How to Read River Flows in Colorado: CFS, Clarity, and Catching More Trout with Data (and Sass)

Welcome to another episode of Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, where mountain wisdom meets modern angling. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet critical tools in every Colorado angler’s kit: river flows.

Whether you’re standing at the edge of the South Platte wondering if 500 CFS is “fishable” or squinting at a USGS gauge like it’s ancient Greek, this episode is your friendly decoder ring. We’re unpacking how to read river flows in Colorado like a seasoned local, with just the right amount of wit and no gatekeeping.

🎣 Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What CFS (cubic feet per second) actually means—and why it's your best friend or worst enemy

• Understanding ideal flow ranges for rivers like the South Platte, Arkansas, and Clear Creek

• How to spot blown-out, prime, and technical water before you even leave the house

• Seasonal flow breakdowns: why runoff ruins lunch plans and fall flows feed hungry trout

• Real-world tips for interpreting rising, dropping, or flatlining gauges

• Using river flow trends to choose flies, target edges, and read fish behavior

• Why clarity sometimes matters more than CFS—and how to read both

• Our top 3 tools for checking flow data (apps, sites, and good old-fashioned intuition)

We’ll also throw in some common myths (spoiler: “High water is always bad” is a lie), tips on finding soft pockets during runoff, and how to use water temperature to time your outings.

This episode is designed for anyone who's tired of showing up to a river only to be greeted by coffee-colored chaos—or who just wants to fish smarter, not harder.

💡 Whether you’re a dry-fly purist, a Euro-nymphing addict, or just learning the difference between a gauge height and a gauge pressure, this guide will help you make sense of the flow data before you lace up your boots.

Stick around to the end for our rapid-fire River Flow FAQ, where we answer questions like:

• What’s the best flow for fishing Deckers?

• Is 100 CFS on the Arkansas worth the drive?

• Should I fish tailwaters during runoff?

• And when is it better to just stay home and tie flies?

🎧 This isn’t your grandpa’s river data podcast. This is Colorado fly fishing, decoded—served up with local flavor, proven tactics, and a dash of guide humor.

So pull up your favorite fishing app, pour some coffee, and let’s talk about how to fish the flow.

Tight lines, clear water, and fishy decisions await.

Brought to you by Rise Beyond Fly Fishing and the River Whisper App—where modern anglers get the intel they need to fish with confidence.