Your How To Guide For Fishing ColoradoLink to a detailed page on Colorado Rivers
Multiple times a year I get an email from out of town friend's, fishing buddies, friend's of friend's, or newbie's to the state and ask.....where's a good place to fish?
Rivers of interest are all dependant on where you would like to fish, the area you may be in, scenery, crowds and sizes of fish, numbers of fish, weather and lodging are all big factors. While there are plenty of choices to choose from, it basically comes down to what you're looking for. Regardless, I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for!
Cheesman Canyon-South Platte River 1 hour away, Spectacular scenery hands down, little tougher fishing since they are quite finicky but great place to fish and it's close to the front range.
Multiple times a year I get an email from out of town friend's, fishing buddies, friend's of friend's, or newbie's to the state and ask.....where's a good place to fish?
Rivers of interest are all dependant on where you would like to fish, the area you may be in, scenery, crowds and sizes of fish, numbers of fish, weather and lodging are all big factors. While there are plenty of choices to choose from, it basically comes down to what you're looking for. Regardless, I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for!
Cheesman Canyon-South Platte River 1 hour away, Spectacular scenery hands down, little tougher fishing since they are quite finicky but great place to fish and it's close to the front range.
Big Thompson-Estes Park (right near Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park) 1 hour 15 minutes from Denver, easier fishing, close to RMNP if going to spend time in Estes Park, 12-14" avg size fish, decent scenery but the drawback is that it's right off a 2 lane hwy.
Blue River- (below Dillon Res) This popular area is close to not only Denver but also a popular shopping area for your wife or girlfriend, lot's of lodging accomodations, access up and down the river, close to Resort areas, nice size fish from 12-20". Expect crowds and spooky fish.
11 Mile Canyon- Incredible views in the canyon, nice pocket water, average fish around 12-14", very crowded on weekends, camping close by and lot's of hatches. If it's not your thing or not fishing well, you have Tomohawk, Dream Stream, Spinney or Antero to fish close by.
Arkansas River-Buena Vista 2 1/2 hours away, perfect access to 50 miles of water, easy to fish, 12-14", whitewater, many big mountains in the back drop while fishing so hard to stay focused with it being so pretty there.
Colorado River-Kremmling 2 hours away, near Winter Park, spectacular scenery area, great dry fly fishing if the right time, fish avg 14-15".
Clear Creek-30 minutes away Idaho Springs,10-12" avg size fish, easy to fish, decent scenery but right off I-70 hwy, perfect dry fly stream.
Frying Pan River- near Basalt and Aspen 2 1/2 hours away, amazing area with the red cliffs, near Roaring fork river as well, more crowded but BIG fish, BIG hatches and a must if close to there.
Arkansas River-Buena Vista 2 1/2 hours away, perfect access to 50 miles of water, easy to fish, 12-14", whitewater, many big mountains in the back drop while fishing so hard to stay focused with it being so pretty there.
Colorado River-Kremmling 2 hours away, near Winter Park, spectacular scenery area, great dry fly fishing if the right time, fish avg 14-15".
Clear Creek-30 minutes away Idaho Springs,10-12" avg size fish, easy to fish, decent scenery but right off I-70 hwy, perfect dry fly stream.
Frying Pan River- near Basalt and Aspen 2 1/2 hours away, amazing area with the red cliffs, near Roaring fork river as well, more crowded but BIG fish, BIG hatches and a must if close to there.
Spinney Mtn Ranch- Commonly known as the Dream Stream is a 5 mile section of the South platte river nestled between Spinney Rez` and 11 mile Rez in South Park. Big fish move up when the water exceeds 100 cfs in the Spring and Fall for your best chance at huge fish...that and lots of people! One last tip...expect Wind!!
Antero Reservoir- If already in South park, check out this Gold Medal Stillwater location. Yes there are waaaay to many crowds for me, but if you're lucky enough you could score the fish of a lifetime here.
Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park- Definitely a must stop when in Colorado and to drive over Trail ridge road is a must! Lots of small water to choose from and my personal favorite, get out of the car and walk a few miles to see truly what some of Colorado's high mountain lakes have to offer. Start out 1st at Sprague and Lily, than work your way up higher!
Tips For Fishing In The Rockies
*Determine when is the best time for you 1st and foremost
*Choose a time that is preferably before or after our run off season (Mid May-late June)
*July and August can be superb dry fly fishing season, the best and often easiest way to fish many of our popular Colorado tailwaters
*Do your homework whether you're hiring a guide or DIY (doing it yourself) on how crowded your river of choice will be, current hatches, water flows, camping/lodging in the area and distance
Guides In The Area To Check Out:
Colorado Trout Hunters
The FlyFisher
Links for fishing Colorado:
1)FFA Website River Reports
2)Good site for hatches and rivers
3) Colorado Stream reports
4) River Gauges
MORE AT FLYFISH ADDICTION
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