRO), to break down the essentials of fly fishing high flows in early summer.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to western rivers, Brian’s experience is worth its weight in gold. With over two decades of guiding under his belt, he knows how to read the river when conditions are dynamic, and he’s not shy about sharing what works.

Understanding the Window: Fishing as Runoff Recedes

Runoff typically peaks in early June, depending on snowpack and weather patterns. As flows begin to drop and water clarity improves, trout begin to settle into their summer patterns. According to Brian, this transition period is one of the most underrated and productive times to fish the Colorado, Eagle or Roaring Fork.

“People often wait for perfect clarity or mid-summer flows, but if you know how to approach it, this time of year can be lights-out,” says Brian. “You’ve got aggressive fish, less pressure, and bugs starting to pop.”

Beth displays a beautiful Colorado River brown trout caught on a stonefly nymph.

Time of Day: Early Birds Not Always Catching The Worms

When flows are high, mornings can be slower, especially with cooler water temps.

“I like to start later than most people think,” Brian says. “With the higher flows, trout are going to try to capitalize when there is the most food in the system, as water warms midday and insect activity increases, fishing can really turn on. A full day float often sees the best window from late morning through mid-afternoon—especially during the first major Caddis or Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches.”

Fly Selection: Big Bugs, Summer Staples, and Match-the-Hatch Strategy

Runoff flows call for smart fly selection that balances size, visibility, and realism. Brian’s three-part strategy focuses on:

Golden Stoneflies are extremely prevalent as runoff recedes

1. Stoneflies

Large golden stones are key this time of year, especially on the Colorado.

“We’ll throw a size 6 or 8 Pat’s Rubber Legs under an indicator, or large dry fly like a Chubby Chernobyl ,” Brian explains. “They get down quick, and trout are looking for that big opportunistic, high protein meal.”

Caddis in their “pupa” stage are one of the most important stages to match.

2. Caddis

Once water temps reach the mid-50s, Caddis become reliable and prolific.

“I always carry tan and olive caddis pupae in 14s and 16s—especially Sparkle Pupae. Sometimes the fish are on them so heavy I’ll fish two of them.”

PMD nymphs are a small mayfly nymph that ranges in color from dark brown to tan.

3. PMDs

Later in June and into July, PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) take over. They’re a key hatch on the Colorado, Eagle and Roaring Fork and Brian is ready for them.

“In softer water or eddies, we’ll rig a double dry with a PMD Comparadun trailed by a PMD emerger—my “Sexi Top PMD is deadly in this situation.”

Rigging for Success: Adjust for Depth and Speed

Rigging properly for variable flows is one of the biggest keys to success. Brian’s go-to setup for high water is a three-fly nymph rig under an adjustable indicator, with tungsten beaded flies for weight.

“When focusing on the softer edges and eddies, I tend to use lighter weight with heavy tippet,” he explains. “I use 3X to the first fly, then 4X tippet off that to the droppers. The thicker diameter tippet will help keep your flies just off the bottom and snag less.”

When flows start to stabilize, Brian will often switch to a dry-dropper setup in side channels or softer edges. Think big foam Chubby Chernobyl with a caddis emerger and PMD nymph trailed behind.

“When rigging dry dropper, I like to have my caddis emerger only 12”-16” below my dry. With a heavier stonefly or pmd nymph below it. Often the trout will come up to inspect the dry and settle for the caddis emerger hanging below it—the takes can be violent.”

Approach and Safety: Reading Water, Staying Smart

High flows require a different mindset. Safety always comes first.

“People underestimate how fast this river can move,” Brian warns. “If you’re wading, stay close to shore, use a staff, and wear a belt with your waders. And always, always scout before you step.”

From a drift boat, he stresses communication and knowing your route. Anchoring in fast water can be dangerous, and unexpected log jams or debris are common during runoff transition.

Approach-wise, Brian recommends targeting inside bends, slow seams, and side channels—places where trout can rest and feed without fighting current.

Pro Tips from Brian Hilbert

• Don’t skimp on tippet strength: Fish aren’t leader shy in high flows. Go 3X or even 2X for your point fly.

• Keep your flies moving: In fast water, a slight lift or twitch can trigger strikes. Especially while imitating caddis pupa.

• Watch the banks: Crawling stoneflies or hatching caddis often mean fish are feeding close to shore.

• Fish shallower than you think: Trout will often be in the skinny soft water.

• Be patient and mobile: Cover water efficiently, but don’t overlook soft water near structure. When wading, the best water is close to shore, you won’t need to wade out waste deep.

Book a Trip with Brian or a CRO Guide

Want to skip the learning curve and maximize your time on the water? Booking a guided trip with Brian Hilbert—or any of the seasoned professionals at Colorado River Outfitters—is the best way to get dialed in. Whether you’re floating a remote canyon section or stalking risers from the bank, CRO’s guides offer local knowledge, world-class instruction, and a deep passion for the river.

“We’re not just out here to catch fish,” Brian says. “We want people to fall in love with the river like we have. That’s the real win.”

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Stay connected with us and get daily updates on river conditions, hatch reports, and guide life on the Colorado. Follow us at @colorado.river.outfitters and join the CRO family!

Shop at Golden Fly Shop!

if you’re planning a day on the water, be sure to stock up at Golden Fly Shop in Golden, CO or Castle Rock, CO. The team at Golden is dialed in with everything you’ll need for a successful day on the water. Use code CRO10 at checkout for 10% off!

Whether you’re just getting into fly fishing or planning your annual Colorado trip, don’t overlook this magical post-runoff period. Big bugs, hungry fish, and a river full of life await.

Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water.

The CRO Team

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