The Blue River is less than a half-hour drive from the city limits of Denver, so flying into DIA is ideal for trips to visit the Blue. The brook trout population is excellent year over year, and those in search of a prize rainbow can usually land their river monster in the tailwaters of the Blue below the Dillon Dam. This remote water is not for the faint of heart or for anyone who isn’t in peak physical condition. Lake Granby- Find the hills and jig tubes and heavy spoons, troll spoons and spinners around 30 feet for lakers, and Rapalas around 10-20 feet for browns and rainbows. State records Kept 11.5 inches, 2 lb 4 oz Released 12.5 inches. The fish of a lifetime may be holding below the dam. The tailwaters below Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs are particularly good for anglers looking for a trophy. This section is also home to some big rainbow trout so bring your best game when you fish here. Big game guided hunting for mule deer, elk, … For pike fishing in places like Spinney Mountain Reservoir, a heavy rod in the 8 to 10 weight range is best. Thus, long leaders that end in 6x tippet are often required. Get the DIY Fly Fishing Web App to get turn-by-turn directions to the access points shown on the map above. Anglers can also walk the banks and look for cruisers feeding in the shallows. If you need a fly fishing escape on a family trip to the ski town of Vail, Gore Creek is it. Dillon Reservoir harbors mysis shrimp, which grows trout in the tailwater to massive proportions. If you want more intimate water, check out the meadow water of the North Fork of the Colorado in Rocky Mountain National Park. Brown trout as well as large rainbows call this river home. The lake has a boat ramp available. Current Conditions at Blue River Below Dillon: The Blue in Silverthorne is fishing and has nice flows right now. Kory was fishing a size 18-20 non-beaded pheasant tail as an attractor fly and a #22 gray RS2 Dun as his second fly. Not even half a mile from Delaney Butte and its eponymous lakes, Lake John, is one of the best stillwater fly fishing destinations in all of northern Colorado. This incredible stillwater is chock full of large rainbow and cutthroat/rainbow trout hybrids along with some brown trout. Furthermore, before you go fly fishing in any of the waters in Colorado, you must first get a fishing license, so you will not get fined or penalized. The moose are most likely to be found in areas with lots of willows. Below the town of Gunnison, the river is impounded in a series of reservoirs before being turned loose into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. SENIORS: Colorado residents age 65 and older can obtain an annual senior fishing license for $9.85 NEW or an annual senior combo small game/fishing license for $29.75 , both of which include the 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and the $1.50 Wildlife Education The most famed Colorado fly fishing stretch of the Blue is the tail water below Lake Dillon. The green drake hatch is the main draw on this stream, but there are plenty of other hatches to bring up the rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout that inhabit this river. This gold medal stream is more of a mountain creek than a large trout stream. When nothing else is happening, fish in the upper sections of the tailwater will eat midges any day of the year. Right after ice out is normally excellent. The entire river is worth exploring from top to bottom by the wading angler. Finding a place to stay even in peak season should not be an issue, and there are often ski season rentals that are discounted during the summer months that can save you serious money on your stay. Lakes are the only places in Colorado that allow you to try for some of Colorado’s lesser sought after species such as Arctic Char, Kokanee Salmon, and some Esox species. However, we are seeing large crowds so use you best judgement when it comes to overcrowding. It’s a tough river at times, but a good challenge will always make you a better fly-fisherman. Colorado Fly Fishing Guides Location: Leadville, CO Waters: South Platte River, Arkansas River, Turquoise Lake Fish: Trout Website. Blue Sky Fly Fishing will show you the … The Gunnison and its tributaries offer great Colorado fly fishing from small hidden creeks to float fishing near town. The pride of fly-fishing in Colorado is undoubtedly Rocky Mountain National Park. Not much weight was needed due to low flows. Floating weight forward lines are fine for most of your fishing, but on the stillwaters you might have the option of an intermediate as well as two or three sinking lines with various sink rates. Blue Lake Reservoir is a reservoir located just 12 miles from Las Animas, in Bent County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Arlington, CO. Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Colorado. From its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park downstream, the Colorado has everything from small meadow stretches that requires wading to big water where a boat is a necessity. It is right next to some of the best shopping in the area making for the perfect compromise. In this page, Colorado fly fishing expert Pat Dorsey shares his insight on seasonal conditions, what to expect, and how to access the various waters throughout Gunnison Country. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Blue River fishing reports. Here’s a list of fly-fishing locations in western Colorado that are sure to fill your creel. During its descent to the Colorado, the river picks up numerous tributaries such as the equally famous Frying Pan River. River Traditions LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com”, https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx, https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Brochure/fishing.pdf, https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/StockingReport.aspx, Mysis Shrimp imitations, white or translucent, size 16-20, Pale Morning Duns, pinkish tan instead of the normal yellow, size 14-18, Midge Patterns early in the season, #16-#22, Crawdad patterns, orange and olive, size 2-4. These meandering stretches also harbor some large brown trout under the undercut banks. In the fall, try streamers in the section below Green Mountain Reservoir for large brown trout making a spawning run up from the Colorado River. If you are fishing the Blue for rainbows, you'll want to hit the  river just below the dam. Midges, callibaetis, and damselflies keep the fish fed and growing at unbelievably fast rates. Look for the P for parking signs along Highway 9 for best access to this stretch of river. Mark Nesbit and the guides of Blue Sky Fly Fishing Co. are all enthusiastic and energetic professionals. Blue River - Silverthorne, Colorado - Fly Fishing - YouTube Midges are a staple for anglers on this river. The best season to visit the Blue is between Mid-June and the end of November for sure, but you can fish the Blue River year round and still land decently sized fish. Otherwise, nymphing with caddis pupa or stonefly nymphs is usually best. It features good fishing for quality trout, however. Wading anglers should focus on the stretch between Basalt and Aspen. Anglers visiting the southwest portion of the state should make time to fish the Animas when they are in Durango. If you want to find those big trout, try streamers that imitate sculpins. Copyright 2020 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Summer hopper fishing can be great for anglers fishing this section. Fly fishing the Blue River, Silverthorne Colorado - Gold Medal Fly Fishing - Duration: 11:18. Dan’s Fly Shop & Lake Fork Angling Trout Fishing Capital of the World, Lake City, Colorado. Backpacking and fly fishing—they go together like peanut butter and chocolate. The Blue is also one of three tailwaters in Colorado to have Mysis shrimp which are a favorite of the local rainbows and contribute to legendary size they attain. The trick is balancing something that can cast through the wind with a rod that can gently lay down a size 24 midge emerger. On Navajo Lake we offer fishing charters, and fishing/lodging packages. Pay attention to seasonal area closures and check the regulations for closures on the small stream that feeds the lake. A float trip is the best way to enjoy the lower river. Bring a Colorado fishing license and pole — the secluded lake’s accessible shoreline makes for great casting conditions. Rainbow trout have been increasing in number the last several years as well in this amazing river. Famous for the big Mothers’ Day caddis hatch, the Arkansas features amazing fishing throughout the season. Because of the large population of brown trout, this river is also particularly good for streamer fishing with sculpin or other streamer patterns. Fly Fishing Pristine Colorado Mountain Lake Floyd Outdoors. All you need to do to get there is hop on I-70 West from Denver and get off at Highway 9 on the other side of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Mysis, Beatis, and midges will be your go-to flies. Trout over 24-inches are frequently seen, but rarely landed. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is in charge of making and enforcing fishing regulations in Colorado. The Gold Medal section of the Blue River is located downstream from the dam at the Dillon Reservoir and runs all the way to the town of Kremmling (about 38 miles away). One of Colorado’s gold medal stillwater fisheries, North Delaney is known for producing huge rainbow, brown, and cutthroat/rainbow hybrid trout. Despite the views and the ease of access though, the northern section of Blue never seems to draw that much of a crowd even in peak season. Lake Pueblo Colorado fishing report covers seasonal patterns and fish migrations for walleye, bass, wiper, catfish, carp, and crappie. Bluegill in Colorado can grow large and are plentiful in numerous ponds and lakes throughout the state. Also bring some blue-winged olives size 18-22 and plenty of caddis patterns. For the lake, midges are best along with damselflies and callibaetis patterns. While rainbow, cutthroat, cuttbow, and brown trout along with some kokanee salmon are the main targets, don’t overlook the incredible carp fishing opportunities in the Denver area. Photo: Ryan Fonkert. With over 40 years of combined guide experience on the San Juan, our guides know where the fish are, and how to put you on them. On windy days, a 6 weight might be a better choice. The best time to fish the lake is early and late in the season. West of the Blue are the peaks of the Gore Range, some of which climb to altitudes of 13,000 feet. The Blue certainly is a beautiful as they come, and gives visiting anglers a real sense of “Colorado”. The rewards are worth the effort to get there, however. Deckers is probably some of the most pressured water on the river because of its proximity to Denver. Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains for 55 years, Dan’s Fly Shop has provided fishing information, equipment, instructional guide services, expertise, and a “home away from home” for fly fishermen from around the country. Some favorite fly patterns for the Blue River include: - TH Zebra Midge (black #20-24)- WD-40 (black or brown #20-24)- Prince Nymph (olive/black #16-20)- RS2 (olive or gray #20-24)- Disco Midge Larva (red #18-22)- Bead Head Wooly Bugger (black #10)- Mysis Shrimp (white #18-20)- Two Bit Hooker (red/black #14-18)- San Juan Worm (pink/tan/red #12). Among the tributaries of the mighty Colorado River, there are few stretches Gold Medal trout water that are as easy to access as the Blue River. Surrounded by 12,000-foot mountain ranges, the North Park Valley is one of the best places in the country for diverse stillwater fishing and seeing many of the wide variety of climates and environments Colorado has to offer. Anglers who are on the hunt for brook trout and the occasional brown should seek the northern waters of the Blue River closer to the Gore Range. Generally speaking, the best time of day is from around mid-morning (9 a.m.) until the early evening (6 p.m.). There are some surprises under those undercut banks, but most fish will be smaller brown, brook, or even cutthroat trout here. Keep climbing to Blue Lake Pass at 11,010 feet and to surrounding 12,000-foot ridges where you’ll be rewarded with liberal views of Rocky Mountain National Park to the south. Cheesman Canyon is the place to go if remote hike-in fishing is your thing. Colorado Trout Hunters Location: Morrison, CO There’s a dizzying array of fly patterns and variations, some with names that feel helpful, others with names that only add to … Don’t overlook some of the tributary streams as well. Trout and large carp are said to swim in the lake’s waters, which are ideal for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Reporter: JP Modderno Report Date: November 21, 2020 Current Conditions: The high country is done for the year with most roads closed and about a 20" snow base. Whether you’re fly fishing, baitcasting or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. While it is not the largest of the Colorado tributaries, that is honestly part of the charm of fishing there: everything is just the right size and it’s within easy driving distance of Denver. If you are there for trout though, you are in luck. During the summer, tricos hatch in epic numbers providing good dry fly opportunities in the mornings for patient anglers. Here, you'll find a picturesque and unspoiled section of the South Platte River's Middle Fork. The Yampa provides amazing fishing both above the dam in Steamboat Lake as well as in the tailwater that flows all the way through Steamboat Springs and beyond. This stream is only about an hour and a half drive from the city of Denver. Enjoy Lake Boat Fishing on Lake San Cristobal (Lake City), Blue Mesa (Gunnison) and surrounding lakes and streams with Alpine Outfitters. With it’s breathtaking backdrop, plethora of wildlife including elk, moose, coyotes, and black bears, and it’s pristine, remote waterways, fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is a true adventure of it’s own. Flowing through North Park and near the town of Walden, the North Platte features some amazing high country fishing. That said, there are places where a lighter rod is a better choice. Early or late in the season is best. Colorado Master Angler Award qualifying length for bluegill is 10 inches. With the seemingly endless mountains of the Rocky’s that provide waterflow to the productive waters on either side of the continental divide, the fishing is both beautiful, and plentiful. This upper section of the Gunnison features great caddis and green drake hatches. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout and Kokanee Salmon fishing in Blue River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. You can find the chapter nearest you as well as other information about joining at: https://coloradotu.org/chapter-locations. Fly There are far more fly shops in Colorado then we can possibly share here, but some of the very best are the following. Fly Fishing On The Blue River In Colorado The Blue River is a tailwater of Dillon Reservoir. If crowds aren’t your thing, then look for trout rising to the hatch further downstream. Then in 2016, Fly Fishing Colorado was created with the purpose of educating beginner and experienced anglers alike and sharing our experience in the sport of fly fishing. Jig with white tube jigs tipped with sucker meat, or a jig head with a soft plastic curly tail. Our private 2,800-acre ranch takes just over two hours to reach from Denver. Blue-winged olive hatches keep the fish feeding early in the season and again in the fall. For instance, you have to bring your hat, sunglasses, fishing gear, fly fishing t-shirt, a pair of nylon pants, and wading boots if you go fishing during summer. One popular strategy is to suspend a midge pupa under a strike indicator and wait until a cruising fish takes the fly. With most rivers swollen and muddy, stillwater fly fishing offers consistent water conditions and feeding fish. This major tributary of the Colorado River begins as a small stream in the high country above Aspen. The brown trout here migrate up river in the late summer and fall on their spawning journey. Many of these larger rivers feature rather technical fishing at times. Pale morning duns, green drakes, and blue-winged olives are just a few of the great mayfly hatches you can find on this river. Looking for more places to fish? A boat or small personal watercraft is the best way to fish this lake. Add a name or favorite quote. Fly Fishing Sprague Lake RMNP Colorado Wilderness Rides And Guides . Alpine Outfitters offers Guided Fishing and Hunting trips in Lake City and Gunnison Colorado. A large arbor reel allows you to quickly reel in the excess line as the fish begins to tire out. In the winter, the tailwater in Pueblo Colorado offers great fishing for big rainbow and brown trout when other area waters are unfishable. Be sure to get a Colorado fishing license before you head out, and consider hooking up with a fishing … During the summer, trout often go deep so a boat and sinking lines are a must. The reservoirs throughout this system are fantastic as well. Rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and brown trout all call this river home. In spite of a lot of pressure at times, the fish population remains good and thanks to the Mysis shrimp, the size of the fish run huge. The big hatches on the Blue River are midges, Caddis, Stoneflies, and Mayflies. Deciding what flies to include in our boxes can feel overwhelming! Green drakes and pale morning duns in particular are fun to hit just right. That said, there are places where a lighter rod is a better choice. Colorado Stream Update: Crowded! In particular, patterns that imitate trout are ideal. Wade fishing is limited down here, but this river is worth the money for a full day float trip. If you are more interested in numbers, then try Elevenmile Canyon. Some of the best fishing is right in the city of Durango. This stream has brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout that can often be caught on dry flies. It’s mostly public land too, so no need to worry about trespassing when fishing near the designated parking areas. The majority of the Blue River is also a popular choice because it is classic mountain stream fishing that’s easily accessed from the big city. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Blue River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Cochetopa Creek in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Florida River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Crystal River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing South Boulder Creek in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Elk River in Colorado. The Rio Grande in southern Colorado is special with its own unique strain of cutthroat in the higher reaches. Below Ruedi dam to the confluence with the Roaring Fork in Basalt, there are miles of excellent water. Anglers can find rainbow and brown trout in the waters of the Animas and some of them get large. Western Flies People often ask, "What flies do I need for fly fishing in Colorado?". The Gunnison is formed by the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers at the small town of Almont. The Green Drake hatches along the Blue River are the stuff of local fishing legend. The powerful trout that call these waters home will often peel off a lot of line. The crowds will be below the dam trying for one of the giant trout in the Toilet Bowl or just downstream. Mysis shrimp in the lake get flushed into the river below and the trout gorge on the bounty. The fish are plentiful throughout. Fortunately, Santa Maria Fly Fishing is here to help you enjoy some of the best fly fishing Colorado has to offer. The mighty Colorado River is one of the best fisheries that Colorado has to offer. In particular the Taylor River features great fishing for some truly giant trout in the short catch and release section below Taylor Park Reservoir. A few to check out are listed below. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Kory Sight fished to a nice rainbow that ate the #22 gray RS2 . Join us as we discuss the Colorado Fishing License options, fishing … The high country is worth spending lots of time exploring, but the gold medal fishing is further down this drainage. As far as accommodations are concerned, there are numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, condos, cabins, and campgrounds all over the greater Denver area and out in Silverthorne and Kremmling. Fly Fishing the Blue River in Silverthorne, Colorado Get Directions to 30,000+ Places to Fish DIY Fly Fishing App The majority of the Blue River is also a popular choice because it is classic mountain stream fishing that’s easily accessed from the big city. One section, the Dream Stream, receives an influx of huge trout in the spring and fall. There are some huge pike on these lakes so fish big flies. Sink tip lines are useful for the wading angler and almost mandatory for boat fisherman. The best fishing is in the gold medal reach at Northgate Canyon where the river descends into Wyoming. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. This section, flowing through Silverthorne and directly behind our shop, is designated Gold Medal by the state. Watch for moose as this is an area where their populations are doing very well! Alpine Outfitters Colorado 970-688-1879 Guide Tom Caprio shares his top 20 must have flies for fishing Colorado’s rivers and streams. Grand Lake/Shadow Mountain- Look for lakers in Grand Lake between 30-60 feet. On windy days, a 6 weight might be a better choice. Great caddis hatches along with plenty of stoneflies keep the fish fed through the summer. Anglers looking to wade should check out Gore Canyon or the upper river near Parshall. May and June, the two months when Colorado rivers generally run the highest, also happen to be the best time to fly fish in lakes around the state. Below this lake, the tailwater provides some of the best trout fishing in the country. Brown trout dominate in the lower river where the best float fishing exists. The Frying Pan is a small mountain trout stream until it enters Ruedi Reservoir. See the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Blue River Basin Fishing Regulation Map below. My introduction to fly fishing in Colorado happened when I was in college. Family fun boat and ice fishing trips. The South Platte River has meandering meadow sections and rough canyon water. And energetic professionals boat fisherman through the wind with a strong and smooth drag for any fly... Get large pale morning duns in particular are fun to hit the river picks up numerous tributaries as. 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