This week on the Rise Beyond River Report, we break down the best fly fishing near Denver right now—with up-to-date intel on rivers, hatches, and the fly patterns that are actually working.

Whether you're looking for a quick after-work cast or planning a weekend trip, this episode gives you everything you need to make the most of the Front Range fly fishing scene in May 2025.

In this episode, we cover:

• Which rivers are fishing best today based on current flows, clarity, and hatch activity

• What flies to use (and what to leave in the truck)

• Detailed river-by-river breakdowns including Clear Creek, Bear Creek, South Platte at Deckers & Cheesman, Blue River, Waterton Canyon, and more

• The impact of runoff season and how to fish around it

• Daily best-time windows by water type, including tailwaters, freestones, and stillwater

• Our weekly top fly picks, including size, color, and how to fish them for maximum takes

We don’t just recycle conditions—we track flows, hatches, and angler pressure in real time using River Whisper 7.1, our custom-built platform designed specifically for Colorado anglers. With over 750 mapped access points, live USGS data, clarity reports, hatch forecasts, and fly recommendations, River Whisper gives us the edge—and we pass it on to you every week.

Fly fishing today in Colorado isn’t just about showing up. It’s about showing up informed. That’s why this episode is packed with on-the-water details like:

• How to time caddis hatches on Bear Creek for surface eats

• Where to find fishable water during runoff

• When Deckers is worth it and when it's just a parking lot full of hope

• What Cheesman trout are keying in on during low-flow spring conditions

• Which river is the dark horse this week—and what rig to bring

We believe in smart, responsible fly fishing. Every cast is a choice—and this podcast is your weekly field guide to making better ones.

If you’ve ever Googled “best fly fishing near Denver today,” this is the podcast you were hoping existed. Now it does.

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ed of fishing elbow-to-elbow on Clear Creek or the South Platte? In this episode, we reveal the most overlooked creeks near Denver that deliver big on solitude, scenery, and wild trout.

We cover:

• 5 lesser-known creeks within 90 minutes of downtown Denver

• What makes each one special (hint: it’s not the size)

• The flies that actually work, and why

• Tips on gear, stealth, and avoiding the weekend rush

• Access notes to help you hit the water faster

Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to escape the crowds or a newer fly fisher tired of getting skunked in high-pressure waters, these hidden gems will put you on fish—and maybe even give you a story no one else is telling.

Listen now and go where the hatch charts don't.

Planning a trip to Deckers? Don’t waste time guessing where to park or hike in. In this episode, we break down the best public access points along the South Platte River at Deckers, including Google Map pins, pro tips, and what makes each stretch worth your cast. Whether you're chasing risers in the bends or swinging streamers near the cliffs, knowing where to wade in can make or break your day.

We’ll cover:

• Top access spots with parking, wading, and trail ratings

• Exact coordinates and how far you'll hike

• When to hit each area and why flow matters

• How to use the River Whisper App to find more spots like these

This is your boots-on-the-ground guide to getting the most out of every mile at Deckers.

🔗 Access the full article here: Best Access Points for Deckers
📲 Download the River Whisper App: 750+ public spots, live flow data, hatch charts, and more.

Fishing Cheesman Canyon in May? Don’t show up with the wrong flies. In this episode, we reveal the top 5 fly patterns that actually catch fish in Colorado’s most technical spring water.

We cover:

• The best emergers, midges, and dries for spring hatches

• How to approach spooky Cheesman trout in low, clear flows

• Fly sizes, rigging tips, and timing based on current conditions

• What makes Cheesman Canyon so challenging—and rewarding

Whether you’re targeting rising trout on the South Platte or trying to break your Cheesman curse, these are the patterns and tactics that actually work.

Flies covered: RS2, Top Secret Midge, JuJu Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, and Elk Hair Caddis—plus how to fish them like a guide.

Listen now and get dialed in before you hit the Gill Trail.

Runoff season doesn’t mean game over. In this week’s episode, we break down what’s working right now on the Cache la Poudre River. From fly selection to access points, we’ve got the cheat sheet to help you catch more trout — even in off-color water.

We’ll cover:

• Flow rates and how they affect feeding lanes

• The top nymphs, dries, and streamers to use right now

• How to target bank water and fish deep without spooking trout

• Access points worth hitting this month — and how to stay safe doing it

Whether you’re a local or road-tripping up the canyon, this guide will help you outsmart the runoff and fish with confidence.

Dive into the heart of Colorado's spring fly fishing season with our comprehensive guide to May hatches across the Front Range rivers. Whether you're casting on the South Platte, exploring Clear Creek, or navigating the Big Thompson, understanding the hatch patterns is crucial for success.

In this episode, we cover:

• Detailed hatch charts for key rivers including the South Platte, Clear Creek, Bear Creek, Boulder Creek, Big Thompson, and the Arkansas near Salida.

• Top-performing fly patterns for each river, ensuring you're equipped with the right flies for the right conditions.

• Insights into the timing and emergence of midges, BWOs, caddis, and stoneflies throughout May.

• Tips on matching the hatch effectively, adjusting your techniques, and selecting the appropriate gear.Harman's Luxury Log Cabins

Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, this episode provides valuable information to enhance your fishing trips this spring. Stay ahead of the hatch and make the most of your time on the water.

For more detailed reports and updates, visit Rise Beyond Fly Fishing.

Runoff season in Colorado doesn’t mean the end of fly fishing—it just means you need a new plan. In this episode, we break down exactly where to fly fish near Denver during runoff, what flies to use, and how to adapt your strategy when rivers are high, muddy, and unpredictable.

We answer the real questions:

• What is runoff season, and when does it hit near Denver?

• Which rivers and lakes stay clear enough to fish right now?

• What gear, rigs, and flies actually work when visibility is low?

• How do you fish big water safely and effectively?

Featured spots include:

• Deckers (South Platte)

• Cheesman Canyon

• Eleven Mile Canyon

• Bear Creek (upper sections)

• Waterton Canyon

• Stillwaters like Gross Reservoir and Evergreen Lake

Plus, we share the exact fly patterns that move fish during runoff, including San Juan Worms, Rubber Legs, Perdigons, Balanced Leeches, and tailwater midge combos.

If you’re tired of guessing, getting skunked, or skipping prime fishing weekends because of blown-out rivers, this episode is your full guide to staying on the water—and staying productive—through runoff.

This episode is powered by River Whisper 7, our real-time conditions platform for Colorado anglers. We're previewing how it tracks flows, clarity, and hatch predictions so you can make better decisions, faster.

Topics Covered:

• Tailwaters vs. freestones: Where to fish when rivers spike

• Fly selection for dirty water and stillwater alternatives

• Safety tips for wading and access during runoff

• What not to do when the water looks chocolate brown

• Frequently asked questions about fishing through the melt

Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or a seasoned Colorado angler looking to beat the runoff blues, this episode will help you fish smarter—not just harder.

Listen now and discover how to find clear water, active fish, and reliable conditions near Denver—even when most rivers are blown out.

Where’s the best Colorado fly fishing today? This episode breaks down the top rivers, hatches, fly recommendations, and real-time conditions you need right now—no fluff, no recycled reports, just actionable intel.

Using data from the River Whisper app, we cover:

• Which Colorado rivers are fishing best today

• Current streamflows, water clarity, and temperatures

• Exact fly patterns catching fish right now

• The best times to hit the water for rising trout

• Pro-level tips to adjust tactics based on live conditions

We cover the South Platte River at Deckers, Arkansas River near Salida, Blue River below Dillon, Colorado River near Glenwood, and the North Fork South Platte, with river-specific advice for each.

Whether you’re planning a morning on tailwaters or an afternoon chasing caddis on freestones, this episode gives you today’s real conditions, real fly picks, and real fishing windows.

Stop fishing yesterday’s report—listen now and get the most accurate fly fishing update for Colorado today.

Powered by early access to River Whisper 7’s real-time data.