Per usual, the fall season came and went quicker than most rocky mountain fly anglers would prefer. We may see some warmer days scattered throughout the month of November (especially at lower elevation). Take advantage of those days and try your hand at our freestone options like Middle/Lower Arkansas and Eagle River before the ice takes over. As the water temperatures drop, fish become more opportunistic, feeding heavily to prepare for winter. Lately, I've been seeing this type of activity on the Eagle and Colorado River as cutbows seem to be bulking up, gorging on small bugs below riffle drop offs and slow pools. The trusty black RS2 in size 22 has been a top producer with a small pheasant tail or stonefly imitation above it. Egg patterns will be on my rig for the next 5 months. Don't overthink your nymph rigs! Fish your small confidence bugs and adjust your weight according to the structure. With freezing temperatures overnight, keep an eye on ice flow and freezing rivers as we get closer to December. 

Before the ice caps our reservoirs, it's a great time of year to target large predators along the shoreline. Lake trout are my favorite stillwater fish to target in November due to their size and aggression towards streamer patterns. Look for rocky drop offs, sandy points and inlet areas. White, black and even pink streamers mimicking rainbow trout and kokanee salmon do well this time of year. 

We are still guiding! Wade trips have been very productive for our guides whether you're looking to do a half day or full day. Give the shop a call (970.262.2878) or email us at anglers@fishcolorado.com to inquire. 

1. Blue River (below Dillon Reservoir):

   • Flows: 100 CFS 
   • Fishing Report: The fish are feeding on midges and mayflies and small streamer patterns.
   • Flies to Try: Two Bit Hooker Black 16-18 // Bling Midge Tan/Charcoal 22 // Sunny Side Up Egg // Mysis Shrimp // RS2 // Sparkle Minnow // Sparring Partner

2. Arkansas River:

   • Flow: 330 cfs at Salida. 
   • Fishing Report: Nymphing and streamer fishing is going to be the most productive. Focus on deep runs and riffle drop offs. Look for sporadic fish rising to small midge and BWO patterns. Especially downstream near Salida. Concentrate on darker colors for streamers during cloudy weather and flashy streamers when the sun is out. 

3. Colorado River:

   • Conditions: Flows stable around 550 at Pumphouse.
   • Fishing Report: This is a great flow to wade fish the Colorado River below Pumphouse and near State Bridge. Nymphing deep rigs in the slow and deep pools will put fish in the net. Streamer fishing with flashy patterns like sparkle minnows will move a lot of fish. 

Mind the Redd

Brown Trout will continue to spawn throughout November so please be conscious not to step on spawning beds or fish to spawning trout. These fish are creating the new fish that we will fish to for generations to come and it is best to let them be. Sure, you may see the biggest fish of your year on the spawning bed but there is no sport in fishing for that fish. Find the deep water below the bed and you may find the biggest rainbow trout of the year! 

November is a great time for fly fishing in Colorado, with fewer crowds and active fish. Focus on nymphing, streamers and even small dry flies. Don't be discourage by snow days as these can lead to some of the best fishing, and least amount of pressure!