Welcome to your April 30th, 2025 fly fishing conditions update for Colorado. Today we break down the rivers that are peaking, the flies that are producing, and exactly when and where to fish for the best shot at rising trout and tight lines.

We pull insights straight from the River Whisper Report, with updated flow rates, hatch trends, and fresh tactical adjustments you’ll want to make before hitting the water.

Today’s Top Rivers Include:

• Arkansas River near Salida — Caddis activity is building fast. Flows are ideal, clarity is strong, and dry-dropper rigs are lighting up.

• South Platte at Deckers — BWOs are showing with consistency. Midges still dominate the early game. Technical drifts and tiny flies win here.

• Gunnison River below Almont — Midday BWOs are pushing fish into the shallows. Streamers still move bigger fish post-hatch.

• Clear Creek — A sleeper option near Denver. Great pocket water and dry-dropper action between 11am and 2pm.

• Bear Creek — Low and clear. Best for stealth fishing and fly tuning. Afternoon sun can trigger surface eats.

Hot Flies for April 30:

• Sparkle Dun (BWO) #20

• RS2 (Gray) #20

• Elk Hair Caddis #16

• Juju Baetis #18

• CDC Midge #22

• Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear #16

• Thin Mint Streamer #8

You’ll Hear:

• How weather and water temps are shifting fishing windows

• New tactics for pressured rivers like Deckers

• Where to focus this week if you're planning a weekend trip

• How to adapt on the fly when rivers warm up faster than expected

• Fly fishing insights specific to Colorado’s Front Range and Western Slope

Whether you’ve got a few hours to fish this morning or you’re mapping out a weekend trip, this episode gets you dialed. Think of it as your on-the-go fishing report—less fluff, more trout.

🎣 To get daily real-time hatch charts, river flows, and fly recommendations, download the River Whisper App at risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper