Ready to fish one of Colorado’s most iconic stretches of water? In this episode of The Rise Beyond River Report, we dive deep into the May 2025 fly fishing conditions on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista—a legendary Gold Medal stretch that’s producing some of the season’s best trout action.

We’ll break down:

• Current Flows near Hecla Junction and Browns Canyon (~295 CFS and clear)

• Water and Air Temps to help you plan your outing

• Best Times to Fish and where trout are holding

• Top 3 Flies for May (including the MVPs: Elk Hair Caddis, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Sculpzilla)

• Detailed Hatch Chart covering March through May

• 3 Access Points You Shouldn’t Miss (Big Bend, Hecla Junction, Browns Canyon)

• Wading & Parking Ratings, Trail Access, and Google Maps links

• Pro Tips for dry fly, nymph, and streamer fishing

• Local Landowner Rights & Regs so you fish smart and stay legal

Whether you're planning a quick wade trip or floating the canyon, this stretch of the Arkansas offers technical challenges, incredible scenery, and trout that reward persistence. From morning nymph rigs to afternoon BWO hatches, this report gives you everything you need to fish it like a local.

🎧 Plus, we talk gear, etiquette, and the little things that help you Rise Beyond average days on the water.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, rate, and share with your fishing buddies.
More gear and flies at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com

In this episode of The Rise Beyond River Report, we cover everything anglers need to know about the Yampa River Fishing Closure 2025 — what’s closed, when, why, and what you can still fish.

Join us as we break down:

• The mandatory full-day closure on the 0.6-mile stretch below Stagecoach Reservoir, including what triggered it and how long it might last

• Details on the anticipated seasonal closure at the Fish Creek confluence to protect spawning mountain whitefish this fall

• How low flows and warm water temperatures are affecting trout health, fish behavior, and CPW’s emergency response

• Tips for anglers on staying legal, ethical, and informed while fishing other stretches of the Yampa

• Alternative locations near Steamboat and beyond where fishing is still hot and the hatches are happening

We also talk about CPW’s closure policies, how to interpret fishing regs like a pro, and why river stewardship starts with awareness — not just fly selection.

Whether you're planning your next weekend trip or just want to stay dialed in on Colorado’s spring and fall regulations, this is the episode to hit before you tie your next knot.

Subscribe, share, and stay ahead of the closures.
Full updates available at cpw.state.co.us

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.

Want weekly fly fishing reports like this delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up for the free Rise Beyond River Report at RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com and never fish blind again.

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.