Fly fishing inColorado
Gold Medal waters and high-altitude streams teeming with wild trout. The South Platte, Frying Pan, and Arkansas are world-renowned.
Colorado waters
19 rivers, lakes and creeks with fly picks and reports.
Animas River
Flowing through the heart of Durango, this freestone river offers scenic and accessible fishing for a healthy population of wild trout.
Flows, flies & reports→riverArkansas River
One of the longest stretches of Gold Medal water in Colorado, providing diverse water from steep canyons to wide meadows. It is famous for its prolific Mother's Day Caddis and Salmonfly hatches.
Flows, flies & reports→riverBlue River (below Dillon Reservoir)
A highly productive tailwater below Dillon Reservoir known for its large brown and rainbow trout, often requiring technical nymphing and midge patterns.
Flows, flies & reports→riverCache la Poudre River
Colorado's only federally designated Wild & Scenic River, offering challenging but rewarding freestone fishing amidst dramatic canyons.
Flows, flies & reports→spring creekCochetopa Creek
A true Colorado gem, this spring creek is characterized by clear, calm waters and abundant insect life, requiring stealthy approaches for its wary trout.
Flows, flies & reports→riverConejos River
A beautiful high-country freestone river in Southern Colorado, known for its pristine waters and healthy wild trout populations in a remote setting.
Flows, flies & reports→riverEagle River
A beautiful freestone river offering excellent dry fly and nymph fishing, flowing through picturesque valleys before joining the Colorado River.
Flows, flies & reports→riverEleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River)
A scenic canyon section of the South Platte below Eleven Mile Reservoir, known for its consistent tailwater fishing and prolific insect life.
Flows, flies & reports→riverFryingpan River
Famous for its mid-summer Green Drake hatch and year-round technical tailwater fishing. The Fryingpan boasts some of the largest trout in the state due to the mysis shrimp coming from Ruedi Reservoir.
Flows, flies & reports→riverGunnison River (Gunnison Gorge)
A high-desert tailwater known for some of the best dry fly fishing in the Western US. The deep canyon walls provide a dramatic backdrop for world-class midge and BWO hatches.
Flows, flies & reports→riverNorth Platte River (North Park)
Flowing through North Park before entering Wyoming, this freestone river offers excellent float and wade fishing with strong trout populations.
Flows, flies & reports→riverRio Grande River (Upper Colorado)
The vast upper sections of the Rio Grande in Colorado offer miles of classic freestone fishing for strong wild trout in a remote and scenic setting.
Flows, flies & reports→riverRoaring Fork River
Western Colorado's premier freestone river, staying cool throughout the summer and offering miles of wade access. It is famous for its late-June Salmonfly hatch.
Flows, flies & reports→riverSouth Platte River (Cheesman Canyon & Deckers)
A world-renowned tailwater known for its incredible density of wild trout and massive 'toilet bowl' outlet. It offers technical fishing for large rainbows and browns in a stunning red rock canyon.
Flows, flies & reports→riverSouth Platte River (Dream Stream)
A renowned section of the South Platte between Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain Reservoirs, famous for large migratory trout and challenging sight fishing.
Flows, flies & reports→riverTaylor River (below Taylor Park Reservoir)
Famous for its 'Catch & Release' section below Taylor Park Reservoir, holding some of the largest trout in Colorado, often requiring precise presentations.
Flows, flies & reports→lakeTrappers Lake
A pristine high-altitude wilderness lake renowned as the 'Cradle of the Cutthroat,' offering unique native trout fishing in a stunning setting.
Flows, flies & reports→riverUpper Colorado River
A massive, high-volume river that offers everything from technical tailwater floats to remote canyon wading. It is a premier destination for Salmonflies and large brown trout.
Flows, flies & reports→riverYampa River (Steamboat Springs)
A quintessential freestone river flowing through the scenic Yampa Valley, offering diverse fishing from pocket water to long riffles.
Flows, flies & reports→Colorado reading
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park – Alpine Lakes & Streams
Master fly fishing Rocky Mountain National Park's pristine alpine lakes and streams with expert techniques, gear selection, and regulations.
Top 10 Tailwater Fisheries in the USA – Consistent Year-Round Action
Discover America's premier tailwater fisheries offering consistent year-round fishing, from Montana's Bighorn to Colorado's South Platte.