Classic Patterns
I felt compelled to include these classic patterns because of their ability to save your day when nothing else seems to be working. You'd be foolish to hit the South Platte without a selection of scuds and san juan worms. It would be just as foolish to fish the Blue without bringing along mysis patterns. Knowing which flies to 'fall back' on will come with experience on each river, but here are starter flies.
As mentioned above, san juan worms and scuds are must haves on the South Platte if flows are over 250 cfs. For the Blue, mysis shrimps and black beauties are necessities below the Dillon dam. For the Arkansas in Pueblo, take flashback pheasant tails in sizes 16-20. For the Colorado and William's Fork, buckskins and breadcrust patterns as well as golden stone nymphs will work throughout the summer months
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Breadcrust San Juan Worm
*Beadhead *Brown, burnt-orange, wine color
Scud Mysis Shrimp
*orange, olive, grey body *Tied backwards on hook,
extended mono eyes