I’d love to just go out there in the wilderness and cast my rod for a relaxing day of fly fishing.. I’m sure men and women alike would appreciate getting to come back to nature – and if you ask me you’ll only get to experience the best fly fishing in Colorado! If you want to learn more about fishing for trout in Colorado, check out this helpful video: 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. This state lake is also famous for ice fishing. Fountain Creek is an excellent way to scratch your fishing itch without leaving the Colorado Springs area. ), Spinney is one of only three of our lakes and reservoirs to earn a gold medal designation from CPW. You may think that fishing in Colorado is all about the Rockies, but Aurora proves otherwise. The South Platte at Cheeseman Canyon in Sedalia is easily the most Instagram-worthy spot on this list. An edition of The Denver Post. Captain Jed Thompson runs the trips in Norther Colorado’s lakes, ponds, and rivers year-round. Nationally recognized for its fly-fishing excellence, Glenwood Springs offers year round fishing on its two rivers, the Roaring Fork and the Colorado. The best thing about fishing the Colorado River is that you can still cast a line from a raft at this time of year. “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. Sign up for our weekly entertainment and outdoors emails to get news and weekend plans sent right to your inbox. Davis points to the smallmouth varieties, a trademark of this and the other warm-water fisheries, as the main draw. You can fish from shore or take a boat out. Spinney Reservoir – Trophy Fly Fishing. Fishing resorts colorado ken s 10 best gling resorts in colorado colorado cabins cabin vacations colorado lakeside lodging 10 fantastic fishing spots in coloradoColorado Lakeside LodgingTop 11 Fly Fishing Lodges Hideaway ReportThe 10 Best Colorado Fishing Resorts Oct 2020 With S Tripadvisor9 Best Places For Fishing In Colorado Trips To DiscoverLuxury Colorado Fly Fishing Ranch … 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. Did you see it? “It’s dope.”. Top Colorado Fishing Charters & Tours: See reviews and photos of fishing charters & tours in Colorado, United States on Tripadvisor. The mighty Colorado River is one of the best fisheries that Colorado has to offer. “It is incredibly beautiful.”. Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, Educational Field Trips in Colorado for All Ages, Camping near Palisade, Grand Junction and Fruita, around Mesa County, How to Save Money on Your Colorado Skiing Trip. “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. 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. The Gold Medal Trout Water section traverses through the Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park. Georgetown Lake is the first fishing destination on our list that puts you in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Trout fishing on Eleven Mile Reservoir. Charming little critters like Woodhouse’s toads or small lizards line the shores, giving kiddos a distraction from long days at the lake. 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. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Tennessee 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. One of the last free-flowing rivers in the state of Colorado, the Animas River is a unique and rare treasure. Join them, or continue vying for one of river’s oversized rainbow trout. Check out our top 3 fall flies to use in Colorado this year. 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. 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. 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. Chatfield’s location makes it perfect for a day trip, providing an angler’s oasis without having to leave the Denver metro area. The three major warm-water bodies — Horsetooth Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir and Lake Pueblo — are all worthy of our list. 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. Some of the best fishing is right in the city of Durango. If you are into fishing, you'll have plenty of locations to choose from and beautiful views as a bonus. Catfish are popular in Pueblo as well. Lake Pueblo State Park has shoreline fishing and at any of its small side ponds. “The South Platte is impounded six or seven times from its headwaters and each one of those tailwaters below fishes a little different,” said Rick Davis, a 41-year-old military veteran who has spent the last 10 years guiding out of the South Platte Fly Shop in Woodland Park. To learn more about winter fishing regulations, permits and access, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. This page focuses on his ice fishing trips but you should check out his profile and see other possibilities throughout the year. The stretch between Byers Canyon and Kremmling is one of our favorite areas to fish in Colorado and offers plenty of shore access to the Colorado River. The reservoir is closed to fishing when it is frozen over (usually November 15th to April 15th), and it usually fishes just as well from the shore as it does from a boat. 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. 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. Eleven Mile also has RV hookups, non-electric camping sites, and backcountry walk-in tent-only camping. 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. 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. (Be sure to check this season’s Colorado fishing brochure from CPW for catch limits and other rules. The odds might just be in your favor. 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. The cool water at 9,550 feet keeps the lake at the perfect temperatures to maintain its stock throughout summer. O’Grady likes to take first-time clients out to the ponds to catch and release bluegills for a fun and easy confidence-builder. While he once considered his home river overlooked, it is steadily gaining a reputation for solid and reliable fly-fishing. One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake Granby is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon. Cherry Creek and Aurora Reservoirs are full of exciting fish, just waiting to be caught. In 2017, CPW recorded a state record 30-pound, 38-inch flathead catfish out of the reservoir. The best time to fish is during cloudy days while the water temperature stays optimum. All rights reserved. Colorado River. Granite boulders provide in-stream structure in the shadow of spruce trees from the upper banks. Originally from Washington DC, she has found her niche in writing about the state she loves, be it outdoors/lifestyle or investigative. The newest addition to Colorado’s Gold Medal rivers is a section of the Upper Colorado, between Canyon Creek and Rock Creek. Fishing. Access is easy via public parks, as Gore Creek runs right through the busy town of Vail. | Also read about the best ice fishing spots in other popular ice fishing states: Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan NoCo Fishing Outfitters offers guided fishing trips all over Fort Collins area. Get there early enough in the morning, and the fishing through downtown Steamboat Springs will make it worth your efforts, according to Guillen. Crayfish crankbaits and 4-inch senkos are perfect for fishing near the ramp. 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. The foothills of Littleton are the backdrop for our last warm-water fishing hole. The South Platte is full of possibilities. Some enthusiasts suggest that winter is one of the best times for fishing in the area, although spring through fall is … Northwest Colorado also has fantastic trout fishing. Located between Grand Lake and Winter Park, Lake Granby is the third-largest body of water in Colorado, according to colorado.com. If you want to find those big trout, try streamers that imitate sculpins. 9. 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. But, if it’s prize-winning big fish you are after, this is the place to be. “There are huge browns and lakers, a really cool chain of lakes, and creeks galore,” Wyatt said. Patricia Cameron is a single mother of an amazing 12-year-old boy and has lived in Colorado since 1995. With all of the options — from fly fishing to bank fishing, lake fishing to night fishing and more — it can be difficult to zero in on just one spot. And although many anglers have been fishing all year long, the summer solstice brings long, warm days on the water that are much more attractive to everyone. So we talked with some of Colorado’s most experienced anglers to bring you 10 of the best fishing spots in the state. The Colorado River is one of the best rivers for fly fishing in the state. But if you’re after peace, quiet, and superior fishing conditions, simply head up Highway 24 past Rainbow Falls and cast out your line somewhere along the … Just when a Colorado summer starts to feel like summer is debatable, but as of Friday the season has officially begun. “That is the gold-medal stream of the Platte River where it meets the reservoirs, and where people normally catch the biggest fish of their lives.”. Damsel fly nymphs are active swimmers and trout are happy to search them out along weed bed and drop offs. Gunnison River Gunnison River does not disappoint when it comes to fishing. 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. Pagosa Springs boasts that it has some of the best fishing in the entire state. The popular state park sees some of CPW’s largest visitation numbers. Sport anglers even maintain a fishing report website to help you choose your winter lake of choice. So we talked with some of Colorado’s most experienced anglers to bring you 10 of the best fishing spots in the state. And if you’re lucky, you may spot pronghorns, elk and more. Slim, sparse damsel #10-14 nymphs in olive seem to work the best. 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. Davis said there are “lots of trout and always a chance of catching a trophy.”. Colorado state parks have been breaking annual records left and right, On the hunt in Colorado: A successful elk harvest amid downward national trend of youth hunters, Full beaver moon to deliver partial lunar eclipse early Monday morning, Baby deer gets chicken feeder stuck on head, rescued by CPW, Last hit: Mick Jagger appears healthy as Rolling Stones launch tour at Soldier Field, Up next: Take a hike to a secret location to listen to music among red rocks at the Moab Music Festival, Are you seeing — and smelling — dead fish in lakes around Denver? Spinney Reservoir is one of the best Gold Medal fisheries in Colorado. 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. It also provides a comprehensive list of species to expect in each area. Fishing also helps cull invasive species while supporting native species in their natural habitat. PHOTOS: There was a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event in the sky above Colorado Monday night. 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. You’re better off fishing for trout either before dusk or after sunset, even during the full moon when trout are out. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Colorado is home to about 35 different freshwater species in 1,300 lakes and reservoirs as well as 6,000 miles of streams, so there is something for every angler. “ They assisted us with mountain biking, fishing , shopping, dining and more. “I caught a 12½-inch one last year!” Bonus: It is also a popular beach and swimming hole. Located on the Colorado River 5 miles from the town of Granby, the lake is a less-crowded alternative to the tourist traffic of Grand Lake. All contents Copyright © 2020 The Denver Post or other copyright holders. #18 Best Value of 20 Fishing Resorts in Colorado “ He created a great agenda which included all dinner reservations, spa, fishing , snowmobiling, and the awesome hot springs! John Kesler, 26, a fishing guide out of Elk Creek marina in Gunnison, grew up in Fort Collins and vouches for the fishing on Horsetooth. Davis describes Horsetooth as having outstanding smallmouth fishing, offering a break from the bread and butter of trout fishing in colder waters. Fishing is huge in Colorado, which boasts thousands of miles of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. 5. You’ll find walleye, Bluegill, Black Crappie, brown trout, and “huge bass with easy access and consistent bites,” confirms Jerry Wyatt, 42, a weekend warrior from Colorado Springs who brings 37 years experience on the water to the conversation. If the water is off-color, use green lures or crawdad candy for bass fishing. Around noon you’ll start sharing the river with tubers floating downstream. The area around the lake is popular with hikers in summer and snowmobilers in winter. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial purpose. 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. There’s also a lot of yellow perch,” he said. 5. I believe everyone has their own unique way of living the dream. Plus, the purchase of a fishing license puts money directly back into CPW, helping to maintain and protect our public lands. 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. The lake, on both sides of the Rockies, promises a great time of fishing in Colorado. The dream section teems with fish, especially during the spring migration. 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. Each part of the state has its fair share of waters that are wonderful for anglers. This river provides some of the best fishing opportunities in Colorado. It’s where Kesler guides out of Elk Creek Marina, and he is eager to brag about it: “Blue Mesa reservoir is an absolutely phenomenal brown trout fishery. The Best Fly Fishing Trips In Colorado with Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides . Multiple upgrades over the years have substantially revamped this stream, according to O’Grady. Reservoirs in the plains are renowned for walleye. 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. Best Streams (and Lakes) for Colorado Fly Fishing When it comes to fly fishing, Colorado streams range from easy to find to a near-vertical hike down one of the steepest canyons in the country. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get outdoor news sent straight to your inbox. Anglers should have plenty of caddis patterns for summer fishing. Colorado has 13,000 km (8,000 miles) of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes. I probably use some variation of this pattern more than any other nymph pattern while fly fishing in Colorado lakes. You can also find great fishing near the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. 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. There are three boat launches and the Lake Granby Yacht Club here. If fishing is for your kiddo, the friendly reindeer that live at the fishing pond can be welcome entertainment. 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