The Starting Lineup: 3 Flies You MUST Have for the Month of July With Brian Hilbert

Pale Morning Duns (PMD’s) are in full force!

The dog days of summer are here, and if you’re not dialed into your July fly box, you’re leaving fish on the table. With temps rising and hatches getting more predictable, this is the time of year where timing, precision, and pattern choice make all the difference. Luckily, CRO guide Brian Hilbert has your back with his must-have flies for July.

Whether you’re chasing risers in the mid-day PMD hatch or watching caddis bounce on the surface in the evening light, these flies are proven producers across Colorado’s freestone and tailwater fisheries.

Here’s your Starting Lineup:

1. Ms. Tickle Cripple PMD – Size 16–18

This cripple pattern is a trout’s worst nightmare — and your best friend during July’s mid-day PMD hatches. With a low-floating profile and just enough flash to catch the fish’s eye, the Ms. Tickle imitates a struggling dun that’s caught in the surface film — an easy target for hungry trout.

Brian’s Pro Tips:

• When to fish it: Right as the PMD hatch kicks off — between 11:00am and 1:00pm — especially when you see splashy rises or fish feeding aggressively just under the surface.

• Rigging: Run it as your top fly in a double dry setup or on its own with a 12-foot 5x leader. If fish are , drop my Sexi Top PMD 10” off the back.

• Strategy: “This is one of those flies that turns refusals into eats. The cripple look gives it just the right ‘vulnerability’ — fish don’t hesitate when they see it struggling,” says Brian. “It’s especially deadly on flat water where a full dun might be ignored.”

2. Hilbert’s Sexi Top PMD – Size 16–18

This is one of Brian’s signature patterns with Montana Fly Company and a deadly effective PMD emerger pattern. This fly imitates the adult mayfly emerging from its nymphal schuck and its wing buds just starting to expand. Think “the stage after a split case”. This fly has been a staple for guides in the valley for years and is a must have during a PMD hatch.

Brian’s Pro Tips:

• When to fish it: 11:00am to 3:00pm — right in the heat of the PMD hatch.

• Rigging: Fish it as a nymph under an indicator or on a hopper dropper rig. If you see noses just under the surface, drop this 10” off the back of a Ms. Tickle Cripple.

• Strategy: “This pattern fishes best mid column. If the trout seem to still be on the nymphs and aren’t rising yet, I’ll run two of these really light and shallow on my nymph rig. Maybe 12”-16” to weight”

3. Hilbert’s Daysaver PMD – Size 16–18

Hilbert’s Daysaver PMD will be your workhorse into the hatch gets going. First thing in the morning you’ll want to be fishing this on your standard nymph rig. Run this off a tungsten bead stonefly or caddis larvae to get it down.

Brian’s Pro Tips:

• When to fish it: Before and during the PMD hatch, especially in the morning (7:00am-11:00am), when fish are selectively feeding.

• Rigging: Run as your second or third nymph on a 3 fly nymph rig.

• Strategy: “This is my work horse in the morning. PMD nymphs are active and getting ready to emerge. Trout are looking for them and will eat them with confidence.”

Bonus Fly: X-Caddis – Tan, Size 16

Evenings in July mean one thing: Caddis. And the tan X-Caddis is an all-time producer when the sun dips and the bugs start dancing.

Brian’s Pro Tips:

• When to fish it: 7:00pm till dark.

• Rigging: Fish it solo or with a soft hackle dropper 6–8” behind.

• Strategy: “Skate it, dead drift it, twitch it — just mix it up. Don’t be afraid to give it some motion. This fly works best when you make it look alive.”

🌡️ Temperature Check: Stay Smart Out There

Water temps can climb fast in July. Use a thermometer and stop fishing when temps hit 67–68°F. Give the trout a break — early mornings and evenings are your best bet for cooler water and active fish.

Stock Up at Golden Fly Shop

Get all of these fly patterns — and everything else you need for your July trips — at Golden Fly Shop. Use promo code CRO10 at checkout for 10% off your order. Trust us, your fly box (and the fish) will thank you.

👉 Shop Golden Fly

🎣 Book a Trip with CRO

Want to fish these patterns alongside the guy who created them? Book a trip with Brian Hilbert or any of our top-notch guides at Colorado River Outfitters. Whether you’re hunting sippers or chasing summer browns, we’ll help you make the most of every cast.

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @colorado.river.outfitters

Tight lines, cool temps, and smart drifts — see you on the water.

– The CRO Team