Summer in Colorado means one thing for fly anglers: hatches. But knowing what’s hatching—and where—can make the difference between a full net and a full skunk. In this episode, we break down Colorado fly fishing summer hatches month-by-month, focusing on the best rivers and creeks near Denver for rising trout, predictable bug activity, and technical (but fun) fishing.

We’re covering the classics: South Platte, Blue, Arkansas, Clear Creek, Poudre, Big Thompson, Fraser, and Bear Creek—but also giving real attention to five under-the-radar spots most blogs overlook: Tarryall Creek, North Fork of the South Platte, Middle Fork near Fairplay, St. Vrain Forks, and Boulder Creek above town. These rivers fish incredibly well in summer and are still dominated by low-quality search results, meaning if you know, you know.

Here’s how it breaks down:

In June, runoff is dropping and the trout are back on the feed. Caddis and golden stoneflies show up first in Clear Creek, the Platte, and the Big T. These hatches spark aggressive surface eats, especially on foam flies and high-floating dries.

July is dry fly paradise. PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and lingering caddis provide consistent morning action. Mid-day, terrestrials like ants and beetles start to come into play—especially on small creeks and high-country runs. This is your best window for dry-dropper rigs and visible strikes.

August is full-blown terrestrial season. Hoppers, beetles, and ants dominate, especially on mid-elevation freestones and meadow creeks. Green Drakes taper off in lower water but still show up in alpine pockets like the upper Poudre, Middle Fork Platte, and tributaries above 9,000 feet. Most anglers keep throwing big foam—smart anglers match conditions and downsize to get eats.

September brings the return of BWOs and the beginning of fall transition. Cloudy days and cooler water push trout back into shallow edges and riffles, sipping tiny mayflies on top. Fish are pickier, but the crowds are gone. This is the month for finesse and foam lines.

We also cover:

• Which flies to pack each month for each major river

• How to fish overlapping hatches with better rigs

• Why underrated creeks like St. Vrain and Tarryall punch above their weight

• What the hatch timing shifts look like by elevation

• Why most fly shop blogs are missing the nuance (and the real windows)

• When to downsize, when to throw foam, and when to switch to emergers

There’s also a full FAQ at the end, covering common questions like:

• When does hopper season peak in Colorado?

• What’s the best dry-dropper combo right now?

• Are PMDs and BWOs the same thing?

• What flows make canyon rivers like Bear Creek or Boulder Creek fish best?

Whether you're chasing headwater cutthroat in July or picking off tailwater risers in September, this episode will help you match your hatch, pick your spot, and fish Colorado like a local.

For the full written breakdown, hatch chart, fly recommendations, and river-by-river tips, head to RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com.

Want access to the secret creeks, off-grid hatches, and deep-dives we’re holding back? Stick around. There’s a premium feed coming.