Things to do / Travel Guide
The fishing in the rivers and streams in the eastern Colorado and Wyoming Rockies region is nothing less than legendary. When in season in the summertime, there will be up to 7,000 trout per mile of water-flow. There are many other types of fish in this area as well. In order to fish in Colorado you'll need a Colorado fishing license, and you must follow all the state fishing regulations. When driving to the fishing areas, beware the narrow (and sometimes dirt) twisting roads. Nevertheless, there are always enough places to park.
In the region's major cities of Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, you can charter a guide to help you find the best places to fish and give you tips on technique. Fly fishing is popular in the region, so a guide would be especially helpful if you're new to this fishing technique.
Another unique aspect of fishing in this region is the scenery. No doubt about it, this is one of the most beautiful regions in the U.S. in which to go fishing. Anglers and fly fishermen go fishing not just to catch good fish; they go for the experience, the wild nature of it, which can really be appreciated in the pristine, crisp atmosphere and environment of these eastern Colorado and Wyoming rivers and lakes. Granite boulders litter canyon rivers and rugged conifers line their shores.
Fishing around Denver, Colorado
There are a number of excellent and picturesque fishing locations in the greater Denver area. One of the most well-known fishing rivers in the region is the South Platte River, accessible via U.S. Highway 285 southwest of the city. Take it to State Road 126, or Platte River Road. This area is best for catching rainbow trout and brown trout; the former spawn in the spring while the latter spawn in the fall.
A great place on the South Platte River to do some ice-fishing in the wintertime is Waterton Canyon. Where State Road 126 hits South Platte River Road, you can park your car and hike a short while to the canyon. Keep in mind that some roads are closed in the wintertime.
Within Denver itself you'll also find places to fish. There are a number of reservoirs and lakes where you can reel in rainbow trout, perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. For instance, try the Aurora Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, and Standley Lake. All these are easy to get to, and in their peacefulness you'll be amazed at their proximity to the hustle and bustle of such a major city.
Fishing North of Denver, Colorado
A nice fishing spot close to Boulder is on the St. Vrain Creeks, North, Middle, and South. You can access these creeks via the Peak-to-Peak Highway, State Roads 72 and 7 north of the city. For those who like small-stream fishing, you can catch brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout on these creeks. In the spring and early summer, however, beware of flash floods.
Another Eden-like fishing area that you can reach easily from Boulder is South Boulder Creek. Go south on Flagstaff Road until Gross Reservoir. In order to get to the actual creek you'll need to hike along train tracks, but not for very long. The reward is a creek of large boulders fallen from the canyon, and deep pools of clear water. The catch is small brookies.
You can fish most places along the Cache La Poudre River, which is accessible along State Road 14 west of its intersection with U.S. Highway 287. The place of embarkation for this fishing trip should be Fort Collins, a half-hour's drive away. Canyon-fishing on this river, Colorado's only “Wild and Scenic River,” so-designated by the National Park Service, can yield many kinds of trout, such as rainbow, brown, and cutthroat.
About 25 miles to the west of Cheyenne is Curt Gowdy State Park. There's hiking and fishing galore in two reservoirs well-stocked with trout.
Fishing South of Denver, Colorado
On the Arkansas River near Canon City there are wild brown trout to catch. You can also fish near Pikes Peak in that area's reservoirs. The catch is usually trout, and fly fishing is raised to the prominence of not just a way to catch fish (and probably throw them back), but a way of life.
The reservoirs east of Colorado Springs on U.S. Highway 24 boast some of the state's best lake trout fishing. Spinney Mountain Reservoir actually won a gold metal for its waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Nearby Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir also boasts excellent fishing: On both the prime catches are rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout; there are also kokanee salmon, northern pike, and small-mouth bass.
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