A guide to our shop favorite fall streamer patterns.

Fall in Northern Colorado is streamer season. As the water cools and trout feed aggressively before winter, big, meaty flies often outperform smaller patterns. From the Cache la Poudre to the Big Thompson, and even the stillwaters up in North Park or over the border in Wyoming, streamer fishing offers some of the most exciting eats of the year.

But with browns moving onto redds to spawn as the days shorten, it’s important to fish responsibly, avoid targeting fish that are actively spawning or sitting on redds. Focus instead on pre- and post-spawn fish in deeper runs, along banks, or cruising lake edges actively feeding. With that in mind, here are 10 of our favorite streamers for fall fishing in and around Fort Collins.

1. Goldie

A shop staple streamer, the Goldie is a flashy, slender baitfish imitation that shines in clear water. Its subtle action makes it deadly on any body of water. A perfect baitfish imitation, it shines in both lakes and rivers when trout are chasing smaller forage like suckers or chubs.

2. Mini Dungeon

A downsized version of Kelly Galloup’s famous Dungeon, this articulated fly has all the movement you need without being overbearing in smaller rivers. It’s a go-to for aggressive browns in rocky pockets. With its deer hair head and articulation, this fly pushes water and taunts big fish into strikes.

3. Thin Mint

Simple, buggy, and highly effective, the Thin Mint can cross over between a streamer and a big wet fly. Swing it, strip it, nymph it… Thin Mints can’t be fished incorrectly. Imitating crayfish, small baitfish and even stoneflies, it is a MUST HAVE for any fly angler. Trout key in on its profile in both rivers and lakes, making it an excellent “confidence fly” for tough conditions.

4. Sparkle Minnow

Few flies catch as many trout across as many waters as the Sparkle Minnow. Its flashy body and lifelike movement make it ideal for slightly stained water after fall rains, or when trout are in an aggressive mood. This fly has quickly become a shop favorite over the years and is a staple in all of our boxes. Want flash? You found it.

5. Baby Swim Coach

Designed for movement, this fly mimics juvenile fish with an enticing kick. It’s especially effective in the slower pools of the Big Thompson or the deeper pockets of the Poudre Canyon. The shop favorite, brown and yellow colorway especially shines on our local waters in this deadly little pattern.

6. Tequeely

Bright, flashy, and a little outrageous, the Tequeely is a great choice when trout need something loud to grab their attention. Perfect for imitating crayfish or simply driving fish mad, this fly flat out catches fish. On overcast fall days, its color combination and movement can be the ticket to waking up big fish.

7. Platte River Spider

This classic spider style pattern has been a shop favorite for several years. Whether you are swinging it or stripping, the Platte River Spider shines on all waters including lakes. Don’t be afraid to run this as a secondary fly behind a larger streamer pattern. Often your larger fly will grab
their attention while the smaller spider will draw the final kill shot.

8. CD's Lil Swinger

This smaller streamer pattern with a free swinging trailer hook was designed on our local waters over multiple seasons. From the Poudre to
the tailwaters in Wyoming and Colorado, it has been designed to excel in all situations. Whether you swing it or strip it, this fly flat out hunts down fish.

9. Rusty Trombone

The Rusty Trombone is a shop favorite. The olive version of the classic Goldie, its heavy head gets it down quickly, and its body undulates with a lifelike motion that fish can’t resist. It is especially productive on overcast days in the fall and winter.

10. Jig Slumlord

A modern jig-style streamer, the Slumlord gets down fast and rides hook point up, making it ideal for probing structure without snagging. It’s a great choice for bouncing off the bottom at North Park lakes or tight river runs where depth matters.

Fly Roundup
Streamer season is about covering water and hunting for
aggressive trout, and Northern Colorado offers some of the best opportunities around. For even more locations to fish in and around Fort Collins during the fall, check out our blog about fall fishing locations here. With these 10 streamers in your box, you’ll be ready for everything from canyon pocket water to sprawling stillwaters. Just remember: respect the resource, avoid fishing over redds, and enjoy the heart-pounding grabs that make fall streamer fishing unforgettable.

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