O’Grady likes to take first-time clients out to the ponds to catch and release bluegills for a fun and easy confidence-builder. PHOTOS: There was a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event in the sky above Colorado Monday night. Join them, or continue vying for one of river’s oversized rainbow trout. Photo: How D.I.A.’s Murals Feed Conspiracy Theorist, 10 Wonderful Winter Vacation Spots in Colorado, Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Denver, Comfy Cabins to Rent near Boulder, Lyons and Nederland. He credits the collaborations between CPW and local businesses spanning from 2004 to 2015, which added structures along the river to protect feeding and reproduction. Take advantage of excellent fishing and plenty of urban recreational activities and see why we think Aurora is one of the best fishing towns in Colorado. Nationally recognized for its fly-fishing excellence, Glenwood Springs offers year round fishing on its two rivers, the Roaring Fork and the Colorado. The cool water at 9,550 feet keeps the lake at the perfect temperatures to maintain its stock throughout summer. To learn more about winter fishing regulations, permits and access, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. You can also find great fishing near the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Another great thing is that you can go fishing at any time of the year if you are not afraid to stay outside in the cold. The good news is, no matter where you plan to hike, visit, or go camping in Colorado , there’s likely prime fishing somewhere in the vicinity. All contents Copyright © 2020 The Denver Post or other copyright holders. 9. After you’re fished out, pack a picnic and take the drive up to one of Colorado’s 14ers -- Mount Evans, where the summit reaches over 14,000 feet of elevation, or peruse the numerous shops in downtown Idaho Springs. “Cheesman Canyon is arguably the most beautiful canyon you are going to hike, much less fish,” said Ross Guillen, 57, owner of the Denver Fly Shop on Colorado Boulevard. The best time to fish is during cloudy days while the water temperature stays optimum. Georgetown Lake is the first fishing destination on our list that puts you in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. One of the benefits to this particular southern Colorado tailwater is the ease and accessibility of two major highways bringing you right to Pueblo’s stretch of the Arkansas. Originally from Washington DC, she has found her niche in writing about the state she loves, be it outdoors/lifestyle or investigative. It is one of the best fishing places near Denver and accommodates large groups of anglers who come to the river to fish each year. Access is easy via public parks, as Gore Creek runs right through the busy town of Vail. Some enthusiasts suggest that winter is one of the best times for fishing in the area, although spring through fall is … Around noon you’ll start sharing the river with tubers floating downstream. Eleven Mile also has RV hookups, non-electric camping sites, and backcountry walk-in tent-only camping. So we talked with some of Colorado’s most experienced anglers to bring you 10 of the best fishing spots in the state. 5. “It’s dope.”. The water levels are lower so you’ll have to watch out for some shallow spots, but for the most part you’ll be able to skip the waders and access the entire river on a boat instead of just one side on your own two feet. One of the most popular places to fish in Colorado is Gore Creek, unfortunately, this does mean it can receive a lot of traffic during busy periods. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get outdoor news sent straight to your inbox. This page focuses on his ice fishing trips but you should check out his profile and see other possibilities throughout the year. So we talked with some of Colorado’s most experienced anglers to bring you 10 of the best fishing spots in the state. The newest addition to Colorado’s Gold Medal rivers is a section of the Upper Colorado, between Canyon Creek and Rock Creek. Fishing is huge in Colorado, which boasts thousands of miles of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. (Be sure to check this season’s Colorado fishing brochure from CPW for catch limits and other rules. The South Platte at Cheeseman Canyon in Sedalia is easily the most Instagram-worthy spot on this list. In 2017, CPW recorded a state record 30-pound, 38-inch flathead catfish out of the reservoir. Captain Jed Thompson runs the trips in Norther Colorado’s lakes, ponds, and rivers year-round. Top Colorado Fishing Charters & Tours: See reviews and photos of fishing charters & tours in Colorado, United States on Tripadvisor. Mini Leech: One of the favorite flies to use is the Mini Leech it is a very versatile fly that can be used in both high and low water fly fishing. Colorado is one of the world’s most legendary fly fishing destinations, with hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, spectacular scenery, species that are native only to Colorado, and secluded waters that are reachable only by boat. “There’s also the ‘Dream Stream,’ which is in between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoir,” said Connell O’Grady, a fly fishing guide with Drift Bait Shop in Pueblo. Granite boulders provide in-stream structure in the shadow of spruce trees from the upper banks. One of the most magnificent areas when it comes to the scenery in Colorado, the Gunnison River also boasts some of the state’s top rainbow and brown trout fishing opportunities. Spinney Reservoir – Trophy Fly Fishing. Slim, sparse damsel #10-14 nymphs in olive seem to work the best. But, if it’s prize-winning big fish you are after, this is the place to be. Whether you fish on ice, with a rod and reel, or with a fly-fishing rod, Colorado is one of the top places in the country for anglers. Pagosa Springs boasts that it has some of the best fishing in the entire state. Check out our top 3 fall flies to use in Colorado this year. O’Grady has plenty of experience with warmer water killing off trout populations in lakes from the inherently decreased oxygen levels, so recommends taking to high lakes like Cottonwood as the days get hotter. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. Another warm-water fishery, Lake Pueblo happens to be a night-fishing paradise and the place to be if you are pursuing walleye, according to Wyatt. Each part of the state has its fair share of waters that are wonderful for anglers. 5. Damsel fly nymphs are active swimmers and trout are happy to search them out along weed bed and drop offs. There are three boat launches and the Lake Granby Yacht Club here. Davis points to the smallmouth varieties, a trademark of this and the other warm-water fisheries, as the main draw. “It is incredibly beautiful.”. The best way to have a successful fall fly fishing trip is to choose the right flies for the time of the year you are heading out. I believe everyone has their own unique way of living the dream. The mighty Colorado River is one of the best fisheries that Colorado has to offer. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Tennessee And if you’re lucky, you may spot pronghorns, elk and more. Located between Grand Lake and Winter Park, Lake Granby is the third-largest body of water in Colorado, according to colorado.com. Colorado’s largest body of water is located near Gunnison in the Curecanti National Recreation Area and is so named because of its luminous blue water. This river provides some of the best fishing opportunities in Colorado. Anglers should have plenty of caddis patterns for summer fishing. The three major warm-water bodies — Horsetooth Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir and Lake Pueblo — are all worthy of our list. The odds might just be in your favor. Sign up for our weekly entertainment and outdoors emails to get news and weekend plans sent right to your inbox. Positioned off of Cottonwood Pass a few miles west of the quaint Cottonwood Hot Springs, this lake is surrounded on all sides by the Collegiate Peaks and a wind-chime-like chorus of rustling aspen leaves. You may think that fishing in Colorado is all about the Rockies, but Aurora proves otherwise. Six free, socially distanced, in-person Christmas wonderlands to check out in Denver this month, A day at Denver's new cult-favorite bakery in Highland that sells out within two hours. Davis describes Horsetooth as having outstanding smallmouth fishing, offering a break from the bread and butter of trout fishing in colder waters. Some of the best fishing is right in the city of Durango. Named for the late, great Denver Post outdoor writer’s old stomping grounds, Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area is also known as the “dream stream.” The hot spot is located on the South Platte River between Spinney Mountain State Park and Eleven Mile State Park east of Hartsel. You’re better off fishing for trout either before dusk or after sunset, even during the full moon when trout are out. One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake Granby is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon. Trout fishing on Eleven Mile Reservoir. As defined in the 2019 CPW fishing brochure, these top-tier fisheries have the best possible conditions and the highest density of larger fish per acre. Here’s why, Western fashion, cannabis and plant love: Colorado trends that went big in 2020, Celestial event not seen since 1226 happening this month with amazing conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. In addition to the Frayser River to Troublesome Creek section near Granby, the Upper Colorado is home to some of the best trout fishing on the West Slope of Colorado. 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