Iconic Rocky Mountain sport fish known for surface eats and blistering runs. Native to some drainages and widely established throughout the region’s cold, clear lakes and rivers.
Where to Catch: Main-stem and tributary rivers with riffle–run–pool structure; plateau and foothill stillwaters with marl shoals, weed lines, and drop-offs.
Best Time to Fish: Ice-off through late June for stillwaters; June–September on rivers during insect hatches and stable flows.
| Season | Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Excellent after ice-off; strong chironomid & leech bite on lakes; nymphs/streamers on warming rivers. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Excellent early/late; dry flies (PMD, caddis, terrestrials); mid-day go deeper with nymphs/intermediate lines. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Very good; fish feed hard on leeches/scuds; BWOs on cloudy days; weeds thin, access improves. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Fair where safe ice/open tailwater exists; tiny midges and slow presentations. |
Peak Season: Late April–June (lakes) and mid-June–September (rivers).
Tackle & Tips
Lures: 1/8–1/4 oz spoons, #1–#3 spinners, small crankbaits along drop-offs and windward shores.
Bait: Single eggs, worms (where legal), shrimp/corn for stocked ponds (check regs).
Leaders: 9–12 ft fluorocarbon, 4–6 lb (4X–5X fly) for clear water; step up in wind or weeds.
Gear: 4–6 wt fly rods with floating & intermediate lines; light/med-light spinning gear with 6–8 lb mainline.
