Top Fly Fishing Destinations in Colorado

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Colorado is an ideal destination for fly fishing, boasting a variety of rivers, streams, and lakes. The state’s diverse landscapes offer both scenic and productive fly fishing opportunities. Among Colorado’s many fishing destinations, a few stand out for their natural beauty, accessibility, and quality of the fishing experience.

Stretching across the state, the South Platte River is one of Colorado’s most iconic fly fishing destinations. The diverse fishing environments include brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout populations. Some sections, like the Dream Stream and Elevenmile Canyon, are famous for trophy-sized fish. The river is easily accessible from Denver and Colorado Springs. While this may make it harder to find solitary spots, the abundance of fish makes up for the challenge.

Another popular fishing river, the Arkansas River, flows through central Colorado and offers a large brown trout population. The stunning scenery of the Arkansas River Valley adds to the river’s charm. The river provides excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year, but the most productive periods are from late spring to early fall.

The Colorado River is another premier fly fishing destination, offering diverse fishing opportunities from its source in the Rocky Mountains to the lower stretches through Glenwood Canyon. The river has large trout populations, particularly rainbow and brown trout. Aside from its productive waters, the Colorado River offers scenic landscapes, particularly around Glenwood Springs.

In southwestern Colorado, the Rio Grande River flows through some of the state’s most remote and rugged landscapes. This river is not as frequented, making it an ideal destination for anglers seeking solitude and unspoiled wilderness. The Rio Grande harbors brown and rainbow trout alongside the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout.

The Yampa River in northwestern Colorado is another gem boasting excellent fishing opportunities and beautiful scenery. The Yampa has large trout, particularly in the section below its source at Stagecoach Reservoir, where the cold water creates ideal conditions for trout. The Yampa also flows through Steamboat Springs, a vibrant mountain town serving as the perfect base for fishing excursions.

The Animas River flows through Durango and Silverton in southwestern Colorado, providing anglers with unique scenery for memorable fishing excursions. The Animas is home to large rainbow and brown trout. The quality of fish and remote stretches make it an ideal destination for enthusiast anglers seeking solitude and the opportunity to catch trophy-size brown trout. The river is a perfect fishing destination during the warmer months.

The Taylor River flows through the Gunnison National Forest and is home to brown trout and some of Colorado’s largest rainbow trout. The river offers a small catch-and-release section where anglers can fish year-round and public sections around Taylor Reservoir for summer fishing trips. With clear, cold waters and picturesque surroundings, the Taylor River can provide a challenging but rewarding fishing experience.

Finally, a Colorado fly fishing guide would be incomplete without mentioning Rocky Mountain National Park. This iconic park is home to various alpine lakes, streams, and rivers with rich trout populations. The park’s high-elevation waters offer a pristine and peaceful setting for fly fishing. Anglers can catch native greenback cutthroat, brook trout, and rainbow and brown trout. Moreover, the breathtaking mountain scenery makes Rocky Mountain National Park a special fly fishing destination.