Does the record-low snowpack here in Colorado have you worried about summer fishing? Chances are, we may see low flows and warm water temperatures become an issue on some of our favorite rivers this summer. But that doesn’t mean any lack of fishing! Colorado is home to a wild variety of waters – many of which will provide great alternatives this summer.
The Current Situation
You probably already know the story: we basically skipped winter in Colorado this year. And now we’re heading into (what would normally be) runoff season with very little snowpack.
And while every watershed is different, there’s a good chance that some of our most popular rivers will experience periods of low water and elevated temperatures later this summer. Generally, 67 degrees and up is considered too warm to fish for trout.
That doesn’t mean you should put the fly rod away.
The Silver Lining
One of the best things about fly fishing in Colorado is the incredible variety of water available within a relatively short drive. When conditions get tough in one fishery, there are almost always better options nearby. Sometimes all it takes is heading a little higher in elevation, fishing cool headwaters areas, or shifting your focus from rivers to lakes.
At our Littleton and Denver fly shop locations, we’ve already been talking with customers about alternative summer fisheries that can shine during hot, dry summers:
High Elevation Streams
One of the simplest ways to find cooler water is to gain altitude.
Colorado’s high-country creeks and smaller mountain streams often remain cold and healthy throughout the summer, even during dry years. These fisheries can provide excellent fishing conditions long after lower rivers become stressed by heat.
Plus, small stream fishing is just plain fun. Think eager trout, pocket water, dry flies, and beautiful scenery. Many of these streams are less intimidating than larger rivers and reward anglers willing to hike a little farther from the road.
A few things to keep in mind: you’ll still want to carry a thermometer to monitor water temps. And do your best to keep fish wet and minimize handling during warmer periods.
Bonus: summer terrestrial fishing can be excellent on these smaller streams. Beetles, ants, hoppers, and attractor dries often produce some of the most entertaining fishing of the year.
Alpine Lakes: The High Country Escape
Another type of fishery that shines during low-snowpack summers is alpine lakes.
Many high-alpine lakes will be ice-free earlier this summer, and the water will remain cold throughout the season. Most often, these lakes are home to cutthroat and brook trout. But opportunities exist throughout the state to catch species like tiger trout, golden trout, and grayling.
And honestly, few things beat hiking into a remote alpine basin with a fly rod and a day pack.
A variety of setups can be effective on alpine lakes, including dry flies and dry-dropper combos, small streamers, and chironomids beneath an indicator. If you have questions about rigging or setups in these situations, please stop by one of our fly shop locations, and our crew will be happy to help.
Don’t forget that weather and wind can play a huge role on alpine lakes. Afternoon thunderstorms are to be expected, so early starts are usually worth the effort.
Larger Lakes and Reservoirs
When the rivers around here get so much attention, it’s easy to forget just how good our stillwater fishing can be.
Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs often fish exceptionally well during the summer months. The deeper water provides a cool refuge for trout. Plus, these waters are often home to a variety of other species.
Stillwater fishing opens the door to a variety of techniques. You could find yourself fishing streamers, damsels, or callibaetis hatches. Again, our team would be happy to spend some time helping you prepare for a day of stillwater fishing.
If you feel comfortable fishing a river, but slightly intimidated by a still body of water, you’re not alone. Stillwater fly fishing has a unique learning curve. And this might be the summer to branch out and learn. This type of fishing can be extremely rewarding!
If you were bummed about not being able to float much this summer, our lakes and reservoirs are a perfect place to launch your raft, or get your float tube out for a great day of fishing. We have great gear options for exactly what you need at our Boathouse in Littleton.
Warmwater Species Deserve More Attention
Speaking of lakes and reservoirs, way too many trout anglers overlook incredible opportunities to fly fish for warmwater species.
Bass, carp, panfish, and pike fishing can be outstanding during the hottest parts of summer. And unlike trout, these species actually thrive in warmer water conditions.
Carp fishing in particular has developed a passionate following. Sight-fishing to carp on the fly is one of the most technical and rewarding things you’ll find.
Meanwhile, bass ponds and warmwater lakes can provide excellent opportunities for families, newer anglers, or anyone simply looking to bend the rod this summer.
Need help getting started? We have some seriously knowledgeable warm-water and carp anglers on staff and they would love to help you find success this summer.
Sign Up for the Mile High 25 On The Fly
In case you need an extra excuse to fish beyond the usual trout rivers this summer, the Mile High 25 On The Fly is the perfect outlet.
Hosted by Anglers All and our great partners, the Mile High 25 On The Fly is one of the most unique fly fishing events: it’s a multi-species tournament that sends anglers across the state in search of everything from trout and bass to carp, pike, perch, catfish, and more.
In many ways, the event perfectly captures the spirit of adapting to changing summer conditions. Success in the tournament means exploring warmwater fisheries, alpine lakes, stillwaters, and waters that many anglers might otherwise ignore.
It’s equal parts road trip, scavenger hunt, strategy game, and fly fishing tournament – and a great reminder that Colorado offers far more than just traditional trout streams. Whether you’re trying to compete for points or simply looking for an excuse to explore new water with a friend, it’s one of the most entertaining weekends of the summer.
The 2026 event takes place June 27–28. Click here to learn more and to sign up.
Carry a Thermometer. Seriously.
If there’s one piece of gear we hope more anglers carry this summer, it’s a stream thermometer.
Once water temperatures creep above 66 degrees, trout become increasingly stressed. Fighting and handling them in warm water can significantly impact their survival, even when they swim away.
Sometimes the responsible move is simply to stop fishing for trout and find cooler water elsewhere.
The good news? In Colorado, there are plenty of other options.
Get Out There and Explore!
Some of our favorite fishing memories come from times when conditions forced us to explore new water. And you never know when those discoveries might become new favorites.
If you’re not sure where to start, stop by our Littleton or Denver location. Or, give us a call at 303-794-1104. We’d love to help you get out on the water this summer.
