The Starting Lineup – 3 Flies You Must Have for the Month of November With CRO Guide Brian Hilbert

flyfish19
Nov 10
4 min read

As the seasons shift and we settle into November, the lower Colorado River begins its quiet transformation. Cooler mornings, slower currents, and selective fish mark the transition from fall to winter. For anglers, this means adapting our approach, adjusting depth, and downsizing our patterns. CRO Guide Brian Hilbert has put together his “Starting Lineup” — three flies that absolutely deserve a spot on your rig this month.

Whether you’re nymphing the deeper runs or prospecting slow tailouts, these patterns have proven their worth day after day. Here’s how Brian rigs them and fishes them for success in November conditions.

1. Hilbert’s Philly Cheese Cranefly – Size 8 (Natural)

Big meals still matter, even in cold water — especially when it comes to catching the attention of larger trout. The Philly Cheese Cranefly is a proven Colorado River staple that imitates a drifting cranefly larva. Its natural color, subtle movement, and durable profile make it a perfect lead fly for late fall conditions.

Brian’s Tip: “I like to run the Philly Cheese Cranefly as my top fly, about 6–8 feet under an indicator. It’s got enough size and weight to get your rig down and grab the attention of those bigger, deep-holding fish. Vary the size of your tungsten bead or use split shot to stay in contact with the bottom — that’s where the magic happens.”

This fly serves as both an anchor and an attractor, leading the way for the smaller, more delicate bugs below.

2. Daysaver Midge – Size 20–22 (Black, Brown, Red, or Olive)

November is midge season, and Brian’s Daysaver Midge has earned its name for good reason. Available in a variety of colors, this simple but deadly fly consistently fools trout feeding subsurface on tiny winter insects. Midges make up a huge portion of a trout’s diet this time of year, so it’s no surprise that this fly is often the MVP of the day.

Brian’s Tip: “I like to tie the Daysaver Midge about 12–16 inches below the Philly Cheese Cranefly. It’s versatile — you can adjust the color based on light and water clarity. Black, olive and brown work great when fish are keying on pupa, the red seems to be the top choice throughout the winter. I’m not sure what it is about red in the winter but the trout love it.”

Keep an eye on your indicator for the slightest hesitation — those subtle takes often belong to the smartest fish in the run. Hook sets are free!

3. RS2 – Size 20–22 (Black)

No late-season lineup is complete without the RS2, a Colorado classic that imitates emerging midges and baetis nymphs. The black RS2 is a CRO Guide staple this time of year because it just flat out produces.

Brian’s Tip: “Tie your RS2 about 12 inches below the Daysaver Midge as your bottom fly. This pattern works especially well in the slower, deeper seams and back eddies. I’ll often see the RS2 get eaten right as the water starts to warm up mid-afternoon.”

The RS2 is subtle, slim, and deadly effective when fish are inspecting every detail of your drift.

Rigging the Setup: Philly Cheese Cranefly → Daysaver Midge → RS2

Brian’s preferred November rig starts with the Hilbert’s Philly Cheese Cranefly at the top, followed by the Daysaver Midge, and ending with the RS2.

Use 5X fluorocarbon tippet for the midge and RS2 to maintain natural drift.
Space each fly 12–16 inches apart for proper depth coverage.
Add just enough weight to get the Cranefly bouncing along the bottom — you want it ticking rocks occasionally, not dragging.

This three-fly rig covers the full feeding column: the Cranefly draws attention, the Midge offers realism, and the RS2 seals the deal.

Timing and Water Choice

As we move deeper into late fall, water temperature is everything. Trout conserve energy in colder water, so focus your efforts during the warmest part of the day — typically between 11 AM and 3 PM. That’s when midges and baetis are most active, and fish move into softer seams to feed.

Brian’s Tip: “Really focus on those deeper, slower runs. They’re wintering zones — spots where fish stack up and stay comfortable. Get a good drift in those zones, and you’ll find success.”

Avoid faster riffles or shallow flats this month unless it’s a warm day with lots of midges hatching; concentrate instead on deep tailouts, slow-moving seams, and pools with steady current.

Pro Tips from Brian Hilbert

Stay stealthy. Cold, clear water means spooky fish. Approach low and slow, and avoid unnecessary movement in the water.
Adjust your depth often. If you’re not bumping bottom occasionally, add a little more weight.
Keep your flies clean. Ice, debris, and moss buildup can ruin your drift — check your rig regularly.
Be patient. The bite might not be hot early, but once the sun hits the water and the bugs start to move, the action can pick up fast.