THE STARTING LINEUP – 3 MUST-HAVE FLIES FOR DECEMBER - With CRO Guide Sam Kinney

flyfish19
Dec 6
3 min read

Winter in Colorado isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders. While the slopes get all the attention, seasoned anglers know that December can produce some of the most underrated—and often exceptional—fly fishing of the entire year. Fewer crowds, stable flows, and predictable hatch cycles make this a prime month to slow things down, fish with intention, and get rewarded with quality trout.

To help you build a rock-solid winter fly box, CRO guide Sam Kinney put together his Starting Lineup—three flies he refuses to step on the river without in December. These patterns are small, simple, and incredibly productive when the temperatures drop and the trout shift into winter mode.

Let’s dive in.

1. Bling Midge – White/Tan/Brown, Size #22

“Small and simple with just the right amount of flash.” – Sam

The Bling Midge is everything you want in a winter fly: discreet, lightly dressed, and believable in every way. December trout feed heavily on midges, and this one stands out just enough when the water is ultra-clear and fish get picky.

The white/tan/brown blend gives it a natural look, while the subtle flash helps it catch a trout’s attention without spooking them. If Sam’s running a two-fly nymph rig in the winter, the Bling Midge is almost always riding shotgun.

When to fish it:

Low, clear water
Slow midday feeding windows
Anytime fish are keying on small midge pupa

2. Zebra Midge – Red, #22 or as tiny as you can find

“Red is a classic for winter. Zebra midges are a staple—midges are a year-round food source.”

If you’ve fished Colorado winters before, you already know: some days the Zebra Midge is the only fly you need. The red version is especially deadly this time of year. It’s bright enough to draw attention, but still minimal and natural.

The key? Go small. Really small. Sam fishes them in size 22–24. Tie it on, drop it deep, keep your drift clean, and let the fly do the work.

When to fish it:

Cold mornings when trout are hugging the bottom
Winter midge hatches
Tight, technical feeding lanes

3. Curveball Parachute Adams – Size 22/24

“If I could only fish one fly for the rest of time, it would be the Parachute Adams.” – Sam

Every guide has that fly—the one pattern they trust anywhere, anytime. For Sam, it’s the Parachute Adams, and the Curveball version in tiny sizes (#22–24) is his winter secret weapon.

Why? Because trout eat it as a midge… or as a small mayfly… or simply because it looks like food.

If you spot slow sippers nosing at the surface in December (yes, it happens more than people think), this is Sam’s go-to. It floats well, sits low, and fools even the smartest fish.

When to fish it:

Midday warm spells
Slow surface sippers
Midge clusters or tiny BWO emergences

Sam’s Winter Fishing Tips

Nobody knows winter water like Sam. Here are a few of his go-to tactics for success in December:

1. Slow down. Then slow down again.

Winter trout are conserving energy. Present flies slowly, let them sink naturally, and cover water methodically.

2. Fish during the warmest part of the day.

The “heat window” is real—often between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. That’s when midges pop and trout feed most consistently.

3. Downsize your tippet.

5X is fine. 6X is better. In winter clarity, the subtle difference matters.

4. Look for softer water.

Inside seams, tailouts, and slow walking-pace currents are prime winter holding zones.

5. Keep your hands and feet warm.

If you’re cold, you’ll rush. If you rush, you miss fish. Simple as that.

Why Winter Fishing Should Be on Your Radar

The secret that locals know well? Winter fishing can be phenomenal if you time it with the weather. Those calm, blue-sky days between storms often bring steady midges, rising fish, and surprisingly active trout.

So if you’re already in the valley to ski—take a break from the slopes and hit the river. The crowds thin out, the scenery is incredible, and the fish are still very willing.

Book a Winter Fly Fishing Trip with Sam or Any CRO Guide

If you want to dial in your winter skills, fine-tune your midge game, or just enjoy a peaceful day on the river with experienced professionals, our team is ready to get you on fish.

Sam, along with the rest of the CRO guide staff, offers winter trips all season long. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, we’ll help you decode winter hatches, read cold-weather water, and build confidence in small-fly presentations.