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The Starting Lineup – 3 Flies You MUST Have For The Month Of February



February doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Cold mornings, quiet ramps, empty runs—and some of the most consistent, technical, and rewarding fishing of the year if you know how to approach it.


Late winter on our local Colorado waters is all about midges, and not just any midges, size, depth, sequencing, and presentation matter more now than any other time of year. To cut through the noise, we sat down with Colorado River Outfitters veteran guide Matt Weldon to break down the three flies he refuses to fish February without and exactly how he rigs and fishes them.


This is your February starting lineup. Simple. Deadly. Proven.





The February Game Plan: Think Deep, Then Follow the Hatch



Before we talk flies, let’s talk water.


In February, trout are still in a winter holding pattern. They’re conserving energy, glued to the bottom, and living in slower, deeper water where food funnels to them with minimal effort. Your best fishing early in the day will almost always be:


  • Deep runs

  • Slow seams

  • Soft inside edges

  • Drop-offs below riffles

  • Tailouts with depth nearby



As the day warms and the sun does its job, midges begin to move. Pupa start rising, fish move shallower, and suddenly riffles and transitions become prime real estate.


This is exactly where Matt’s three-fly system shines.





The Starting Lineup



1. Jigged Zebra Midge – Brown, Size 16

(Big Spring Midge Pupa)


This fly is your anchor.


In February, there are always a handful of larger midges mixed in with the smaller stuff, especially in freestones and nutrient-rich systems. Trout eagerly await these large offerings and recognize them as a high-calorie meal and they opportunistically eat them as they start to wake up from winter mode.


Why Matt loves it:


  • Jig hook keeps the fly riding hook point up

  • Tungsten bead gets the rig down fast

  • Size 16 stands out without looking unnatural

  • Perfect representation of larger midge pupa staging near the bottom



How to fish it:

This fly belongs on point. It’s doing the heavy lifting—getting your rig to depth and drawing attention. Fish it deep, slow, and close to the bottom. If you’re ticking rocks occasionally, you’re doing it right.




2. Daysaver Midge – Brown, Size 20–22

(Everyday Midge Pupa Imitation)


If February had a mascot, this fly would be it.


The Daysaver Midge imitates the bread-and-butter midge pupa that trout eat 365 days a year on our local waters. Subtle, perfect profile, and deadly when fish are keying in on the small stuff.


Why it works:


  • Perfect size for winter and early spring

  • Brown matches the dominant natural

  • Slim profile = Passes the “eye test” even on wary trout

  • Fools fish that ignore flashier patterns



How to fish it:

This fly typically runs second in the rig, about 12”-14” inches behind the jigged zebra. It’s often the fly that gets eaten when fish are feeding selectively but still holding deep.



3. Foam Wing RS2 – Gray, Size 20–22

(Emerger / Transitional Bug)


This fly is the finisher.


As midges begin to hatch, RS2s are a Colorado staple. The foam wing helps it hover perfectly in the water column, making it an excellent imitation of a midge emerger struggling to ascend toward the surface.


Why Matt keeps it in the rotation:


  • Gray stands out in the crowd and helps trout find your fly in thick hatches

  • Foam wing adds buoyancy and realism

  • Deadly once fish slide into softer water and riffles

  • Often triggers aggressive eats late in the drift



How to fish it:

Run this fly third in the chain, another 12”-14” inches back. Early in the day, it may not see much action—but as the hatch progresses, it frequently becomes the hot fly, especially near drop-offs and shallow transitions.




How to Fish the 3-Fly Combo Effectively



This setup is all about covering the entire water column.


  • Carry the jigged Zebra in different bead sizes and adjust weight accordingly.

  • Daysaver midge is the hatch matcher

  • RS2 cleans up fish feeding off shelves and riffles



Early Day


  • Focus on deep runs and slow water

  • Longer leaders and lighter tippet matter

  • Dead drift is non-negotiable


As the Hatch Builds


  • Go lighter on your tungsten jig Zebra

  • Slide toward riffles and seams

  • Target drop-offs and transitions

  • Watch for subtle rises and flashing fish






Pro Tip from Matt Weldon


“Comb the water. Don’t wade straight into the deepest spot and bomb casts across the river. Start inside and work your way out to the run.”


This is huge.


Late winter fish are often spooky, especially when water is still low and clear. Charging into the river spooks fish, muddies water, and kills your drift before it starts.


Slow down. Be methodical. Fish every inch.




Want to Truly Master Late Winter & Early Spring Fishing?



Reading blogs helps. Fishing with someone who does this every single day changes everything.


February and early March are prime months to hire a guide, especially if you want to:


  • Learn winter nymphing systems

  • Dial in depth and weight

  • Understand midge behavior

  • Fish confidently when others stay home



Matt Weldon and our veteran Colorado River Outfitters guides specialize in this time of year. These trips are about education, efficiency, and putting the odds firmly in your favor.


Late winter rewards anglers who know what they’re doing and punishes those who guess.


Don’t guess.


📞 970-236-1937


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And when you’re ready to take your February fishing to the next level, book a trip with Matt or any of our experienced CRO guides. This is some of the best fishing of the year. Quiet rivers, happy trout, and zero crowds.


See you on the water. 🎣


—The CRO Team











 
 
 
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