Colorado is well-known for its fishing, with activities ranging from Ice Fishing on Lake Granby to Fly Fishing on the Arkansas River. Anglers of all skill levels will find a spot that suits their needs, and with so many diverse waterways in the state, there is always a new place to explore. The following five locations are some of the most popular destinations in Colorado for fly fishers, each offering its own unique set of challenges and rewards.
The Frying Pan River, Basalt
The Frying Pan River in Basalt, Colorado is a great place to fish for many types of wild trout—Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats, and Brookies. Make your way in along with the serious fly fishing anglers determined to make a great catch. The river is about 4 miles long and flows from the Roaring Fork River to the Colorado River. It is a popular spot for fly fishing, and the best time to fish is from May through September.
The Frying Pan River is a narrow, meandering river that flows through a beautiful mountain valley. The river is well-known for its large rainbow trout, and the best way to catch them is with a dry fly. The scenery along the river is spectacular, and it’s a great place to view Colorado’s White River National Forest and natural red sandstone formations.
North Platte River, Walden
The North Platte River in Walden, Colorado, is a hot spot for fishing. The river is stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout, making it a favorite destination for anglers. The best time to fish the North Platte River is during the summer and fall when the water is at its warmest and the trout are most active.
The North Platte River is a popular spot for fly fishing. Anglers can find good spots to fish along the riverbank or by wading into the water. The best time to go fishing in the North Platte River is in the morning or evening. The water is usually calmer at those times of the day. You can use a variety of bait to catch fish in the river, including worms and salmon eggs.
Gunnison River, Gunnison
At about 162 miles long, this river runs through both Colorado and Utah. It rises in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado and flows generally southward through the Gunnison Gorge to join the Colorado east of Grand Junction.
The Gunnison River is a popular destination for all types of fishing. The river has a good population of brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout, as well as a few smallmouth bass and west slope cutthroat trout.
There are several ways to fish the Gunnison River. You can use a fly rod, a spinning rod, or a baitcasting rod. The most popular way to fish the Gunnison River is with a fly rod. The best flies to use are elk hair caddis, woolly bugger, and Adams parachute.
Arkansas River, Leadville
The Arkansas River in Leadville, Colorado, is a fisherman’s paradise. The river is well known for its large brown and rainbow trout. Fly fishermen flock to the river to try their luck at landing one of these beautiful fish.
The Arkansas River is a freestone river, which means that the water is not regulated by a dam. This makes the fishing conditions ever-changing, which adds to the excitement of fishing it. The river is also well known for its crystal-clear water.
The best time to go fishing in the Arkansas River is during the summer when the water is at its warmest. The river is also busiest during the summer, so be prepared for crowds. If you’re looking for a more peaceful fishing experience, try going during the early morning or late evening.
Animas River, Durango
The Animas River in Durango, Colorado, is a popular spot for fishing. The river is well known for its large brown and rainbow trout. The best time of year to fish the Animas River is during the spring and early summer when the water is high and the fish are most active. You can use a variety of techniques to catch fish in the river, including fly fishing, bait fishing, and trolling.
There are several good spots along the Animas River to fish for trout. Some of the best areas are near the dams and in the slower-moving sections of the river. There are also several good fishing holes in the town of Durango.
Colorado is a fly fisherman’s dream come true. With its many rivers and lakes, there are plenty of great spots to try your hand at this popular hobby. In this article, we highlighted the top 5 fly fishing spots in Colorado. If you’re looking for more summer adventures in the Centennial State, be sure to check out our blog about the 5 Best State Parks in Colorado to Visit this Summer.
