For a long time, when I thought of trying my hand at fly fishing, I pictured myself standing in the ankle-deep water of a mellow river with a large rod in hand and a helpful professional fly-fishing guide next to me in matching waders.
Oh, but there is more than one way to fly fish in Colorado, and it looks different than what I had imagined.
On a trip to Buena Vista last summer, I signed up with The Colorado Angler, a full-service fly shop and fishing guide company. What I didn’t realize was that we would be fishing from a boat as we bobbed down the Arkansas River, not standing on the banks in a few inches of water near the shore.
So that was my introduction to whitewater fly fishing. My teenage daughter and I put on our safety vests (no waders needed) and learned how to cast our flies from a moving boat. While we didn’t catch any fish that day, I found a new way to enjoy being on the river (other than rafting) and how to think differently about spots to fish, appreciating those calm little pools near the riverbanks.
Over the years, on hikes to alpine lakes, I’ve spied people fly fishing in the wilderness at over 10,000 feet above sea level. At the time, I didn’t realize how elite this activity is considered in the sport.
“Angling is a two-billion-dollar industry in our state,” said Bridget O’Rourke, statewide public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Fly fishing in alpine lakes is exclusive compared to shore fishing because you have to be in shape to make the hike with your gear.”
Also, it’s a limited opportunity, with access possible from around July through September only. There will be fewer people fishing alongside you, too.
Where to go
With 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs in Colorado where anglers can fish for over 35 species of fish, it’s hard to narrow down just a few recommendations of where to fly fish. O’Rourke noted that Colorado Parks & Wildlife “stocks around 350,000 trout annually into more than 500 backcountry lakes.”
One place to try alpine fly fishing is Lake Agnes in State Forest State Park, which sits at 10,666 feet above sea level and is stocked for fishing, including with cutthroat trout. Another spot: Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is at 9,905 feet above sea level. You can also fish for cutthroat trout there.
A good resource for finding a guided whitewater fly fishing experience is the Arkansas River Outfitters Association.
Looking for exclusivity while fly fishing? The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs offers fly fishing camps, including two that are just for women, called “These Boots Are Made for Wading.” One camp is June 6-8, and the other is July 18-20. Before you step into the Tarryall River, however, there is a class in tying flies.
Krista Heinicke, director of public relations at the Broadmoor, joins the camps each summer. “50/50 on the Water is an initiative spearheaded by Orvis that we thought was a good idea to champion,” she said in an email interview.
The Orvis Company started the “50/50 on the Water” initiative in 2017 to encourage more women to engage in fly fishing. Heinicke said that she supports more women becoming fly fishing guides, too.
This isn’t the Broadmoor’s only fly fishing experience, but Heinicke said it is unique. “We showcase the experience differently and add amenities to round out the weekend,” she explained. “Each guest receives a fantastic gift bag that has, in the past, included Orvis and Lululemon products. We feature a wine tasting, but I think the most impactful and unexpected part of the weekend are the moments on the porch or around the fire pit where we get to know one another.”
When it’s cold out
If the summer slips by without a fly fishing adventure, there’s one more unusual way to try this activity: winter fly fishing in a river. I was able to try this on a guided excursion on the Roaring Fork River in Basalt. Note: That is distinctly different than ice fishing, where you drill a hole in a lake. Winter fly fishing involves layering up underneath the waders, then stepping into a freezing cold river where the water is moving below a layer of snow and ice.
Try the Fryingpan River or Upper Roaring Fork River for midge fly fishing in winter, or Gore Creek in Vail. There are plenty of rivers that rarely freeze over — the trick will be finding the fish.
If you are going to fish in a state park, the Keep Colorado Wild Pass can save money on state park admissions when you pay $29 instead of $80 for the annual State Park Pass. There are annual state park fishing events, and this pass is good for admission. Check the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website for details on events and pricing for licenses and fees.
