Navigating Runoff: Expert Fly Fishing Tips with Colorado River Outfitters Guide, Brian Hilbert

A big spring time cutbow from the Roaring Fork River

Spring in Colorado doesn’t just mean rising temperatures and budding trees—it also means snowmelt and runoff season on the rivers. For many anglers, runoff can be a challenging time to chase trout, but for seasoned guides like Brian Hilbert of Colorado River Outfitters, it’s a unique opportunity to target big fish in changing conditions. I had the chance to sit down with Brian, a veteran float and wade guide and signature fly designer for Montana Fly Company, to talk tactics, safety, and the magic of fishing the mighty Colorado during runoff.

High water can produce some exceptional fishing, if you know where to focus your efforts.

Interview with Brian Hilbert: Mastering the High Water

Q: Brian, most anglers shy away from runoff. What makes it worth the effort for you?

Brian: Runoff gets a bad rap. Sure, the water’s high and off-color, but it pushes fish into predictable places—slower seams, back eddies, side channels. That’s gold if you know how to read water. Plus, the big bugs are active, and the fish are hungry. You can have some of the best streamer days of the year or even hit the salmonfly hatch if you time it right.

Floating vs. Wading: Tactical Decisions During Runoff

Q: How do your strategies differ between floating and wading during runoff?

Brian: When I’m floating, I’m looking to cover as much fishable water as possible. I love working the edges—especially along the soft banks where fish stack up to avoid heavy current. I’ll be much more thorough in the softer water and hit those buckets hard.

Wading is trickier. You’ve got to pick your spots carefully, especially with the current ripping. I look for side channels, tributary mouths, and backwater areas—places that are more manageable on foot and where trout hold in softer water. Safety is key. Don’t wade where you can’t see the bottom, and always bring a wading staff.

Runoff Rigging: Flies and Setups that Work

Q: Let’s talk gear. What’s your go-to setup during runoff?

Brian: I keep it simple and heavy. I typically run a two-fly nymph rig with a lot of weight, depending on flow. I’ll start with a big stonefly or cranefly larva as the anchor fly. My “Philly Cheese Cranefly” from MFC is deadly in these conditions—it’s got great movement and imitates an opportunistic meal perfectly.

Then I’ll trail a caddis pupa or a midge—depending on what’s active. Caddis are key this time of year, especially later in the day. If I see fish suspended or rising in slack water, I’ll switch over to a dry-dropper or go smaller. But usually, big and buggy wins.

Whitewater Wisdom: Staying Safe on the Float

Q: Safety’s a big deal during runoff. What advice do you give to less experienced float anglers?

Brian: First off—don’t go on sections you’re not familiar with. Always scout your float section ahead of time, know your take-outs, and check flow levels. If you’re not sure, don’t risk it. Runoff brings class III and IV rapids even to normally mellow sections.

Everyone in the boat wears a life jacket—no exceptions. Communicate with your anglers. If I’m guiding, I’m always calling out drops, sweepers, or shallow gravel bars ahead of time. It’s all about staying one step ahead.

Streamer Fishing: Going Big for Aggressive Takes

Q: Do you throw streamers much during runoff?

Brian: Oh yeah. Big time. This is prime streamer season. The water’s murky, the fish are territorial, and they’re less leader shy. I love using articulated patterns—something with bulk and motion. Olive, black, and white are my top producers.

I’ll swing streamers through soft seams or strip them out of the shallows along the bank. Sometimes I run a mini sink tip or just use weighted flies. The takes can be savage. If you’re not getting eats, try changing your retrieve speed or angle.

The Salmonfly Hatch: A High-Water Highlight

Q: You mentioned the salmonfly hatch. That’s a bucket-list event for a lot of anglers. What’s it like on the upper Colorado?

Brian: It’s electric. When the salmonflies pop on the upper Colorado—usually late May into early June—it’s like the river flips a switch. Big bugs everywhere, fish smashing dries, and the adrenaline is nonstop.

I like to float sections above State Bridge or around Radium. You’ll see fish come out of the woodwork to crush a size 6 dry. I’ll fish a big foam salmonfly pattern with a dropper underneath—usually my “Salmonfly Bugger”. It’s visual, it’s violent, and it’s addicting.

Meet the Guide: Brian Hilbert

Brian Hilbert is a veteran guide and co-owner of Colorado River Outfitters. He’s also a signature fly designer for Montana Fly Company. With over two decades of experience guiding full time, Brian is known for his technical skill, easygoing style, and unmatched knowledge of the Colorado River. His signature fly patterns, the Philly Cheese Cranefly, Daysaver Baetis, Sexi Top Baetis and Salmonfly Bugger have become go-to patterns for guides across the state during high water season.

Book Your Trip:

To fish with Brian, visit Colorado River Outfitters or call (970) 236-1937 to book your next guided float or walk-wade trip. Whether you’re chasing the salmonfly hatch, throwing streamers in runoff, or just learning the ropes, Brian brings the know-how and passion to make your trip unforgettable.

Tight lines, and stay safe this runoff season. The fish are there—you just have to know where (and how) to look.

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