where to winter fly fish in colorado

The variety of wild and stocked trout always leads to an entertaining day on the water. One day, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a blizzard and the next you’ll enjoy bluebird skies and 40 to 50 degree air temperatures. it is important for first-time winter fly-fisherman to be prepared, so please read the post Winter Fly Fishing Gear-How to Stay Warm till the Fish Bite because you need to dress properly and have the right gear for winter conditions. Check for midge color and size in eddies or foam along the bank of the river, which is where hatching insects will collect. Private winter fly fishing experience in Vail and Aspen. If fishing private water, access fee’s vary and are not included in this price. Why Winter Fly Fishing is Ideal. If you break your beautiful new, expensive fly rod you are definitely NOT going to like winter fly-fishing. Here, you’ll find pristine pocket water, low flows and decent water clarity. Winter waters means clear water and spookier fish. Fish Winter Park. Freezing temperatures can freeze and break the guides and reel if you try to forcefully break through the ice instead of patiently thawing everything out. Learning to fly fish does not have to be intimidating, difficult or expensive. Hit the Snooze: In the warmer months, if you’re not on the water shortly after sunrise, most of the good holes are taken and the fish have already seen tremendous pressure. Why Winter Fly Fishing is Ideal You have access to over 250 miles of Eagle River, Roaring Fork River, Colorado River,Frying Pan, Blue River and all of these rivers tributaries. Another wonderful aspect of winter fly-fishing is that you have the river all to yourself, without another angler in sight. From mid-July to late September river temperatures in Eagle, Gypsum, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle can reach as high as the upper sixties and low seventies. In the wintertime, this stretch can be quite the challenge to get to as you’ll trek through treacherous terrain and if you’re not careful you can easily get cliffed out and have to back track. And though we are now in December and it’s probably time to put away that hopper box until . In the winter, we do some things a little differently. You are pretty much looking at nymphs, dry flies and streamers. Winter fly fishing in Telluride is one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado. Eleven Mile Canyon: This section of the South Platte shares a lot of the same characteristics as Deckers and Cheesman, in that it is a pocket water paradise. You’re going to need to practice caution when moving about the water so as to not spook holding trout and do your best not to slap the water with sloppy casts. The first being below Dillon Reservoir at the outlets in Silverthorne. They are also going to be less likely to actively go to your fly so you need to make sure your flies get to them. Chironomids work well for large trout. As a result, the vast majority of this stretch is covered in ice starting in January leaving only the upper third, nearest the dam, available to fish during the winter months. Winter is a great time to go fly-fishing, which seems counter intuitive since most people come to Colorado to fly-fish during the summer. Additional Winter Fly Fishing Options in Colorado The Frying Pan - Below Reudi Reservoir The Taylor River – Below Taylor Reservoir Eagle River Yampa Tailwater – Below Stagecoach reservoir … By Patricia Cameron, Special to The Denver Post Jun 22, 2019, 8:00 am. Winter fly-fishing in Colorado offers unique challenges for the adventurous angler, and it can offer great rewards for those who really want to up their game and hone their skills.Certainly, winter fly-fishing is not for everyone but it is perfect for the patient angler willing to wear a few extra layers while enjoying a spectacular day on the river. Winter fishing on the Roaring Fork River near Glenwood Springs is a great destination due to its lower elevation and mild Winter climate. Here's how you can enjoy some fishing on it when the snow flies. Deckers & Cheesman Canyon: These two sections of the South Platte share a lot of the same characteristics and generally fish in tandem during the winter months. Pick the right place. If you can endure numb fingers and toes as well as frozen guides and line, fly fishing in the winter comes with a number of perks. Our rates start at $200.00 for one angler which includes private water access. I often get asked by my clients when is the best time to come to Vail, Colorado to fly … Yes, A LOT of people have that misconception but winter can really be a wonderful time to go fly fishing so I hope your husband enjoys it. During most of the summer in and around Vail Colorado, water temperatures can become dangerously warm and low for trout. I can smell the fire … South Platte River Basin: There are several tailwater options along the South Platte River within close proximity to the Denver Metro Area. Trout is the name of the game for fly anglers in Colorado. Winter Fly Fishing Colorado| January Fly Fishing Tips. Get your flies down to the fish by adding enough weight to your rig and/or raise your indicator. This means that for a big portion of summer you may not be able to fish due to high temperature restrictions. Regarded as a tough time for fly fishing by some, it is possible to have some incredible days on the river in January. Go on a sunny day and make sure you dress in lots of layers so you can add or remove clothing quickly and easily to match the weather. But angling experts claim the chilliest season is an ideal time to fly-fish northern Colorado’s Cache la Poudre River—as long as you’re prepared. If you are in the Vail area and looking for a local fly-fishing guide here are some of the top outfitters. New Fishing Gear ; Winter Sale; Fly-Fishing Gear for Beginners ... One of the most popular fly fishing rivers in Colorado (for good reason) is the South Platte River. Hi Charles, great question. How to Fly Fish in the Winter: Top 15 Winter Trout Flies. Southeastern Colorado. Give Colorado Trout Hunters a call at 303-325-5515 to gain access to some of these great winter fly fishing properties. This river is best fished after snowmelt, from mid … Low flows give even the most inexperienced sight fisherman the upper hand and minimal aquatic bug life makes matching the hatch easier. Anglers lookin… The Fly Fisherman's Cheat Sheet for Barometric Pressure, FlyCast Last Minute 2020 Holiday Gift Guide, Fall Fly Fishing & Tips for Transitioning Into Winter, Fly Fishing and Mental Health: Interview with Jennings Hester of Fishing the Good Fight, How to Improve Your Streamer Fishing Game, Top Patterns and Tips for Early Fall Hopper Fishing, {"items":["6005b9923544d80017e78d49","5feceb4b3ffac100174df475","5fda321db64f5f0017dc833c","5fb29b261d963f0018a16537","5f9db182d2a74f0017c1f989","5f7b4444451a2d0018d2c50b","5f594dfedd33210017571a61","5f594dfedd33210017571a60","5f594dfedd33210017571a5f","5f594dfedd33210017571a5e"],"styles":{"galleryType":"Columns","groupSize":1,"showArrows":true,"cubeImages":true,"cubeType":"max","cubeRatio":1.7777777777777777,"isVertical":true,"gallerySize":30,"collageAmount":0,"collageDensity":0,"groupTypes":"1","oneRow":false,"imageMargin":22,"galleryMargin":0,"scatter":0,"rotatingScatter":"","chooseBestGroup":true,"smartCrop":false,"hasThumbnails":false,"enableScroll":true,"isGrid":true,"isSlider":false,"isColumns":false,"isSlideshow":false,"cropOnlyFill":false,"fixedColumns":0,"enableInfiniteScroll":true,"isRTL":false,"minItemSize":50,"rotatingGroupTypes":"","rotatingCropRatios":"","columnWidths":"","gallerySliderImageRatio":1.7777777777777777,"numberOfImagesPerRow":3,"numberOfImagesPerCol":1,"groupsPerStrip":0,"borderRadius":0,"boxShadow":0,"gridStyle":0,"mobilePanorama":false,"placeGroupsLtr":false,"viewMode":"preview","thumbnailSpacings":4,"galleryThumbnailsAlignment":"bottom","isMasonry":false,"isAutoSlideshow":false,"slideshowLoop":false,"autoSlideshowInterval":4,"bottomInfoHeight":0,"titlePlacement":"SHOW_BELOW","galleryTextAlign":"center","scrollSnap":false,"itemClick":"nothing","fullscreen":true,"videoPlay":"hover","scrollAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","slideAnimation":"SCROLL","scrollDirection":0,"scrollDuration":400,"overlayAnimation":"FADE_IN","arrowsPosition":0,"arrowsSize":23,"watermarkOpacity":40,"watermarkSize":40,"useWatermark":true,"watermarkDock":{"top":"auto","left":"auto","right":0,"bottom":0,"transform":"translate3d(0,0,0)"},"loadMoreAmount":"all","defaultShowInfoExpand":1,"allowLinkExpand":true,"expandInfoPosition":0,"allowFullscreenExpand":true,"fullscreenLoop":false,"galleryAlignExpand":"left","addToCartBorderWidth":1,"addToCartButtonText":"","slideshowInfoSize":200,"playButtonForAutoSlideShow":false,"allowSlideshowCounter":false,"hoveringBehaviour":"NEVER_SHOW","thumbnailSize":120,"magicLayoutSeed":1,"imageHoverAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imagePlacementAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","calculateTextBoxWidthMode":"PERCENT","textBoxHeight":160,"textBoxWidth":200,"textBoxWidthPercent":50,"textImageSpace":10,"textBoxBorderRadius":0,"textBoxBorderWidth":0,"loadMoreButtonText":"","loadMoreButtonBorderWidth":1,"loadMoreButtonBorderRadius":0,"imageInfoType":"ATTACHED_BACKGROUND","itemBorderWidth":0,"itemBorderRadius":0,"itemEnableShadow":false,"itemShadowBlur":20,"itemShadowDirection":135,"itemShadowSize":10,"imageLoadingMode":"BLUR","expandAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imageQuality":90,"usmToggle":false,"usm_a":0,"usm_r":0,"usm_t":0,"videoSound":false,"videoSpeed":"1","videoLoop":true,"jsonStyleParams":"","gallerySizeType":"px","gallerySizePx":292,"allowTitle":true,"allowContextMenu":true,"textsHorizontalPadding":-30,"itemBorderColor":{"themeName":"color_12","value":"rgba(240,240,240,0)"},"showVideoPlayButton":true,"galleryLayout":2,"calculateTextBoxHeightMode":"MANUAL","textsVerticalPadding":-15,"targetItemSize":292,"selectedLayout":"2|bottom|1|max|true|0|true","layoutsVersion":2,"selectedLayoutV2":2,"isSlideshowFont":true,"externalInfoHeight":160,"externalInfoWidth":0},"container":{"width":220,"galleryWidth":242,"galleryHeight":0,"scrollBase":0,"height":null}}, Best Colorado Winter Fly Fishing Destinations. Rainbow trout are the most common trout found throughout Colorado. Find deep water and fish it slowly and thoroughly. Please call us at 970-368-5959 to book Your Winter Fly … Colorado offers excellent fly fishing for trout every month of the year and the guides at Vail Valley Anglers are on the water every day. During the spring, fly-fishers have the most luck with trout by reaching the deep pools where the fish are still hiding out from the winter. Such local destinations include: The South Platte River: Deckers, Elevenmile Canyon, and The Dream Stream The Blue River below Dillon Reservoir The Williams Fork and The Colorado River near Parshall The Fry… From fly selection to finding the fish, our guides are experts at fly fishing Colorado in the winter season. Enjoy authentic Colorado outdoor adventure followed by a chef-prepared lunch. Related Articles: Year’s Best Winter Flies. And most flies are considerably smaller than what is used in the summer because winter insects are usually smaller as well. Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado. By Sam Spengler • … That said, if you make it to the water, you’re in for some eager trout as they generally see less pressure in the winter months. Whether you’re looking to enjoy time with your family and friends, a solo trip to escape for the day, or to plan your next corporate or group event, let Aspen Outfitting Company … If you wear gloves to keep your hands warm don’t forget to take your glove off before handling the fish, as a dry glove (or hand) will remove the important, protective slime that covers the trouts body. The Trout's Fly Fishing team closes shop and rings in the New Year on the fabled Dream Stream in South Park, Colorado. 20 Feb. 0 72 Post by Nick DelVecchio. Winter fisheries range in location from large rivers like the Roaring Fork, lower … Fly Fishing . How do you know which flies are best for winter fly fishing? Our Beginner Fly Fishing Lessons. With its Gold Medal status and proximity to Denver, it’s an easy choice for locals and visitors flying into Denver. The Williams Fork and Blue River, however, are two great tailwater options that are less susceptible to frozen banks and are productive despite winter conditions. While nymphing will undoubtedly be the most productive mode of fishing there will be a number of opportunities for dry fly and streamer fishing on warmer days. I strongly recommend Fly-Fishing Colorado and AVA for a guided fishing float trip on the Colorado river. Three essential tips for catching trout in several areas throughout the day best flies and streamers as much as %. Fairly predictable in the headwaters within Rocky Mountain National Park and Fraser and freestone options for fly. Back in session, summer vacations are over, and can complete an entire life cycle in winter conditions smaller! 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