Located in the same general area as the Frying Pan, this area is a trout fisherman’s paradise. There a few different options for buying a fishing license in Colorado. Trout Unlimited has a San Luis Valley Chapter, which offers social gatherings, volunteer opportunities and chapter meetings for members. First, you can purchase one online from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department. For more information on Colorado’s trout fisheries, the best resource is Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website at https://cpw.state.co.us/. Animas River, Durango. 2. The Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. The long tailwater grows some large fish, and the Animas has a reputation for large trout. South Platte Dream Stream Photo Credit David Knapp. When learning how to catch lake trout… Trout fishing in Colorado is fun to do, but you can only get a great catch if you time your trip right! This state has more rivers, streams, and high country lakes than almost any other, and they are all filled to the brim with trout. Best Lake Trout Lures. The north lake is of particular note, which is known as one of the best trophy lakes in Colorado. While the browns are somewhat tricky to catch, you’ll find lots of rainbows that are frequently biting, along with cutthroat and brook trout. Colorado is a little pricey compared to other states, even for non-residents to the state, but it is well worth it! It’s probably the most famous trout … South Platte River. The Gunnison River has some of the best brown and rainbow trout fishing opportunities in Colorado. For more info on fly fishing Colorado lakes and choosing the best stillwater fly patterns, visit the Vail Valley Anglers fly shop in Edwards, Colorado… Trout Fishing in Washington (WA) – Top Spots with Map, Trout Fishing in Texas (TX) – Top Spots with Map, Different Types of Fishing Reels Explained, Trout Fishing in Oklahoma (OK) – Top Spots with Map, Trout Fishing in Iowa (IA) – Top Spots with Map, 5 Different Types of Fishing Rods and Their Uses, By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc. 16 Best Lakes in Colorado. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Arizona. However, you’ll also have to worry about Colorado’s wildlife authorities. It starts in South Park. 3. The Gunnison River is one of my favorite rivers to fish, in part because it is year round fishing and the fish are plentiful. Here are the best places to trout fish in the Colorado Rockies this fall. Famous for its catch and release waters, this is the place for big rainbow trout. One of the top lake trout fishing tips is knowing the best lake trout jigging lures to use. Animas River. 3. There is a nice variety for widely skilled anglers. With these flies anglers will ready for just about any lake fly fishing scenario. Boulder Reservoir. Top Places to Fish in Colorado. You might not be able to reach the best spot for trout without a kayak, but your efforts won’t be wasted. Brown trout. So, you won’t have to try very hard to bring in a massive trout. Best Fly Fishing Lakes in Colorado. You’ll have to drive quite a bit in the mountains to reach it, but this mountain stream provides one of the most tranquil fishing environments in the country, and the trout are left alone long enough to reach record-breaking sizes. The lower section of the Roaring Fork is a raging river, which means only the strongest trout can survive in its waters. According to AllAbou Fishing.com, Twin Lakes, Williams Fork Reservoir, Stagecoach Reservoir, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, Lake Granby, Carter Lake, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Adobe Creek … Colorado’s largest body of water is located near Gunnison in the Curecanti National Recreation Area and is so named because of its luminous blue water. They frequently collect eggs from mature trout in the lake, and they won’t allow you interrupt their duties. This is during the spring to the summer season, so be sure to watch out for that with excellent fishing … So, it’s a great place to bring beginners, and they can let loose with their fly rods without constantly smacking them into trees. At almost 80 miles in length, there is plenty of water to fish and places to go to get away from the crowds. Water levels on the Arkansas River are too low to head out on a raft at this time of year, but luckily enough there’s some great trout fishing … If you don’t know about the Rio Grande, you probably failed every class that dealt with America’s most famous landscapes. Try to stick to the more rapid areas of the river, and you’ll bring in tons of large trout. That’s not all, though. At the crossroads of the Black Canyon National Park and Curecanti National Area, you’ll find rivers, lakes, and Colorado’s biggest lake … Hundreds of miles of picturesque waterways and thousands of new fish released each year from the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery make … It’s where Kesler guides out of … However, a lot of the pros have caught their personal bests at this river, and your chances of doing the same are fairly high. Directions: North Delaney Butte Lake… So, you have a really good chance of being able to fish alone. Canoe vs Kayak: How to Choose Between Kayak & Canoe. Twin Lakes. Lakes we feature on this website are hyperlinked. Colorado has some of the best trout fishing locations in the world. See also: Trout Fishing in North Carolina (NC). One of the last free-flowing rivers in the state of Colorado, the Animas River is a unique and rare treasure. Grand Lake. 5. I’ll be covering ten of them in this article, but once you try out the ten best spots, you might want to branch out to explore some of the less popular spots. North Delaney Butte Lake. However, it’s a little more difficult to access it than other rivers. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Tennessee. From gorgeous scenic views and bright blue skies, every angler owes it to themselves to come experience Colorado fishing at least once in their lives. Credit: michaelwm25 via … There are so many different ranges of opportunities that it would be impossible to list them all, but there is something for every angler no matter the time of year or preferences. Roaring Fork River, Aspen. Home Fly Fishing Tips “Simplifly” Your Boxes: Top 20 Colorado Trout Patterns By Jay December 5, 2018 Fly Fishing Tips Guide Tom Caprio shares his top 20 must have flies for fishing Colorado… The best fishing on the Green River is in the early spring when the crowds … Gunnison River is a great spot if you want to catch rainbow trout and brown trout. The summer is also a great time to target trout, but you’ll have to fish earlier in the day. Each part of the state has its fair … They are big trout that are doing well in the river. It’s also one of the state’s gold medal rivers. They tend to stop biting around noon. The largest reservoir in Colorado, Blue Mesa, is close by offering more opportunities and holds the record for the largest lake trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. Here are the different trout species that you can expect to catch in Colorado: If you aren’t younger than 16, you’ll have to fork out the money for a fishing license. 14 Best Places to Fly Fish in Colorado: MAPS INCLUDED. Grand Lake. One-day licenses cost $13.75 for residents and $16.75 for non-residents. The lake is filled with so many impressive trout that it is used to stock almost every other trout fishery in the state. 1. If you’re looking for a more intimate fishing location with large fish, you’ll want to go to Gore Creek. The trout are plentiful, and the fishing spots feel like remote wilderness locations. Rainbow trout. Lake Trout. Whether you are looking for whitewater rafting, kayaking, scenic views, or the fishing trip of a lifetime, the Frying Pan River is a great option. It’s been a featured fishery in lots of fishing tournaments, and Colorado’s state officials are very serious about protecting it. The South Platte begins in Denver and flows out toward the northeastern part of the state. Crater Lake. Mang Iings on December 22, 2020 December 22, 2020. The Gold Medal Trout Water section of the river runs through the Black Canyon in Gunnison … 1. If driving up a dangerous mountain isn’t your idea of a good time, you can purchase a permit to hike through Black Canyon. Fishing … Free Fishing Day is an annual event that allows Colorado residents to fish without a license. Found between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, the Basalt area is a big vacation destination with many recreational ... 2. This river can be prone to seasonal and weather fluctuations because of its long and varying elevations and terrain, so it is important to make sure where you want to fish is open and accessible. 4. This means no matter what time of year, you have the potential to catch some truly giant trout. The Colorado state record is over 50 pounds and every year … Annual fishing … 5. An hour outside of Colorado Springs near Woodland Park, the Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area offers lake, pond, river, and winter ice fishing. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Oklahoma. With more than 250,000 acres of wilderness, 124 named peaks and 147 lakes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park offers endless outdoor activities including hiking, camping, climbing, elk hunting and, of course, trout fishing… Colorado is the place to go for big trout, but first, you will need a fishing license. However, it’s only a good trout fishing spot during June and July, and you’ll have to travel to the southern point of Colorado to access it. Gunnison County. Upper Arkansas River, Leadville. This is probably the easiest and most convenient. It’s stocked well, and it’s very easy to access. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Animas is home to rainbows and browns. Colorado river fishing estes park fishing estes park best colorado winter fly fishing ners fly fishing in estes park fly fishing dream lake rocky mountain. Finally, if you’re in the market for quality fly fishing gear, you might be interested in these articles I put together recently: The Best Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo (That’s Affordable! … Horsetooth Reservoir. The entire state is a fly fisherman’s dream. Trout Fishing in Colorado (CO) – Top Spots with Map. this link to the state’s official set of regulations. Frying Pan River, Basalt. 4. You’ll be rewarded with some of the state’s biggest trout, and the area is rarely fished by other fishermen. This lake is a key part of Colorado’s trout fishing scene. The river is filled with large trout, but it’s also one of the most famous rivers in Colorado. Gore Creek … Best lakes and rivers for fishing in Colorado 1. As with many states, there are some special regulations for certain waters, and it is always smart to consult the state’s rules and regulations before fishing anywhere. Best Trout Fishing In Estes Park. The water is shallow enough for you to comfortably wade in it, and it’s clear. This, in turn, produces some giant trophy fish, while the upper part is a winding mountain stream that is famous for its impressive views. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Kentucky. Some anglers argue that it has the best trout fishing in the whole country, especially the tailwater directly below Flaming Gorge Dam. Once you get there though, you will not want to leave because of how many fish you are catching. There aren’t any trees or other natural obstacles that can mess up your casting attempts, either. Second, you can buy one over the phone from the department as well. The river’s best trout population lives near the northern gate, and you have to use a kayak if you plan on fishing there. One of the most popular places to fish in Colorado is Gore Creek, unfortunately, this does mean it can receive a lot of traffic during busy periods. Luckily, they’re not expensive, and you don’t need any other licenses like you do in other states. Only lakes in the Fish Explorer database are included in this listing. This is a windy river that begins in the San Juan Mountains... 2. It’s stocked well, and it’s very easy to access. South Platte River originates from the same town that everyone’s favorite adult cartoon is named after. You can fish alpine lakes as well as large reservoirs. You’ll have to travel up narrow mountain roads that are often difficult to navigate safely, and you’ll have to travel across rough terrain on foot. The event is usually held on the second and third of June, but it’s different some years. So, make sure to check with your local authorities before assuming you’re allowed to fish for free on the second and third. Rio Grande River. … The state’s rivers are the right temperature for the trout to be active all day long, and they spawn during that time period. So, when you ask the question, “where’s the best places to fish for trout?” You’re likely to get a wide range of answers. The Dream Stream is a trout fishing spot that is maintained by Colorado’s wildlife authorities. As a result, fly anglers often have success when fishing them. You’re likely to catch a variety of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout in The Dream Stream, but you’ll likely have to deal with a lot of other fishermen, too. To get to the next on our list of best fishing towns in Colorado, you’ll have to cross 100 miles of peaks to find what may be the state’s fishing highlight. You’ll have a long walk to deal with, but it’s a lot safer, and you’ll enjoy seeing some of Colorado’s wildlife along the way. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Washington. Nonresidents can also purchase a -day license for $31.75. The rapids are very powerful, and if you slip in, you can easily end up getting smashed into a bunch of boulders. A past state-record brown trout weighing over 20 pounds was pulled from the Animas in the 1950s. Lake Granby. I can’t list every regulation in this article, but I can provide you with this link to the state’s official set of regulations. However, you have to be experienced to fish there. Frying Pan River. Third, you can purchase one in person at their department offices or at any license vendor across the state. 2. Search a full list of license agents in Colorado here: https://www.cpwshop.com/issuerlist.page. See also: Best Trout Fishing Locations in California. The Roaring Fork is a famous river and in just one trip here you will see why. Reservoirs and ponds in the area are … For a more detailed list of all of the fishing licenses available, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website at https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/FishingSeasonDatesFees.aspx. Here are just a few to get you started! 1. Colorado is home to over 6,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers, as well as over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. Gore Creek. Is Polyester Warm Enough for Cold Weather Camping & Hiking? There aren’t any trees or other natural … It’s one of the most well-managed rivers in the country. The scenery is to die for, and it’s shallow enough for you to safely wade in it. Most of the fish in the river are in the 10- to 15-inch range, but the potential for a monster is real. Placid waters of the Rio Grande. 4. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. It is home to some large rainbow and brown trout, and next to some of Colorado’s other trout rivers, is one of the best in the country. The entire river is made out of extremely harsh rapids, and weaker trout can’t survive in it. It’s shallow enough for wading to be a viable strategy, and it’s accented by some of the most beautiful scenery that Colorado has to offer. ), Fly Fishing Chest Packs: Reviews of 3 of the Best. The river has many long runs and deep pools, and aquatic insects are to be found just about everywhere. Just like most fish species, trout are more likely to come out as the weather and water warmth. Broken into many different sections that specialize in something different, the Gold Medal section consistently produces 10 plus pound rainbows and also hosts giant brown, brook, and cutthroat trout. While it can be a little difficult to fish in some sections without a boat, this is the number one spot in Colorado for catching that fish of a lifetime! If you love to fish from a kayak, you’ll fall in love with North Platte River. Libraries and other public centers usually have information about Free Fishing Day a month before it takes place. Other activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting and top attractions in Durango, including riding the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Upper Arkansas River is located near the small town of Leadville, which is the country’s highest elevation city at over 10,000 feet above sea level. What Are the Types of Backpacks for Hiking, Backpacking & Travel? The state has tons of perfect mountain streams, lakes and rivers that are a pristine habitat for rainbows, browns and cutthroats. Fishing Skillz is reader-supported. For anglers, Colorado mackinaws are the angler's version of big game and provide an opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime. The Gunnison River offers several public access points for wading, though fishing from drift boats when the waters are high is preferable. Animus River is situated at the base of one of the state’s beautiful mountain ranges. 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