Michigan River Colorado Fly Fishing Report & Options for Selecting Flies: Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
We have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes that make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone Stream
Species
Rainbow Trout (Wild)
Brown Trout (Wild)
Size
Small to Medium
Location
Southwestern Colorado
Nearest Towns
Walden
Season
Year-round
Access:
Good
Non-Resident License
State of Colorado
Weather
National Weather Service Link
Seasons:
Some fishing is possible prior to runoff in April and early
May.
Spring:
Springtime can be a tough time to fish the Michigan River.
Snow will still be present along the banks.
Summer:
The water usually gets into good shape about the middle
of June. Summertime is the best time to fish the river.
Fall:
Fly fishing the Michigan River can be great in the Fall.
The brown trout spawn during the Fall.
Recommended Tackle & Gear
Fly Line:
4, 5 or 6 weight
Leaders:
Dry fly: 9 to 12 ft., 5 or 6X Nymphing:
71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2X
Tippets:
Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,
Streamer 0-2X
Best Fly Rods:
Perfect Fly Supreme Four, Superb Five
or Ultimate Six
Fly Reels:
For 4/5/6 fly line
Fly Floatants and Misc Items:
Floatants, KISS Strike Indicators
Tools & Accessories:
Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc.
Copyright 2013 James Marsh
Fly Fishing the Michigan River Colorado
No, I didn’t make a mistake. The Michigan River is in Colorado. This Michigan River is a tributary of the North Platte River located in extreme, North Central Colorado. The river is about 30 miles long. It has one major tributary, the Illinois River.
The Michigan River’s headwaters form from two small Lakes – Michigan Lakes and American Lakes. In its lower section, the river flows through a valley where it becomes braided. Fly fishing the Michigan River in its lower areas is usually the best choice.
The river flows through Walden where highway #125 can be accessed to follow along near part of the length of the stream. Access isn’t easy in most areas. Be certain to check with the land owners if you fish on private property. Most of the time, if asked, they are very cooperative.
The river is lined with scrub bushes which makes fishing just about impossible anywhere along the banks. Wading is necessary. The brown trout are prone to hide beneath the trees and brushes that line the banks as well as those that are undercut by the current. Most anglers wade down the center of the stream and fish both sides. It normally ranges from about twenty to forty feet in width.
Runoff occurs from late May into the middle of June. Both brown and rainbow trout are plentiful. Fish size ranges from about 12 inches up to 16 and larger.
Hatches are very plentiful on the Michigan River. Caddisflies are especially abundant. During the Summer, terrestrial fishing is top notch. The river receives only a small about of pressure from anglers and the fish are not very picky. Fly fishing the Michigan River is usually very rewarding.