A guided fly fishing trip in Western Colorado isn’t just a day on the water trying to catch fish. It’s an experience shaped by iconic waters, dramatic western landscapes, and knowledgeable guides that provide a world class experience on the river. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or you’ve spent years chasing trout, here’s exactly what you can expect when you book a guided trip on the Colorado River.
The Waters We Fish
Western Colorado is home to some of the most productive trout water in the West. We’ve got wide gentle flowing sections of river along with high, tight canyon walls that provide adventure along with great fishing. Every river we fish has its own story to tell and we’re here to provide that introduction. Every day on the river is different. Flows change, clarity shifts, and hatches come and go. Your guide’s job is to read those conditions and put you in the best possible water for the day.
The Colorado River
We fish the Lower Colorado River, which is considered the section from Glenwood Springs down. The Colorado River is a freestone river driven by snow that falls high up in the Rocky Mountains. This river has no shortage of structure with tight canyon pocket water up near Glenwood to wide gentle riffles down lower.
The Roaring Fork River
The Roaring Fork is a fast freestone that drops from Aspen through Basalt into Carbondale before joining the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. It’s well known for its cold, clear water and healthy fish population. The Roaring Fork offers a lot of ways to catch fish from dry flies to streamers you can do it all here but be prepared to have perfect presentations, as these fish do see quite a bit of flies and can be tricky to catch at times.
The Gunnison River
Another iconic fishery that brings people from all over the world to fish it, the Gunnison River. Starting near the town of Gunnison the river makes it’s way into the rugged wilderness of the Black Canyon. From the legendary Gunnison Gorge to the broader lower stretches near Delta, the “Gunny” offers a mix of technical pocket water, long nymphing runs, and classic Western streamer water. It’s a river that rewards good drifts, thoughtful presentations, and anglers who appreciate big, wild country.
The Float Trip Experience
Most guided trips in Western Colorado are float trips, and for good reason. Float trips allow you to cover miles of productive water. The boat allows you to reach spots that wade anglers can’t access. The guide handles all the rowing putting you in prime position to catch fish. Float fishing is a comfortable way to fish with the added bonus of a scenic ride through western Colorado’s unique landscape.
Every river has its own personality and by floating the river you get to see that personality in its entirety. Our usual day consists of floating about 6-8 miles of water, providing you with a first hand experience of the ever-changing landscapes and dynamics of the river.
What's Included on Your Guided Trip
Your guide provides everything you’ll need for a successful day of fishing on the water. We have rods and reels, leaders, flies, tippet, boat safety gear, and instruction tailored to your ability level. We make it easy for you to just show up and fish!
If you have your own gear and prefer to fish with it, no problem! You’re more than welcome to do that as well. Maybe you’ve tied some flies that you’d like to fish. We love experimenting with new patterns and techniques. There’s always something to learn and I think you’d be surprised about how much the guide learns from their clients, on a daily basis.
Our full day trips offer lunch and water. We always have plenty of cooler space for you to bring your own beverages.
Instruction That Meets You Where You Are
A guided trip is part fishing, part learning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, you’ll get coaching that fits your experience level. As mentioned previously, there’s always something to learn. That’s what makes fishing such an awesome hobby: you’ll always have opportunities for learning and growth.
Beginners will learn:
- Fundamentals of casting
- Mending, controlling a drift
- How to fight and land trout
- How to read water and understand fish behavior
Experienced Anglers will Refine their skills:
- Presentation and accuracy
- Nymphing adjustments (i.e. depth, weight, etc.)
- Streamer techniques
- Boat specific strategies
The goal here is simple: have a great time and become a better angler.
What You'll Fish With
Western Colorado offers year-round opportunities, and each season brings its own challenges. Even day to day things can change on the river; the river is a dynamic place! However, in general, you can expect the following:
- Spring: BWO’s & Midges, mostly nymphing but some dry fly opportunities on the right days. Best opportunities for big rainbows.
- Summer: PMD’s, Stoneflies, Grasshoppers, better dry fly opportunities but dry-dropper rigs really shine
- Fall: Streamers and nymphing. Best opportunities for big browns
- Winter: Midges, technical nymphing. Expect slower days but you may be pleasantly surprised
Fish You'll Encounter
The various bodies of water we fish are home many species of trout:
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Cutbow Trout
- Snake River Cutthroat
The Colorado River basin experienced a devestating blow to the Rainbow Trout population in the early 90’s. I discussed this in last summer’s article “Gunnison River Rainbow: A Conservation Success.” The rainbows had a similar experience on all the waters in the Colorado River Basin including the Roaring Fork, Colorado, and Gunnison Rivers. However, they are back and thriving; arguably, better than ever.
Other species include:
- Mountain Whitefish
- Various Species of Suckers including: the Flannel Mouth, Blue Head, and Carp
- Various Species of Chubs including: Bonytail, Razorback, and Humpback
Weather and Conditions
In this business, conditions are everything. We’re constantly looking at weather and river conditions, taking notes on how the river responds to the ever-changing conditions. Conditions can change quickly, especially during the summer. It’s always best to be prepared for anything but in general here’s what you can expect:
- Cool, crisp mornings giving way to sunny warm afternoons
- Afternoons can get windy, especially in the summer
- Always bring your rain jacket, even mid-summer the rain can really cool things off
Your guide monitors flows, temperature, weather forecasts to choose the best stretch of water for the day. We don’t cancel trips due to rain but if severe weather prevents us from getting out, you’ll have the option of a refund or a reschedule at no cost. Check out our complete cancellation policy here.
Conservation & Ethics
We take stewardship of our offices very seriously. Our business partners, the trout, are a vital part to our success so we make sure to treat them with respect and handle them with care.
- Catch, Photo, Release
- Ethical Fish Handling
- Respect for Private Property
The Goal of the Day
A guided trip isn’t about numbers; it’s about experiencing the West’s iconic and wild rivers, learning and improving techniques, and enjoying this beautiful place we get to call home. At the end of the day, you’ll leave with new skills, a new friend, a better understanding of the river and new memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to Experience a Guided Trip in Western Colorado?
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore new water, or simply enjoy a day on a beautiful Western River, a guided trip in Western Colorado delivers. The Colorado River has a way of surprising anglers, while the Roaring Fork and Gunnison Rivers deliver exactly what they promise.
We’d love to spend a day with you on the water and show you why we love Western Colorado and all it has to offer. If you’re ready to book a trip, click the book now button down below.
0 Comments