Some Amazing Colorado Trout Fishing Destinations

Fly Fishing the Frying Pan River

When you ask many Colorado anglers what their favorite river is, you very often hear “The Pan”.  The Frying Pan is best known for its tailwater section below Reudi Reservoir that is truly spectacular until its confluence with the Roaring Fork.  This piece of water is the total package.  It has lots of fish, some monster fish, great bug life, riffles, runs, slow pools, and pocket water.  This diversity is what makes the Frying Pan so special.  If you want to throw Mysis Shrimp in the Toilet Bowl (outlet from reservoir) and have the possibility of hooking a 10 pounder, you can.  It you want to throw a hand crafted #26 BWO on 7x tippit to a riser that has refused everything in your box, you can.  If you want to fish private water for a rod fee, you can.  There are a lot of fishing options on this river.  Give the Pan a try and see why it is such a great fishing

Roaring Fork River

A gem of the west, this river has its origins in the mountains above Aspen.  As it grows in size, there are several large tributaries – most notably the Frying Pan.  Most of the tributaries, if large enough, hold trout.  The fork can be floated or fished from shore.  It has great populations of brown and rainbow trout with a good number of whitefish mixed in to keep anglers guessing.  This fishery is normally good year round, with toughest conditions occurring during runoff.   If you fish this river you will see some strong, healthy, hard-fighting trout.

Gunnison River

The Gunnison River begins at the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers.  This is truly a great fishery.  It offers miles and miles of water holding countless thousands of trout.  Most famous for the Black Canyon and its legendary salmon fly hatch where huge bows can be caught on huge dry flies the size of your finger.  This fishery is cherished by those who know it, and needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy.Have fun exploring this gem of the west!!

Taylor River

This tributary of the Gunnison River is well known for its monster trout.  The fish that live in the rich tailwater below Taylor Reservoir grow massive on a rich diet of mysis shrimp. Public access below the dam allows anglers a chance to catch 10+ pound fish on any given day.  These monster fish are no pushovers and sometimes can be seen moving out of a feeding lane as your flies approach, only to return the second your flies have passed.  Several other public access points also have good fishing and the private access is great as well.  Make sure you have some Mysis shrimp, some midges, and a variety of other small nymphs, as these fish ofter feed on very small insects.

Check out the Taylor above Taylor Reservoir for some exceptional small stream fishing.  The East River also provides some great angling opportunities close by.

Yampa River

When people think of Steamboat, they picture world class skiing – there is also great fishing in town!!  The Yampa is a fun fishery with lots of trout and in some sections, small-mouth bass and northern pike also inhabit the river.  The small tailwater below Stagecoach Reservoir is one of the most popular places to fish where brightly colored rainbows are the norm.  Wherever you get to fish on this world class river, it is well worth the trip.