We hit the southern Colorado backcountry for some small creek fishing. Tons of fish and quiet solitude make these outings some of the most rewarding of the year.

Our Takes: When the water starts running high and brown and the temperatures hit the 80s, we celebrate the oncoming summer with a trip to a Colorado small stream. The southern part of the state warms up first, so we normally head to that part of the state. However, from the middle of June through September, most of the state’s small creeks flow clear and cold and hold thousands of small fish.

Flies: Dries include Purple Haze (10-14), Amy’s Ant (10-12), Hoppers (hopper-sized). Fish 4x and 5x mono with 3-4 weight rods.