The Starting Lineup - 3 Flies You MUST Have For The Month Of March
- flyfish19
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
As March rolls around in the Colorado high country, the Eagle River comes alive with hungry trout shaking off their winter slumber. With slightly warmer water temps and the first hatches of the season beginning to pop, this is one of the most underrated months to be on the water.
To help you dial in your fly box, we’re kicking off a new series called “The Starting Lineup”, where we highlight the top three flies you need for the month. We sat down with Colorado River Outfitters veteran guide, Matt Fletcher, to break down his go-to patterns for March on the Eagle River and our surrounding waters.
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Fly # 1: The Red Zebra Midge – Size 20
If you’ve spent any time on the Eagle in late winter or early spring, you know that midges dominate the trout diet. The Red Zebra Midge in a size 20 is an absolute staple this time of year.
“The red zebra is a killer pattern when the water is cold and clear, which is typical for March on the Eagle,” says Matt Fletcher. “I like to fish it as a my point fly about 18 inches below my split shot as part of a two, or three fly rig. Focus on the slower tailouts and seams where fish are conserving energy but still feeding actively.”
This simple yet deadly pattern imitates the tiny midge larva that trout key in on all winter long. The red body with silver ribbing adds just enough flash to grab a trout’s attention.
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Fly # 2: The Miracle Nymph – Size 22
The Miracle Nymph is one of those flies that doesn’t get enough love, but for Eagle River locals, it’s a must-have in March. This tiny, translucent pattern mimics the smaller midges and emergers that are often present during early-season hatches.
“When trout are being picky, the Miracle Nymph is my go-to confidence fly,” says Fletcher. “I typically run this on 5x fluorocarbon tippet behind a heavier point fly, like a tungsten Perdigon. It’s especially effective in the deeper runs and pockets where fish are suspended and feeding just off the bottom.”
The Miracle Nymph’s subtle profile and cream color make it deadly when trout are keying on emerging midges in slower water.
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Fly # 3: Barr’s Emerger – Size 20
When the afternoon temperatures warm up and fish begin moving into riffles and feeding higher in the water column, the Barr’s Emerger becomes a game-changer.
“The Barr’s Emerger is one of the best patterns to fish during the early-season blue-winged olive (BWO) hatches that start happening in mid to late March,” Fletcher explains. “I like to fish it unweighted on a short dropper rig behind a dry fly or lightly weighted as part of a double nymph rig.”
This pattern perfectly imitates an emerging mayfly struggling to break from its nymphal shuck. Matt recommends focusing on soft seams and foam lines where trout are looking up for vulnerable insects.
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Pro Tip from Matt Fletcher:
“In March, water temps are still cold, so slow your drift down and focus on those deeper, softer runs where trout are holding. As the day warms up, keep an eye out for rising fish, especially during midday BWO hatches.”
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Ready to Hit the Eagle River?
If you’re looking to dial in your presentation and learn how to fish these patterns from one of the best, book a guided trip with Matt Fletcher or any of our professional guides at Colorado River Outfitters. Whether you’re looking to improve your nymph game or want to chase rising trout on dries, we’ve got you covered.
📞 Call us at (970) 236-1937 to book your trip today!
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March on the Eagle River is one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado fly fishing. With the right flies and the right approach, you’re in for some of the best winter-to-spring transition fishing of the year.
Tight lines!
The CRO Team