While skiing and hiking can be a gamble during mud season, it’s the perfect time to cast a line in Colorado. Freestone streams aren’t yet flooded with snowmelt and big hatches are beginning to emerge. The trout are hungry, and so are fly fishing enthusiasts.
But you don’t need to be an expert to hook onto this sport. Guided trips with local outfitters are a great way to get your feet wet, as these include all necessary gear and expert instruction. Whether you’re just learning or are a lifelong angler, here are some of the state’s best places to go fly fishing right now and throughout the year.
Blue River
Spanning from Kremmling to Breckenridge, this tributary of the Colorado River is a prime angling destination. This is especially true through the tailwater section in Silverthorne, where Gold Medal waters stretch two glorious miles. It’s easy to access and open to fishing year-round, though best in peak summer when the drake hatch draws large brown and rainbow trout to the surface. Wade out on your own or book a guided experience with Cutthroat Anglers.
Piney Lake
Wind into the wilderness north of Vail to discover Piney River Ranch, a remote 40-acre retreat with glamping accommodations, gorgeous hikes and lightly fished alpine waters. Backdropped by the stunning Gore Range, Piney Lake and its surrounding streams harbor every trout species found in Colorado. The season here is short, with the best conditions from late June through early fall. Make the most of your backcountry getaway with the ranch’s guided fishing program.
South Platte River
With its series of top-tier tailwaters, the South Platte River offers a wide range of fly fishing opportunities year-round. Not far from Denver, the technical stretches through Cheesman Canyon and Deckers challenge anglers, but reward them with large rainbows hiding in deep, slow pools. Farther south between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile reservoirs, the Gold Medal-rated Dream Stream holds a wealth of trophy trout. To explore these and other ideal segments of the river, book a guided trip with Angler’s Covey based in Colorado Springs.
Big Thompson River
With meandering streams feeding into the Big Thompson River, the Moraine Park meadows offer premier fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hook on browns, rainbows and brookies, and perhaps even the rare greenback cutthroat in these channels. Those who prefer pocket water should head to the freestone segment spanning from below Lake Estes to the dam near Drake. The water is swift and the fish are wild; stocking here hasn’t occurred in decades. To locate the best pools, plan an excursion with Sasquatch Fly Fishing.
Cache la Poudre River
The state’s only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River flows freely west of Fort Collins, welcoming anglers to two incredible sections of Wild Trout Waters. There are a number of access points, from the headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park to canyon-framed sites along Highway 14 like Riverside Colorado. Driven by snowmelt and seasonal storms, the Cache la Poudre is dynamic and diverse, with opportunities for all types of fly fishing. To read the water with confidence, join a guided excursion with Liarflies.
Boulder Creek
With several ideal spots to fly fish in Boulder, you don’t have to travel far to find eager trout. Cast for rainbows and browns beneath Gross Reservoir, accessible by hiking the Walker Ranch Loop; or drift the section of Boulder Creek flowing through town — just be mindful not to hook one of the many college kids tubing downstream. For fewer crowds and bigger fish, continue up the canyon solo or with a guide from Front Range Anglers.
Arkansas River
The mighty Arkansas River is a fly fisher’s paradise, boasting more than 100 contiguous miles of Gold Medal water. It’s the longest stretch in Colorado, flowing from the headwaters near Leadville, through Buena Vista and east towards Cañon City. Pocket water is plentiful, and the caddis hatches in late spring attract both big browns and hopeful anglers. Wade out into the swift water or for a more unique experience, book a float trip with UpRiver Fly Fishing.
