The Starting Lineup: 3 Fly Patterns You MUST Have for June on the Colorado River

When June hits the Colorado River, it’s game time for fly anglers. With the legendary Salmonfly hatch in full swing and pockets of Caddis and BWO activity coming alive, the opportunity to hook into aggressive, hungry trout is at its peak. Today we’re chatting with Matt Fletcher, guide with Colorado River Outfitters, and he’s breaking down his Starting Lineup — three fly patterns you must have in your box this month to fish the Colorado River effectively.

We’ll walk you through how to rig, read the water, set up, and time your fishing to maximize success. Let’s dive in.

1.

Rogue Foam Stone (Size 6–10)

If you’re fishing the upper Colorado in early to mid-June, this is your leadoff hitter. The Salmonfly hatch is one of the most exciting feeding events of the year, and the Rogue Foam Stone is my go-to. With its orange body, rubber legs, and high-floating deer hair wing, it’s built for both visibility and durability.

Where to Fish It:

• Undercut banks

• Foam seams

• Soft eddies

Pro Tip: In slow water, twitch it subtly with your rod tip to mimic a struggling stonefly — that little bit of movement can trigger a violent strike.

2.

HDA FAV Variant (Size 14–18)

This versatile Caddis imitation is tied on a jig hook with a tungsten bead — meaning it drops in fast to the strike zone, even in fast runoff water. With its blend of flash, hotspot, and soft hackle, the HDA FAV gives fish a lifelike target they can’t ignore.

How to Rig It:

• As a dropper in a dry-dropper rig

• As the anchor in a nymphing setup under an indicator

Why It Works: The hackle breathes in the current, and it covers your bases during those epic Caddis emergences that June is known for.

3.

2 Bit Hooker (Size 18–20)

Don’t sleep on those cool mornings and cloudy days — that’s when Blue Winged Olives can surprise you with a prolific hatch. The 2 Bit Hooker, with its double bead and slim profile, is designed to cut through current quickly and get where fish are feeding.

How I Fish It:

• On a dry-dropper rig for suspended fish

• On a deep nymph rig when trout are holding near the bottom

Ideal Conditions: BWO days often sneak in between warmer afternoons, so keep this fly handy — especially when the light dims and fish start rising subtly.

Gear Up at Golden Fly Shop

All of these patterns — and the terminal tackle you’ll need to rig them properly — can be found at Golden Fly Shop. Whether you’re restocking your June flies or picking up your first dry-dropper rig, they’ve got everything a Colorado River angler needs.

June = Runoff = Opportunity

Yes, runoff is here — but don’t let that fool you. There’s still incredible fishing to be had. With the right flies and setups, you can target hungry fish in softer edges, tailouts, and side channels.

Want to fish with a guide who knows every bend, riffle, and seam of the Colorado? Book a trip with one of the pros here at CRO by giving us a call at 970-236-1937. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned angler, we’ll get you on fish and dial in your approach.

Follow, Learn, and Connect

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @colorado.river.outfitters for daily reports, fly tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s happening on the water.

At Colorado River Outfitters, we’re more than a guide service — we’re your fly fishing resource. Even if you don’t book a trip, we’re happy to help you plan your day, pick the right flies, and decide what section of river to fish. Call, message, or check out our social media — we’re here for your journey.

Tight lines and happy hunting this June — We’ll see you on the river.

— The CRO Team