Fly fishing in Colorado

[none]

Jeez, the airfair prices to Calgary (from The Netherlands) has risen 20-25% since several years ago. This makes my trips to Alberta (Canada) and Montana a lot less interesting…

So, I’m looking for alternatives now and Denver (Colorado) looks like an interesting option.

What are the possibilities of fishing in Colorado?

I like:
* small (mountain) streams to fish for native trouts using a light #3 rod.
* freestone rivers to fish with 9ft #5 rods
* maybe a real challenging river using a #6 rod and cast for big trouts

Any native Colorado-folks care to give me some pointers here?

Thanks!

Jay

[Cameron Mortenson]

Are you up for a hike and elevation gain?

[Jay Hake]

Jay,

There are a ton of possibilities for Colorado that fit all of the type of fishing you like.

[none]

Thanks guys!

Denver is of course the city where the plane will drop me off.
Most of my US trips will be a 2 weeks trip so there is plenty of time to travel and discover. I’ll rent a car so traveling shouldn’t be much of a problem.

I’ve never had much success during the early summer period (June/July) and the height of summer (July/August) it was just too hot to fish, so the last couple of trips were made during early fall (September/early october) and that turned out to be nicest period to fish.
But again, this was Alberta & Montana.

I try to make a mix of experiences when I take a such a trip. Meet new friends, fish together, a few days here, a few days there. I’m not a pro in camping but I don’t mind camping out for a few days before sleeping in a hotel bed and having a nice hot shower.

Cameron:
Yes sure! Just make sure I don’t get eaten by a cougar or a bear!  ;D

Jay

[Jay Hake]

Jay,

Late September and early October is the best time to fish Colorado, IMHO.

[none]

Well, I haven’t planned any trip to the USA this year, but with the low Dollar rate it sure is tempting.

Which rivers & streams are considered world class?
I only read about the Frying Pan.

Jay

[Rick Marcum]

There are plenty of different kinds of water in Colorado to fish, as was mentioned.

[none]

I don’t like the crowded fishing. I’ve seen & done that enough. It’s just the idea of having fished the Madison, Yellowstone river, etc.

I indeed prefer kinda solitude with friends fishing those secret rivers & streams.

Your last remark is interesting! How different is different?

Jay

[Tim Angeli]

Jay,

Rocky Mountain national park would offer you some great small stream and alpine lake fishing, especially if you’re willing to hike for it.

[Rick Marcum]

What I mean by different is smaller rivers, mainly wade fishing.

[none]

I prefer wading fishing as well as rivers that are not too big. Big rivers will mean drift boat and I hate those boats coming down while I’m fishing…

Looks like Colorado is a more intimate place to fish than Montana. Does this mean that there are fewer fly shops as well?

[Cameron Mortenson]

Jay…I think you would really like a lot of the water in and around RMNP.

[Tim Angeli]

Cameron,

What’s the deal with those not being 100% Greenbacks?

[none]

Colorado has 4 times more inhabitants than Montana, yet it sounds a lot less crowded! 🙂

Hiking for native cutts sounds amazing Cameron!

Well, let me check my plans for the coming year and I’ll let you guys know.

Thank you again!
Jay

[Rick Neilson]

North of Denver offers some real neat small streams.  I am saddened by the beetle problems that have really impacted the scenery though.  I was expecting tall pristine pines and the ones we saw up by Winter Park and Rocky Mountain National Park looked like they were on death’s door.  I wouldn’t rule it out, the mountains are gorgeous, but be prepared for lots of area being clear cut.  As for fishing, there are tons of small streams and ponds, etc.  Lots of fun!!

I prefer more of the southern area, Arkansas River Valley headwaters, eleven mile canyon, and south platte.  My favorite is fishing some of the small ponds on the mountains.  Coming from Missouri, it is just too cool to be fishing on some pond 11,000 ft above sea level.  Even in the summer time, the temperature is still great.

Personally, you can’t go wrong.  It’s a great state, friendly folks and all kinds of fishing.  With two weeks to spend, you can experience a lot.

[nick king]

I would check out three forks ranch. From what i have heard that has just what you are looking for. They have 26 inch club. browns and bows till you are tired

[Rick Marcum]

I’m not sure where you’re getting that Colorado sounds less crowded.

[Author]

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