One of the great attractions of Colorado is the abundance of pristine rivers and lakes for fishing.  This could be a fun activity for your group visiting the state. Nearly every region of Colorado offers gold medal waters and a variety of guide services to provide the gear and insider knowledge of where to go, when, and with what equipment.  Whether you’re a first timer curious to try out the sport or an experienced angler, the waters of Colorado have something for everyone. Fly fishing could be an enjoyable activity for meeting participants or as a spouse activity program and is also well suited as a leisure group activity.

An opportunity to contemplate and enjoy the surrounding environment, fly fishing can also be challenging and exciting.  Fish are caught with artificial flies, meant to mimic nature, and a specialized rod, reel, and weighted line. Largely used as a method for catching trout and salmon, fly fishing can also be used to catch pike, bass, carp, and marine/oceanic species.  Colorado trout fishing species include the rainbow trout, the elusive brown trout, the brook trout, cut-bows, and the native rare Colorado cutthroat.  In fall, guests can fish for Kokanee salmon, and throughout the seasons carp and pike are also common.  Most major destinations are home to several fly fishing outfits and many have the gold medal waters in the center of town.  Some of the more famous creeks and rivers include the Roaring Fork of Aspen, the Cache la Poudre of Fort Collins, the San Miguel River of Telluride, the San Juan of Pagosa Springs, Gore Creek of Vail, the Eagle River near Beaver Creek, the Colorado in Glenwood Springs, the Animas in Durango, the Yampa in Steamboat Springs, and the Arkansas that flows through Pueblo and Salida.  Back country fly fishing is another option – such as trekking the wilds of the White River National Forest or the designated Gunnison Wilderness.  Most guide services offer half, full day, and even overnight backpacking trips for the ultimate fly fishing adventure.

The prime season for fly fishing is April through October, however hatches (of the fly being imitated), conditions, and geography vary and fishing opportunities exist in the state throughout the year.  A guided fly fishing trip with equipment rental can cost as little as $50 per person or upwards of $600 per person depending on the region and the outfit.  A license is required and can be purchased at most guiding outfits, they range in price from $9 for one day to $56 for the year.