Antero Reservoir is arguably Colorado's most coveted stillwater fishery — and for good reason. The fish are big, the scenery is stunning, and the chironomid fishing can be world-class when you're dialed in. But Antero is also technical. The fish see a lot of pressure, and pattern selection matters more here than almost anywhere else in the state.
Antero sits at over 8,600 feet in South Park, and the cold, clear water gives trout excellent visibility. These fish have seen every generic fly pattern in every fly shop in Colorado. What works is specificity — flies that closely match the size, color, and profile of what's actually hatching.
At Antero, I typically start with #14–16 and size down if fish are following but not eating. In the spring when smaller chironomids are hatching, #18 can be the magic number. All Trout Tricks patterns are available in sizes down to #18 with 2x heavy wire hooks that handle the big Antero rainbows and cutbows without bending out.
Antero is open year-round but the best chironomid fishing happens March through June and again in September and October. Ice-off in early spring is particularly exciting — fish that have been in deep water all winter move shallow and feed aggressively on chironomids in 8–12 feet of water.
Recommended reading: our full guide to the best chironomid fly patterns, chironomid fishing across South Park, and the Spinney Mountain Reservoir guide.
Every fly mentioned in this guide is hand-tied fresh to order by Thomas Frank. Proven on Colorado's best stillwaters — tied on 2x heavy wire hooks with tungsten beads.
Your cart is empty.