The Starting Lineup: 3 Flies You MUST Have for June Fly Fishing in Colorado
- brianchilbert
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If there is one question we get more than any other during the month of June, it’s this:
“What flies should I have in my box right now?”
June is one of the most exciting months of the year to be on the water in Colorado. Runoff is underway on many rivers, stoneflies are active, trout are looking up more frequently, and fish are feeding aggressively as water temperatures begin to rise.
At Colorado River Outfitters, our guides spend hundreds of days on the water every season. While there are dozens of productive flies this time of year, three patterns consistently earn a spot in our boats every single day.
Welcome to our June edition of The Starting Lineup—the three flies you absolutely must have in your fly box right now.
1. Pat’s Rubber Legs
Coffee/Black | Sizes 10-8
If there is one fly that belongs in every Colorado angler’s box during June, it’s the Pat’s Rubber Legs.
This fly imitates a variety of large stonefly nymphs. As runoff increases river flows and dislodges larger food sources, trout key heavily on these protein-rich meals.
The coffee and black color combination has become a staple for our guides because it offers excellent contrast in both clear and stained water conditions.
How We Fish It
We typically fish a Pat’s Rubber Legs as the point fly with a smaller mayfly or caddis imitation trailing behind it. Focus on:
Deep seams
Drop-offs
Soft water along riverbanks
Transition zones between fast and slow currents
Structure, such as boulders or ledges.
Don’t be surprised if your biggest fish of the day eats the Pat’s itself.
2. Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD
Sizes 18-16
Designed by CRO co-owner Brian Hilbert, the Sexi Top May PMD has become one of our most productive flies throughout late spring and early summer.
This fly perfectly imitates emerging Pale Morning Dun nymphs while maintaining a slim profile that closely resembles many of the mayflies trout encounter every day.
June marks the beginning of consistent PMD activity across many Colorado rivers, including:
Eagle River
Colorado River
Roaring Fork River
Fryingpan River
The realistic profile and subtle flash make this fly deadly in both clear and slightly off-color water.
Why It Works
The Sexi Top May PMD fishes well because it represents exactly what trout are expecting to see during June—a naturally drifting mayfly nymph.
While larger attractor patterns get the trout’s attention, the Sexi Top May often seals the deal.
How We Fish It
We most often fish the Sexi Top May:
12 to 24 inches behind a Pat’s Rubber Legs
Under an indicator
Along riffles and transition water
During the late morning and afternoon PMD activity windows
When trout become selective, this fly frequently out-produces larger attractor patterns.
3. Royal PMX
Sizes 14-12
June is the month when trout start looking toward the surface more consistently, and few flies generate as much excitement as the Royal PMX.
Part attractor dry fly and part stonefly imitation, the Royal PMX is one of the most versatile dry flies you can carry.
It floats exceptionally well, is easy to see on the water, and often draws explosive strikes from opportunistic trout.
As water temperatures rise and fish begin feeding more aggressively, the Royal PMX becomes an outstanding choice for:
Dry-dropper rigs
Prospecting banks
Pocket water
Fast riffles
Why We Love It
The Royal PMX isn’t meant to imitate one specific insect. Instead, it triggers aggressive feeding behavior and gives trout a reason to look up.
Even when fish aren’t fully committed to dry flies, they’ll often crush a well-presented Royal PMX.
How We Fish It
Our guides commonly use the Royal PMX as the dry fly in a dry-dropper setup with:
Sexi Top May PMD
Small pheasant tails
Caddis larvae
Jigged nymphs
This setup covers multiple levels of the water column while giving anglers a chance to watch fish eat on the surface.
Pro Tip From CRO Guide Matt Fletcher
“In June, don’t get locked into one technique. Conditions can change quickly throughout the day. Start your morning with a nymph rig, but always keep a dry-dropper rod ready. Some of the best fishing happens when trout suddenly begin looking up. Cover water, fish aggressively, and pay attention to changing insect activity. The anglers who adapt throughout the day consistently catch the most fish.”
— Matt Fletcher, CRO Guide
Matt spends over 150 days each year on Colorado’s rivers and has developed a reputation for consistently finding fish under a wide variety of conditions. His biggest piece of advice is simple:
Be willing to adjust.
June rewards anglers who remain flexible.
Final Thoughts
If you only had room for three flies in your box this June, these would be our choices:
The Starting Lineup
Together, these flies allow you to effectively fish deep, mid-column, and on the surface while matching some of the most important food sources trout encounter throughout the month.
Whether you’re fishing the Eagle River, Colorado River, Roaring Fork River, or any of Colorado’s outstanding trout streams, these three flies deserve a permanent place in your June fly box.
Book a Trip With Colorado River Outfitters
Want to learn exactly when, where, and how to fish these flies?
Spend a day on the water with one of our professional guides.
At Colorado River Outfitters, our guides fish these rivers every day and stay on top of changing water conditions, hatches, and productive techniques so you don’t have to.
We offer:
Guided Float Trips
Walk-and-Wade Trips
Family Fly Fishing Adventures
Corporate Outings
Beginner and Advanced Instruction
Whether you’re looking to catch your first trout on a fly rod or improve your skills as an experienced angler, our team can help you make the most of your time on the water.
Ready to Fish?
Book your next guided fly fishing trip with Colorado River Outfitters today and discover why June is one of the best months of the year to be on a Colorado river. Give us a call or text today! 970-236-1937
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