Fishing in Colorado during the winter can be a challenging but rewarding experience, especially when it comes to catching trout. The key to success is choosing the right flies, as the fish's behavior and feeding habits change with the season. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best flies to use when fishing for trout in Colorado during the winter.

Midges

Midges are small, non-biting flies that resemble mosquitoes. They are a staple food source for trout during the winter months and can be fished using a variety of methods, including a dry fly, wet fly, or nymph.

Our Fly Recommendations:

• G-Midge
• RS-200

Scuds

Scuds are freshwater shrimp that are a common food source for trout in Colorado. They can be fished using a scud pattern, which mimics the shrimp's body shape and color.

Our Fly Recommendations:

• Trailer Park Scuds
• Jelly Scuds
• Killer Bugs

Stoneflies

Stoneflies are a group of insects that are found in most rivers and streams in Colorado. They can be fished using a variety of patterns, including the stimulators, princes and copper johns.

Our Fly Recommendations:

• OG Rubber Leg Stonefly
• Guide Prince Nymph
• McKenna's Rumble Stone

Mayflies

Mayflies are one of the most important food sources for trout during the winter. They can be fished using a variety of patterns, including the pheasant tail, hares ear and zebra midge.

Our Fly Recommendations:

• Half & Half Perdigon
• Hare & Hackle Nymph
• Rumble Frenchie
• Frenchie Jigged Nymph

Baitfish Patterns

Another great option for trout during the winter months are baitfish flies. These flies mimic small fish and minnows that are a common food source for trout in colder water. They can be fished using a variety of patterns, such as Clouser Minnows, deceivers, and Woolly Buggers. These flies can be fished slow and deep in the winter, imitating the natural movement of a injured or weak baitfish, this can trigger the predatory instincts of the trout and increase your chances of catching a fish. Keep in mind that when using baitfish flies, using a sinking line or adding weight to your leader can help you get the fly down to the fish's level.

Our Fly Recommendations:

• Shimmer Minnow
• Guide Buggers
• Trout Stringer
• Craft Fur Clouser
• Faux Fur Zonker Streamer

In Conclusion...

When fishing for trout in Colorado during the winter, it's important to pay attention to the weather and water conditions. Cold temperatures and low water levels can make the fish more sluggish, so it's important to use flies that mimic their natural food sources and fish them slowly.

Overall, the best flies to fish in Colorado during the winter for trout are midges, scuds, stoneflies, mayflies, and leeches. These flies mimic the natural food sources of trout in colder water and can be fished using a variety of methods to increase your chances of catching a fish. It's important to pay attention to the weather and water conditions when fishing and to fish slowly. Happy fishing!