The North Fork Gunnison in all its glory during golden hour. photo courtesy of Rewilding
The complete guide to catching monster fish in Colorado.
With the ski season coming to an always-unfortunate end, a new door of unbelievably enjoyable moments opens in the fly fishing world. Not only is Colorado home to amazing ski resorts, this state also houses some of the most exquisite rivers and streams in the world. With fish being hungry in the spring and summer, now is the time to go out and catch some hogs on the water.
The first stream being highlighted is the always beautiful North Fork Gunnison; a stream that starts from the Paonia Reservoir and filters into the Gunnison in Hotchkiss. This 3.8 mile stretch of water boasts mostly brown trout, with the occasional rainbow trout. These fish typically stay between the 12-20 inch range, but will be as lively and colorful as a fish that you’ll find anywhere else. Midges and mayflies will still be as effective for bait as they are in the later months, but stoneflies should be used in addition, as they are a great spring/summer fly to throw here. One important aspect to note is this stream is mostly privately owned, but there are a couple pull offs where you can get in and get your lines wet. Spots are open on both sides of the pleasure park, but as you work up or down stream, only one side of the river is fishable.
The second stream is going to be the stunning Dolores River in western Colorado. This stream is a personal favorite and boasts mostly rainbow trout. With the fish roots coming from a trout hatchery, this location has a high likelihood of catching a fish, so you will not leave here disappointed. With the depth sitting at an average of 2-4 feet, and with water as clear as day, throwing any type of dry fly is suggested as you simply wait for huge fish to strike. The slick rock to bedrock area is the most prominent of this river, allowing you 50 miles of breathtaking views and huge trout. Any drop-in point through there should work well and give you ample room to get your line in the water.
The last location will be the world famous Dream Stream, a stream with the highest density of trout per mile in Colorado. This location is always popular, so expect to find others sharing the water with you. Any fly should work well, but scuds and mayflies will be the superior choice. With a heavy amount of brown and rainbow trout, the Dream Stream offers some of the largest and most lively fish you’re going to find anywhere. Drop-in spots are easy to come by, as the river is public and the location in the middle of a valley allows for easy hiking and calm bank locations. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, at this stream fish will enter your net over and over again.
With many more amazing spots around Colorado, the possibilities are endless on a good spot to get some casting done. However, make sure to remember to be courteous towards others and the environment when angling. Additionally, give individuals room; do not spread people’s secret spots if you do get lucky enough to hear them, and, above all, pick up your trash and leave your area better than when you found it.
