Winter Fly Fishing Near Denver

Updated November 14, 2026. 3 min read.

The short answer

In winter, fish tailwaters: rivers flowing out of the bottom of a dam. The released water runs warmer than the air, stays ice-free, and keeps trout feeding all season. Freestone creeks run near freezing and barely fish until midday.

Best winter tailwaters within reach of Denver

• Waterton Canyon: the closest; walk or bike in, no dogs.
• Deckers and Cheesman Canyon: classic South Platte tailwater.
• Blue River in Silverthorne: big mysis-fed trout, right off I-70.
• Big Thompson below Olympus Dam: lots of fish, few people.
• Elevenmile Canyon and the Dream Stream: big fish, longer drive, often windy.
• Fryingpan River: worth an overnight.

When to fish

Late morning to mid-afternoon. Even on a tailwater, the fishing picks up once the sun hits the water. On freestones like Clear Creek, plan on 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at most. Dawn trips in December are mostly cold casting.

The winter rig

Midges are the main food. Fish a two-fly nymph rig under a small indicator: a slightly larger attractor up top (an egg, a small worm or a Baetis nymph) and a midge larva or pupa, #20–26, below it on 6x–7x. Fish slow, deep water at walking speed or slower, because cold trout won't move far for food.

Staying warm and safe

• Rub ChapStick on your guides to slow ice buildup, and dip the rod tip in the water when it ices.
• Wear fingerless gloves, and keep a hand warmer in your chest pocket for tying knots.
• Wade carefully: shelf ice and anchor ice are slick and can break.
• Bring a thermos, and keep dry layers in the car.

Freestones in winter

Creeks like Clear Creek can still fish on warm afternoons, but the window is short and the fish are slow. Use them for a quick session close to home, not a full day. Avoid shelf ice at the edges, which can break without warning.

Reading winter flows

Winter flows below dams are usually low and steady, so expect clear water and spooky fish. Fish lighter tippet, come at each run from downstream, and fish the deeper runs rather than the shallow tailouts.

Questions anglers ask

Can you fly fish in Colorado in winter?

Yes. Tailwaters below dams stay open and fish well all winter, with midges as the main food.

What time of day is best for winter fly fishing?

Roughly 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun warms the water.

Plan a trip with Seamline