Fly Fishing Colorado’s Stillwaters in June: A Hidden Gem for Anglers
When most fly fishers think of Colorado, images of tumbling freestone rivers and alpine streams immediately come to mind. And while our state’s moving waters deserve their world-class reputation, savvy anglers know that some of the best early summer action happens on Colorado’s stillwaters. Come June, high-elevation lakes and reservoirs come alive—offering thrilling opportunities for fly fishers looking for something a little different.
Why Fly Fish Stillwaters in June?
June is a prime month for stillwater fly fishing in Colorado. Most high-country lakes are ice-free, water temperatures are climbing into the trout comfort zone, and insect activity is booming. This perfect storm of conditions gets trout feeding aggressively after a long, cold winter.
Stillwaters often hold larger, more opportunistic trout than rivers—and they typically see less angling pressure. You’ll find rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and even tiger trout in these waters, feeding heavily on chironomids, damselfly nymphs, leeches, and callibaetis mayflies.
And with rivers running high during peak runoff, stillwaters offer an ideal and often overlooked alternative.
Where to Fly Fish: Top Public Stillwaters in Colorado
While 5280 Angler offers exclusive access to pristine private lakes, Colorado is also home to many exceptional public stillwaters. For the DIY angler, here are some top picks:
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
A gold-medal fishery in South Park, Spinney is legendary for big rainbows and cuttbows. Fish midge hatches in the morning, then switch to damsels or streamers as the day warms. Shore access is solid, but float tubes open up the lake.
Delaney Butte Lakes (North Park)
North, South, and East Delaney each offer something different, but all three produce trophy browns and rainbows. Ideal for dry fly fishing during callibaetis and damsel hatches in June.
Lake John
Also near Walden, Lake John is highly productive with great shoreline access and a variety of hatches. It’s one of North Park’s most consistent public options.
Sylvan Lake State Park
Just south of Eagle, this 8,500-foot gem is perfect for a relaxing day targeting brook and rainbow trout. Bring a float tube or fish from the bank with leeches or dries.
Trappers Lake (Flat Tops Wilderness)
Remote and wild, Trappers is one of the best places to catch native Colorado River cutthroat trout. It’s hike-in only, but the solitude and scenery make it a bucket-list destination.
Stillwater Tactics for Success
Fly fishing stillwater requires a slower, more thoughtful approach than fishing rivers. Here are four proven tactics:
- Chironomids Under an Indicator
Active in the cooler mornings, chironomids are a stillwater staple. Fish them deep and slow with a suspended rig. - Damsel and Dragonfly Nymphs
As water warms mid-morning, damsels migrate. Strip your nymph pattern slowly along weed lines or drop-offs. - Callibaetis Hatches
Watch for cruising trout sipping adults off the surface, or fish nymphs just below before the hatch really kicks off. - Leeches and Woolly Buggers
Ideal search patterns. Use an intermediate sinking line and vary your retrieve to find feeding fish.
Go Beyond the Crowds: Private Stillwater Access with 5280 Angler
While Colorado’s public lakes offer excellent fishing, some of the most productive and scenic stillwaters in the state are privately managed—and accessible only through 5280 Angler.
We offer guided trips to private lakes such as:
- Hidden Valley Lake
- Bartle Lakes
- Other exclusive front-range and mountain stillwaters & RMAC Club Properties.
These waters are carefully managed to support healthy trout populations and provide a peaceful, high-quality experience away from the crowds.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to master advanced stillwater techniques, our guides will tailor the day to your goals—helping you unlock the full potential of these lakes.
Book Your Stillwater Adventure Today
June is truly a magical time to experience stillwater fly fishing in Colorado. The mix of active fish, prolific hatches, and high-mountain beauty offers an experience unlike any other.
📅 Ready to explore Colorado’s stillwaters with a pro by your side?
🎣 Book your guided trip with 5280 Angler and get ready for a day of casting to cruising trout in some of the most scenic fisheries the Rockies have to offer.
