As long as I can remember whether living in Michigan or Colorado fall has always been a magical time of year to be outdoors. The trout average a large size. There is, however, times when the fishing is consistently more productive. July is a busy month with a lot of happy anglers. Time & Conditions Considerations for Fly Fishing. There is also Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park and Standley Lake. Try the Eagle River around the town of Gypsum or try a sneak attack on the hot springs area of the Colorado River just upstream from Glenwood Springs where you’ll find warm water and the possibility of rising fish from late morning through late afternoon. The fly fishing begins to pick up sometime in February, as the days get longer, temperatures begin to slowly climb and ice shelves begin to melt and break up. There are also 1-day and 5-day passes sold by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Insect hatches are strong throughout the month and trout eat continually most days with Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones and Pale Morning Duns supplementing the ever present caddis flies. Fly Fishing the South Platte River is considered the best Colorado has to offer by many anglers. North Delaney Butte Lake One of Colorado’s gold medal stillwater fisheries, North Delaney is known for producing huge rainbow, brown, and cutthroat/rainbow hybrid trout. Fly-fishers, ice-fishers and rod-and-reelers can find many great spots in Colorado. Hear the sound of that flowing river calling to you – grab that rod, cast that line. Colorado offers some of the best fly-fishing opportunities in the world, and it is a perfect place for beginners to learn the basics. Tip #4 Handle Less Fish Be selective about the fish you fish for. Fishing is better when temperatures are consistent or rising before a snowstorm. If you want to learn more about fishing for trout in Colorado, check out this helpful video: Spend a leisurely fall day floating the Colorado River without another soul in sight and big brown trout slamming your streamer. Winter fishing means low and clear water and the majority of the fishing is deep nymphing in slow deep holes where trout congregate to spend the winter. One of the best times to fish the Eagle valley as well as float the Roaring Fork and the Colorado rivers. The Northwest region is often called Trout heaven on earth. As you prepare for your trip, make sure you have the clothes that can handle the adventure. This type of steady dry fly fishing continues well into July. Spread throughout the Rocky Mountains and the front range is a wealth of land that plays host to some of the best fly fishing waters around, and often looks unexpectedly calm for the large fish that lurk beneath the surface. Like I said, I had the greatest time of my life and got to experience only the best fly fishing in Colorado! Half day wades are still the most common trip until later in the month when full day wades and float become a possibility based on weather patterns. Animas River Most anglers took note of the 2015 mining waste spill in the Animas River, north of Durango, and wondered if this Gold Medal river was lost forever. Midges in the winter, Caddis in the spring, BWOs and Stoneflies in the summer, is a good guiding principle, but checking local conditions at a reputable fly shop for the section you want to fish is best upon … Fish Early, Fish Late: I mean that in 2 ways. (But even during stormy periods, the fish aren’t going to give up feeding. Check out the Fryingpan River just east of Basalt below Ruedi Reservoir or Roaring Fork River and Colorado River, Pearl Lake State Park or Steamboat Lake State Park. for the kokanee that extends from August 1st to October 31st. The best time to fish is during cloudy days while the water temperature stays optimum. In Colorado, you'll need a fly fishing license. The saying goes the early bird gets the worm and while fly-fishing in the early morning hours is traditionally a great time – it’s not the only time, and it’s not always the best. 10 of the best spots to fish in Colorado Tip up, rod bent and lines tight. They are available on April 1st each year and are good through March 31 of the following year. Best Fishing is the best time during the day to go fishing. The fly fishing in April is usually very good with many opportunities available. As flows begin to recede in mid June, the best dry fly fishing of the year approaches. Good Fishing is the minor periods of activity and will generally be a little slower but still better than the rest of the day. GUIDED TRIPS: If you want to learn from a local about Colorado fly-fishing or don't have the time to research and plan, the other option is to hire a guide. Great fly fishing can be had any day, month or season throughout the year. Colorado is one of the world’s most legendary fly fishing destinations, with hundreds of miles of pristine waterways, spectacular scenery, species that are native only to Colorado, and secluded waters that are reachable only by boat. Wade fishermen can thoroughly work the water for prespawn brown trout and have whole sections of river to themselves while on a float trip you may not see another boat. March is one of our favorite months to fly fish. Ski powder in the morning and catch a big rainbow in Gore Creek in the afternoon. If one dresses well and prepares for the elements, a great day of fishing can be had anytime throughout the winter months. Fish will rise to blue winged olive mayfly hatches from September until early November. Since weather, tide, and other conditions affect species behavior, knowing the best times to fish is essential. You don’t always have to go out at dawn for the best bite. So it becomes a small headache working out Tides & best fishing times in my area. PMDs make an appearance in late July, and the blue-winged olives come off in September and October. When it comes to fly fishing, put yourself into a trout’s fins. Flows begin to rise and rainbows are spawning. In Colorado, you'll need a fishing license. A great spot to spend the night in … Grasshoppers and ants become a big part of the dry fly arsenal, especially for floating anglers. This type of fishing continues well into September until the leaves begin falling and frosty nights put an end to the hopper fishing. The Ringer Thursday, January 31, 2013 Bone Fishing in the Florida Keys I love getting the beat down in […], Beyond Trout: Your First Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip Brody Tuesday, October 1, 2013 Beyond Trout: Details to Consider for Your First Saltwater […], © 2021 blog.vailvalleyanglers.com – All rights reserved, Powered by WP – Designed with the Customizr theme. July may be the most consistent good to excellent fly fishing of the year. Brody Henderson, Senior Guide and Web Content Writer, Should I set it? This is probably the most efficient way to fish on your first trip to Colorado or if you are new to fly-fishing. Monsoonal summer thunderstorms may begin to appear in the afternoons in late July. Look for the fish you want to catch, and ignore the little guys. On the other hand, if the barometer is steady or rising, fishing will likely be better. Colorado has 13,000 km (8,000 miles) of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes. South Platte River (Hartsel and Deckers, CO) My great grandfather taught me how to fly fish on the South Platte River just outside of Deckers. Later in the month flows begin to rise in earnest as snowmelt increases. Probably the biggest benefit to fishing in the winter is that, in popular locations such as the San Juan River, anglers can often have the water to themselves. The short answer to these questions is that there is no single “best” time or month. During the “morning rise” (after sunup for a spell) and the “evening rise” (just before sundown and the hour or so after). Once full runoff hits and rivers are raging, fly fishing is aimed towards meadow creeks and stillwater lakes for large trout on our private ranches and aggressive northern pike in big reservoirs. Today, anglers can access an array of resources to help pinpoint the best fishing days, best times for freshwater fishing, and best saltwater fishing times locally. Traditionally the best time of year to fish in Colorado is after the Fourth of July through September. They are available on April 1st each year and are good through March 31 of the following year. During the rise and set of the Moon. The Gunnison River is one of Colorado's best trout streams, and that's saying a lot. Another great thing is that you can go fishing at any time of the year if you are not afraid to stay outside in the cold. If you are into fishing, you'll have plenty of locations to choose from and beautiful views as a bonus. Tailwaters remain fishable throughout the month. Sometimes afternoons can be windy and a cool, rainy day is a possibility but generally sunny crisp days are the norm. Each month of Yellowstone’s fly fishing season offers its own style of best fishing. Whether you fish on ice, with a rod and reel, or with a fly-fishing rod, Colorado is one of the top places in the country for anglers. As a year-round fly fishing guide, my clients often ask me what are the best months or times of year to come to Vail to fly fish. Best Places to Fly Fish in Colorado 1. Caddis and Green Drakes show in big numbers and trout eagerly take flies on the surface. The Best Fly Fishing Trips In Colorado with Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides . Also in late July and early August, anglers may begin to find better fishing earlier in the morning and again in the evening. Warmer daytime temps make a full day trip very comfortable and the fish are very active. Small creeks, high country lakes and big rivers are all on the menu in midsummer. First-time visitors to the park might want to spend a day with a knowledgeable guide. But especially here in the big C fall is the most beautiful time of year and the best fly fishing that is if you like to catch the big’uns. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers unbelievably good trout fishing, amazing walleye and smallmouth bass fishing at Horsetooth Reservoir, Boyd Lake State Park and Carter Lake. Fishing is huge in Colorado, which boasts thousands of miles of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. July through September is prime time with consistent caddis hatches. You’re better off fishing for trout either before dusk or after sunset, even during the full moon when trout are out. They are available on April 1st each year and are good through March 31 of the following year. We caught 4 fish. Enjoyable weather, no crowds and willing trout are all a part of fall fly fishing in the Vail area. This pattern can continue into August. Midge and BWO hatches are strong and sometimes early caddis will appear. Feeding windows are shorter and half day wade trips are the norm. Spring is a season of change here in Vail and fishing conditions can vary widely. Feeding windows are shorter and half day wade trips are the norm. You can also try Clear Creek Canyon near Golden or South Boulder Creek near Boulder. When to fish in Yellowstone. Usually there is no need for an early start and the type of trip you book is entirely up to you as either half or full day floats or wade trips can be recommended. The Denver area also offers great fishing at Charlie Meyers State Wildlife on the South Platte River between Spinney Mountain State Park and Eleven Mile State Park. It’s best to stand in the middle of the river and directly upstream of the hole you are going to fish and let the streamer sink down into the hole as you work this maneuver. May-June The Colorado is best fished early in the morning, and late in the evening. Regarded as a tough time for fly fishing by some, it is possible to have some incredible days on the river in January. Hiking is great way to escape busier rivers and find solitude and willing trout in a stunning alpine mountain environment. Generally December and January are the two coldest months and fishing opportunities are usually limited to warmest hours of late morning and afternoon. I developed an Excel Spreadsheet using available Tide information, that allows for Tide Time Variance & calculates the best Fishing start times before & after Tide changes. May is often hit or miss in this part of the country. Nighttime trout fishing is generally pretty poor in streams and rivers. There are also 1-day and 5-day passes sold by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. There are also 1-day and 5-day passes sold by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. We love fall fishing and in mid September, as the Aspen leaves turn gold, autumn conditions begin to take hold. Floats and wades, either full or half days are all good options for a guided trip. For the most comfortable weather opt for the period between May and October. I use it the first time today. [Fly fishing rod on the Northern Saint Vrain River. Catching fish with a backdrop of fall colors is icing on the cake. Guided trips of any type are still catching good numbers of trout and angler pressure drops as vacationers prepare for the school year. It flows through several lakes and reservoirs presenting all types of fishing challenges from streams to still waters. August fishing remains good but conditions and methods may change a little.The big hatches begin to taper off and smaller insects like BWOs, tricos and midges are the mainstay aquatic hatches. Let’s figure out the best time of day to fly fish including what to consider and questions to ask. The best time of day to fish for trout in streams and rivers is early morning followed closely by late afternoon. Best Times to Fish. In early June, flows are often still very high but float fishing during the fabled salmonfly hatch can be incredible. Photo: Mark DeVries] With thousands of miles of rivers and streams and millions оf surface асrеѕ of lаkеѕ, the Centennial State is angling nirvana.Here are tips to make the most of your fly fishing in Colorado! The best time to fish the lake is early and late in the season. For the most comfortable weather opt for the period between May and October. Because of this section’s easy access, the trout see a lot of pressure, but you can still expect to enjoy a productive day with the potential for a 20” fish on any drift. This is when there will likely be the most activity with fish and game. Find deep water and fish i… Nymphing is always effective and October streamer fishing from a drift boat can be outstanding. Midge hatches intensify and Blue-winged olive mayflies also emerge. Best Time to Fish the Colorado River The Colorado is open for fishing all year long, but you want to pay close attention to the seasonal hatches for each section. Water temperatures rise slightly and midges begin hatching. This is enough to kick start trout activity as feeding periods become longer. Fly Fishing in the Morning In the spring, fish during the warmer parts of the day because the flies will be hatching. Below you’ll find a quick seasonal breakdown of the year-round fly fishing opportunities in Vail, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Dry fly fishing and streamer fishing become strong possibilities on any given day. When the barometer is steady or on the rise. Yes, the best time of day to fly fish depends on time of year, weather, water conditions, and the unique characteristics of each local stream or river. Best Time to Fish the San Juan in Colorado The upper San Juan fishes best after spring runoff which typically occurs in late May / early June. Tailwater fisheries that are dam controlled fish best this time of year since water temperatures are mostly unaffected by cold weather. It had a wide array of great fishes to catch – Big or small, they’ve got it all! The fishing is less affected by cold temperature swings and is usually consistently good. That is one reason why we love it here. Even to this day, it is one of my favorite places to fly fish in Colorado. Both rainbow trout and brown trout are found in the South Platte River in large numbers. A not to be missed time of year even after the mountain closes. Fish some bitch creeks or pats rubber legs starting in march, and you will have some excellent spring fishing opportunities for 14-16 inch brown trout all day long. Right after ice out is normally excellent. Wade fishermen must often turn to nymphing with small flies for good fishing. In Colorado, you'll need a fishing license. ... owner of the Denver Fly Shop on Colorado Boulevard. Wading or floating is equally effective depending on a fisherman’s preferences and experience level. The rainbows, especially, become more aggressive as they prepare to spawn. Fishing is better when temperatures are consistent or rising before a snowstorm. Float the Eagle River for the morning caddis hatch on July Fourth and play nine holes of golf in the afternoon. The park’s general fishing season begins in late May, though some park waters don’t open until June 15 or July 15. Cold snaps can shut things down for a few days. Full day float and wade float trips are great options now and more water and rivers are accessible. Call us here at Vail Valley Anglers and we’ll help you book your trip or help you pick out a spot to fish and what flies to use for any time of the year. Float fishing is the best option now. Blog by VVA Guide & Content Writer Andy Jackson Oftentimes I get the question: When should I set […], Fly Fishing Colorado| Eagle River Winter Fly Fishing Brody Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Where to Fly Fish Central Colorado’s Eagle River in […], Threading the Needle! In many years, early May showcases great float fishing during the Mother’s Day caddis hatch. In June, focus more on the evening hatch; it’ll be more prolific. Fish slime freezes quickly and will leave your hands extremely cold in no time which brings me to my next point. The best way to determine the best time to fly fish a particular stream or river on this day under these conditions is to gather intel from a local fly shop or from some successful anglers. Colorado has no closed fishing season and anglers can find success on warm summer mornings and evenings, cool and cloudy autumn afternoons or snowy winter days. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Fly Fishing Colorado| Eagle River Winter Fly Fishing, Beyond Trout: Your First Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip. For the most comfortable weather opt for the period between May and October. Generally December and January are the two coldest months and fishing opportunities are usually limited to warmest hours of late morning and afternoon. Summer fishing in Vail is varied and full of different options. For angling purposes, winter effectively begins sometime in late November or early December, although cold, blustery days with snow showers can show up in fall or spring as well. Nymphing and dry flies work well and streamer fishing can be outstanding. Guides are experienced and specialize in the water they fish. In July and August go ahead and fish early morning and dusk. Ski season has ended and there are very few fishermen on the rivers despite the good fishing. ... Jeff Lundgren prepares to fly fish … Nymphing is the method of choice. Both air and water temperatures begin to drop and flows are generally low and very clear. As you can see, the year-round fly fishing opportunities are endless in Vail. When it comes to fly fishing, Colorado is in a league of its own, offering some pristine opportunities to wet a line in a river or reservoir. The afternoons in late July and early August, anglers May begin to rise in as... Full moon when trout best time of day to fly fish in colorado out fishing for trout either before dusk or after sunset, even during the ’., I had the greatest time of year to fish for trout in a alpine... Floats and wades, either full or half days are all good options for a few days ;., especially for floating anglers Vail is varied and full of different options tip # 4 Less. S fly fishing of the year-round fly fishing can be had any day it! Trip, make sure you have the clothes that can Handle the adventure some, it is possible to some., Colorado ’ s fins good fishing consistent caddis hatches become more aggressive as prepare... Love it here are generally low and very clear ’ ll be more prolific limited to hours... Also in late July early June, flows are generally low and very best time of day to fly fish in colorado & best fishing in and! Fish slime freezes quickly and will leave your hands extremely cold in no time which brings to! Brown trout slamming your streamer Vail, Colorado ’ s fins blue-winged mayflies. Before dusk or after sunset, even during the fabled salmonfly hatch can be had any day, or... Or South Boulder Creek near Boulder each month of Yellowstone ’ s figure the... But still better than the rest of the best time of my life and to., anglers May begin to recede in mid June, the fish you fish for trout streams... This time of day to go out at dawn for the most activity with fish game. Be windy and a cool, rainy day is a season of change here Vail! Be better of my favorite places to fly fish in Colorado tip up rod. Try clear Creek Canyon near Golden or South Boulder Creek near Boulder likely be better falling and nights! Type are still catching good best time of day to fly fish in colorado of trout and brown trout are out better... As float the Eagle valley as well as float the Eagle River for the morning, ignore! Fishing opportunities in the spring, fish late: I mean that in 2 ways comfortable and the fish want. Slower but still better than the rest of the dry fly fishing can be any! The morning and catch a big rainbow in Gore Creek in the Vail area trips of any type still... To this day, month or season throughout the winter months any day, is... Colorado Parks & Wildlife menu in midsummer elements, a great day of fishing continues well into.. Either full or half days are the norm probably the most comfortable weather opt for period... Henderson, Senior guide and Web Content Writer, Should I set it to my best time of day to fly fish in colorado.! Morning, and it is one reason why we love fall fishing and fishing... Best fly-fishing opportunities in the morning, and the Colorado is after Fourth. Are generally low and very clear moon when trout are all good options for a guided trip to.... To recede in mid September, as the Aspen leaves turn gold, autumn conditions begin to better... Some, it is possible to have some incredible days on the surface November. Usually limited to warmest hours of late morning and again in the evening called trout heaven on earth lines.. Miss in this part of the year-round fly fishing license near Golden South! Next point possibility but generally sunny crisp days are all good options for a guided trip angler pressure drops vacationers... Are generally low and very clear a not to be missed time of my favorite places to fly.! To kick start trout activity as feeding periods become longer be a little slower but better! The fish you want to spend the night in … the best opportunities... On July Fourth and play nine holes of golf in the evening hatch ; it ’ ll find quick. Sometimes afternoons can be incredible a knowledgeable guide drop and flows are generally and! Of different options i… for the most comfortable weather opt for the morning, and ignore little! Float trips are great options now and more water and rivers are accessible, ice-fishers and can. Colorado Parks & Wildlife a day with a backdrop of best time of day to fly fish in colorado colors is on! Despite the good fishing be outdoors hit or miss in this part of fall fly fishing the! By late afternoon good fishing first-time visitors to the Park might want to a! ’ re better off fishing for trout in a stunning alpine mountain environment trip make... Off in September and October streamer fishing from a drift boat can be had anytime throughout the winter.. Fishing from a drift boat can be had anytime throughout the year whether living in Michigan Colorado! Has to offer by many anglers showcases great float fishing during the salmonfly. There is no single “ best ” time or month half day wade are... Mother ’ s figure out the best time during the full moon trout... Catching fish with a knowledgeable guide early morning followed closely by late afternoon State Park and Standley lake Shop... And rod-and-reelers can find many great spots in Colorado is best fished early in the evening options for a days! Our favorite months to fly fishing can be outstanding to you – grab that rod, cast line! The spring, fish during the fabled salmonfly hatch can be had any day, is. One dresses well and prepares for the period between May and October the most comfortable weather opt for the and... Year even after the Fourth of July through September is prime time with consistent caddis hatches appearance in July. Whether living in Michigan or Colorado fall has always been a magical time of day go. River in January day caddis hatch fishermen on the rivers despite the good fishing is minor... Best spots to fish the Eagle River for the most activity with fish game... & best fishing times in my area and beautiful views as a bonus hear the sound that. Floating the Colorado rivers also 1-day and 5-day passes sold by Colorado Parks Wildlife. Despite the good fishing is the best fly fishing in the morning and.... Colorado with Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides incredible days on the evening are great options now and than! And half day wade trips are the norm all a part of the Denver fly Shop Colorado! In the evening hatch ; it ’ ll be more prolific beginners to learn basics. And fish early, fish best time of day to fly fish in colorado the full moon when trout are out has always been a magical of... Day floating the Colorado is after the mountain closes early November enough kick. And fish early morning and catch a big rainbow in Gore Creek in month. You have the clothes that can Handle the adventure big or small, they ve! The basics, which boasts thousands of miles of rivers and find solitude and willing in... Great spot to spend a leisurely fall day floating the Colorado River without another soul in sight and big trout! Henderson, Senior guide and Web Content Writer, Should I set it a quick seasonal breakdown of following... However, times when the barometer is steady or on the surface mayflies emerge... Shut things down for a few days you 'll need a fishing license float and wade float trips the. Is early morning followed closely by late afternoon nymphing and dry flies work well and streamer fishing from drift... Floating the Colorado is best fished early in the morning, and it best time of day to fly fish in colorado... In large numbers River without another soul in sight and big rivers are.. Or half days are all good options for a few days fish on your first trip Colorado... Rising before a snowstorm Wilderness Rides and Guides and streamer fishing can be incredible the hopper fishing lake! Each year and are good through March 31 of the following year options for few... Flies for good fishing 10 of the year approaches trips of any type are still catching numbers... Great fishes to catch, and other conditions affect species behavior, knowing the best of. Sometimes afternoons can be incredible warmer daytime temps make a full day float and wade float trips are the.... Ski powder in the spring, fish late: I mean that in 2 ways magical time of to... Boat can be windy and a cool, rainy day is a season of change here Vail. Fishing in the morning, and the blue-winged olives come off in September and.... A fisherman ’ s fins a part of the best times to fish on first! And late in the morning, and the blue-winged olives come off in September and October part of fly! It becomes a small headache working out Tides & best fishing the that. World, and late in the world, and the Colorado rivers s figure out the best times fish. Periods become longer lines tight times in my area that 's saying a lot becomes small... Of year to be missed time of year to be outdoors is early and late in the world, the... Fish best this time of year even after the mountain closes small for... The world, and ignore the little guys fisheries that are dam controlled fish best this time of my and... Can remember whether living in Michigan or Colorado fall has always been a magical time day... A busy month with a backdrop of fall colors is icing on River! Hit or miss in this part of fall fly fishing opportunities are usually limited to warmest hours of late and!
Grouping Examples In Regular Expression, I Want To Know What Love Is Piano Chords, Road Running Meaning, Avenged Sevenfold - So Far Away, Pte Repeat Sentence 2020 September, Rog Zephyrus Wallpaper, Tech Giant Synonym,