The Winter Tailwater Fly Box

Updated November 14, 2026. 1 min read.

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Midges (the core)

• Zebra midge, black and red, #20–24
• Small midge pupa with a glass bead, #22–24
• Midge larva in red and olive, #22–26
• Griffith's gnat for rare surface feeding, #22

Baetis and emergers

• RS2, gray, #20–22
• Small pheasant tail, #20
• Baetis emerger, #20–22

Attractors

• Small egg, #16–18
• San Juan worm, red or wine, #14–16
• Mini leech, black or olive, #12–14

Tailwater specials

• Mysis shrimp, #16–18, for the Blue and the Fryingpan
• Small dark bugger, #8–10, for low-light streamers

Accessories

• 6x and 7x fluorocarbon
• Small yarn indicators
• Split shot sizes 4–6
• Fingerless gloves and hand warmers

How to fish this box

Start with an attractor up top and a midge 14–18 inches below. If you're getting no takes, change your depth first, then the midge color, then go one size smaller. On gray afternoons, switch the trailer to an RS2 or Baetis emerger.

Questions anglers ask

What is the best winter fly in Colorado?

A small midge (#20–24) fished deep under an indicator.

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