3 Flies for the Week: May 19 2025
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Time to read 2 min
Runoff is still holding off as of right now which has greatly extended our spring fishing season. Even though the runoff isn’t here, we aren’t expecting much this year. Snowpack is really low, but our late-spring snow storms certainly have helped. We’re optimistic about river levels this year, but it is in the back of our minds that some rivers will be closed mid-summer. But that’s neither here nor there.
Fishing has been great lately, and depending on where you’re going there’s different hatches and water conditions. Freestones have had dirty water, but still very fishable. Much of the tailwaters are low and clear right now. The Front Range creeks have had varying flows and clarity, but still have had consistent fishing. Stillwater fishing has been decent, but not great. The current storm systems seem to be affecting the trout’s feeding to some degree. I’m not one to really believe that pressure systems affect trout fishing in rivers. I think (again, this is my opinion, don’t rip me apart) river trout will always eat. That said, I absolutely believe that they affect stillwater fish. I don’t know the rhyme or reason, but I’ve noticed very hard shifts in fishing conditions based around pressure systems in lakes. But I digress.
#1: Flexi Girdle Bug - Coffee/Black sz10
Girdle Bugs, also known as Pat’s Rubber Legs, are a versatile stonefly nymph that can be fish year-round. Right now, this has been a great producer on our freestones. Golden stones and salmonflies are abundant in our state and offer great nutritional value for trout. With the higher water, these bugs have been getting pushed out of the regular lies. Additionally, salmonflies are beginning to migrate towards the banks in preparation for their annual hatch. There aren’t any hatching yet, but the fish are beginning to key in on the nymphs.
Golden stones are nowhere near their migration or hatching process, but like I said before they are getting knocked around in the river. Tying this bug on is best right now on the Colorado, Arkansas, Eagle, Roaring Fork, and, surprisingly enough, Clear Creek.
#2: Krueger’s Tungsten Poudre Pupa - sz18
Caddis have been and will continue to hatch throughout the state. Smaller is best right now, even on the freestones. The Mother’s Day hatch has came and went already, although there are a few remaining. We wouldn’t rely on this hatch, so for now, put away the “bigger” sz14 and 16 caddis and tie on a sz18 or 20.
The Poudre pupa is an excellent nymph pattern that perfectly imitates a pupating caddis. As the name suggests, it was developed on the Cache la Poudre River for our stubborn Front Range fish. Although it isn’t as technical of a river as those closer to the Denver area, this fly is equally as effective on our rivers as the one it was developed on.
#3: Chan’s Straggle Leech - Black/Hot Orange Bead sz10
Leeches are one of the best flies for trout fishing year-round. Fish it under a bobber, euro rig, strip it, throw it in a river, a lake; it does everything, everywhere! The straggle leech is a simple leech imitation that can do just about anything, but we find it best fished when stripped, as well as under a bobber at a stillwater or on a river with dirtier water. The bright orange bead works well as a hot spot to get fish fired up, but also makes it visible in dirty water conditions. Carp are also very willing to take this fly when presented correctly!
Xavier Puls
Thank you for all reading along this week! All three of this week’s flies are available online and in person. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this week’s blog, or just need some extra advice, feel free to reach out to Xavier via email at xavier@goldenflyshop.com , call the shop at 303-330-1292, or come into the shop.