Colorado Fly Fishing

Is Fly Fishing popular in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado is a popular destination for fly fishing. The state is home to a diverse range of fish species and a variety of fishing environments, including high mountain lakes and streams, as well as productive tailwaters and rivers that flow from the Rockies.

The variety of waters and fish species that Colorado offers make it an attractive location for fly fishing. The state has several renowned rivers such as the Gunnison River, the South Platte river, the Frying pan and the Roaring fork River that offer different challenges and different types of fish to catch, like the brown and rainbow trout, brookies and the cutthroat trout.

Additionally, the state's beautiful natural scenery and the abundance of public land and designated fishing areas, makes it an ideal spot for people to enjoy the outdoors while fly fishing. The season is also long which starts from april to november.

Overall, the combination of abundant fish, a wide variety of fishing environments, and beautiful natural surroundings make Colorado a top destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.

What are the top targeted species for anglers in Colorado?

In the state of Colorado, some of the most popular fly fishing species targeted include:

Rainbow trout: Rainbow trout are one of the most popular fly fishing species in Colorado. They can be found in many of the state's rivers and streams, as well as high mountain lakes.
Brown trout: Brown trout are another popular species that are commonly targeted by fly anglers in Colorado. They can be found in many of the state's rivers and streams, and are known for being elusive and challenging to catch.
Brook trout: Brook trout are a smaller species of trout found in many of the state's high mountain lakes and streams. They are known for their beautiful, colorful appearance, and are popular among fly fishers who are looking for a more challenging catch.
Cutthroat trout: Cutthroat trout are another popular species in Colorado, which can be found in many of the state's rivers and streams. They are known for their bright red-orange under their lower jaw and are also one of the native species in the state.
Kokanee Salmon: Kokanee Salmon are also a species of fish that can be caught fly fishing on certain bodies of water, typically high mountain lakes and reservoirs, which might not be as popular as the other species but still are a good game to catch
Small mouth bass: Colorado also have a good population of small mouth bass and people do fish them on fly fishing, you can find them in the rivers and streams, and also in the rivers coming down from the mountains.

These are some of the most popular fly fishing species that are targeted in Colorado, but there are many other types of fish that can be caught as well, such as pike and muskie, among others.

5 popular rivers to fly fish in Colorado

The Colorado River - Known for its large rainbow and brown trout, as well as its rugged and scenic beauty. The Colorado River flows through the Grand Canyon and offers anglers the opportunity to fish for a variety of species, including bass, catfish, and pike. There are several sections of the river that are popular for fly fishing, including the Upper Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River.
The Gunnison River - A tailwater river that is home to large brown trout and a variety of other fish species. The river is known for its clear, cold water and offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from small streams to larger rivers. The Gunnison River is also home to a large population of wild rainbow trout, as well as cutthroat, brook, and brown trout.
The South Platte River - Offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities, from small streams to larger rivers, and is known for its brown and rainbow trout. The South Platte River is also home to other species such as smallmouth bass, carp, and even pike. The river offers both wade and drift fishing opportunities and is known for its excellent hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.
The Roaring Fork River - This river is known for its large rainbow trout and its beautiful mountain scenery. The Roaring Fork River is a tailwater that originates from the Ruedi Reservoir and runs through the Roaring Fork Valley. The river also has a good population of brown and brook trout as well as cutthroat trout. The river is also known for its excellent hatches of mayflies and caddisflies which provide great opportunities for dry fly fishing.
The Fryingpan River - A tailwater river that is known for its large rainbow and brown trout, as well as its clear, cold water. The Fryingpan River is a tailwater of the Ruedi Reservoir and runs through the White River National Forest. The river is known for its excellent hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, which provide great opportunities for dry fly fishing. The Fryingpan River is also home to a large population of wild rainbow trout, as well as cutthroat, brook, and brown trout.

What are Fly Fishing regulations for Colorado?

When fly fishing in Colorado, it is important to be aware of and abide by the regulations set in place by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Some regulations to keep in mind include:

Having a valid fishing license: Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to have a valid fishing license.
Adhering to catch and possession limits: There are limits on the number of fish that can be caught and possessed at any one time. These limits vary depending on the species of fish and the location of the river or lake.
Using the appropriate gear: Only artificial flies and lures can be used when fly fishing in Colorado. The use of live bait is prohibited.
Abiding by season closures: Some rivers and streams may have seasonal closures for fishing to protect fish during their spawning or sensitive life stages.
Respecting private property: Be aware of and respect private property boundaries when fly fishing in Colorado.
Following special regulations: Some waters may have special regulations in place, such as catch-and-release only, or fly-fishing only, so it's important to check the specific regulations for the area you plan to fish.

It's important to keep updated with regulations, as they may change, and you can check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the most current information.

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Popular Fly Shops in Colorado

Here are five popular fly fishing shops in Colorado:

Blue Quill Angler - Located in Evergreen, CO, Blue Quill Angler is a well-known fly shop that offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, as well as fly fishing classes and guided trips.
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Located in Basalt, CO, Taylor Creek Fly Shop is a full-service fly shop that offers a wide selection of fly fishing gear, as well as guided trips and fly fishing classes.
The Flyfisher - Located in Colorado Springs, CO, The Flyfisher is a well-stocked fly shop that offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, as well as guided trips and fly fishing classes.
The Troutfitter - Located in Estes Park, CO, The Troutfitter is a full-service fly shop that offers a wide selection of fly fishing gear, as well as guided trips and fly fishing classes.
The Blue Quill Angler - Located in South Park, CO, The Blue Quill Angler is a well-known fly shop that offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, as well as fly fishing classes and guided trips.
The Colorado Angler - Located in Denver, CO, The Colorado Angler is a full-service fly shop that offers a wide selection of fly fishing gear, as well as guided trips and fly fishing classes.

What is the History of Fly Fishing in Colorado?

Fly fishing in Colorado has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The state's clear, cold rivers and streams, as well as its diverse fish populations, have long attracted anglers from around the world.

One of the earliest recorded fly fishing events in Colorado was the Grand Lake Trout Derby, which was first held in 1892. The derby was an annual event that attracted anglers from around the country to Grand Lake, Colorado, to compete for prizes for catching the biggest fish.

Another important event in Colorado's fly fishing history was the creation of the State Fish Hatchery System in 1895. The system was created to help replenish fish populations in Colorado's rivers and streams, which had been depleted due to overfishing and habitat destruction. The hatchery system was instrumental in helping to establish and maintain healthy fish populations in the state.

In the early 20th century, fly fishing in Colorado continued to gain popularity, and the state became a popular destination for anglers from around the world. The development of improved fishing gear and techniques, such as the use of dry flies and the introduction of fly-fishing only regulations, also helped to increase the popularity of fly fishing in the state.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the creation of several large dams in Colorado, such as the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, had a significant impact on the state's fly fishing. The dams created large reservoirs that flooded many of the state's best fly fishing rivers and streams, and also altered the water flows and temperatures in the remaining rivers and streams, which affected the fish populations. Despite these challenges, fly fishing in Colorado continued to evolve and adapt, and today it remains a popular and respected sport in the state.

In conclusion, Fly Fishing in Colorado has a long and rich history, from the creation of the State Fish Hatchery System in 1895, to the Grand Lake Trout Derby in 1892, to the evolution and adaptation of the sport to the changes caused by the construction of dams in the 50s and 60s, it has remained a popular and respected sport in the state.