Fish diets in the winter are made up primarily of midges and an assortment of small BWO nymphs and are occasionally supplemented by larger mayflies, annelids, trout eggs, stoneflies, … My favorite winter midge flavors are red (thread midges, blood midges, discos, rojos), black (black beauties, zebras, jujus) cream (miracle midges, mercury midges, buckskins) and small varieties of rs2 emergers. Our professional guides have years of experience fishing during the … For more than two decades, we’ve served the fly fishing community with the best possible outdoor gear and fishing equipment available. The most versatile fly rod, reel and line combination for fishing for trout in Colorado is a 9-foot rod and 5-weight line. You can enjoy some of the more-traveled spots during winter as well, because there will be few others out fly fishing. WHERE TO FISH – Great Cold Weather Colorado Fly Fishing Destinations Ideal winter destinations are primarily river sections located directly downstream from bottom release dams (tailwaters). Still other local waters support larger midge hatches and small dark stoneflies midwinter. Let’s take a look at the top spots for winter fly fishing in Colorado: There’s only one leader when it comes to fly fishing gear in Fraser, CO: Winter Park Flyfisher. Look for sunlit areas where water warms more quickly. Fed with from snow high atop the Continental Divide, Colorado’s rivers develop into some of the country’s best trout streams. The ability to detect and react timely to nearly imperceptible strikes is often the difference maker on a winter’s day. Use smaller tippet sizes –  5x to your attractor fly, followed by 6x to the midge – to increase your chances of hookups in low and clear winter water. There are … The author, enjoying an early winter’s day on the Colorado…. The North Platte. Regarded as a tough time for fly fishing by some, it is possible to have some incredible days on the river in January. 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. $400 One or Two anglers, Wade OR Float. Keep adjusting based upon varying water depths to keep your flies in the ‘zone.’. December 18, 2018. Ice fishing the High Country of the Colorado Rockies is a unique activity and a great way to get out and enjoy the winter landscape. We have rivers that are open to fish all winter long. … Some lower elevation fisheries such as the Arkansas River near Pueblo will have blue winged olive mayfly hatches all winter. // Sitemaps: XML We have a friendly, knowledgeable staff and invite you to experience one of fly fishing’s best kept secrets…winter fly fishing. Our guides create the finest fly fishing experience in Colorado. (function(){if(!window.mc4wp){window.mc4wp={listeners:[],forms:{on:function(event,callback){window.mc4wp.listeners.push({event:event,callback:callback});}}}}})(); All or part of this operation is conducted through Grand County Fishing Company, LLC on public lands under special permits from the US Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. If you have a preference for one type, then you can … 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. Fishing Conditions in December. Anglers lookin… Such local destinations include: Other options at lower elevation include the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir, The Big Thompson below Lake Estes, The Gunnison River near Hotchkiss around Pleasure Park, The Colorado River below Glenwood, and the Uncompahgre River below Ridgway Reservoir. Then use a thermometer to take the water temperature in order to narrow down fly selection one step further (BWO mayflies will hatch at 42-45 degrees). Spread throughout the Rocky Mountains and the front range is a wealth of land that plays host to some of the best fly fishing … Fishing In Colorado by 5280 Angler An equal opportunity employer. Top 10 Fly Fishing Rivers in Colorado. The patio fireplace and heated clubhouse are a welcome winter fishing retreat as well! Great guides", Best Winter Fly Fishing Locations in Colorado, Why Tenkara Fishing Is Ideal for Winter Fly Fishing in Fraser, CO. Trouts Fly Fishing is a full service fly shop located in the heart of Denver, CO between Downtown and Cherry Creek North. The holiday season is in full swing and it is a great time to get out … Winter Fly Fishing Clothing. We also sell items from Winston, Umpqua, Temple Fork, Montana Fly Company, Scientific Anglers, Buff, Trouthunter, Ross Reels, Lamson, Ouray, Redington and more. WINTER FLY FISHING – Special Rates on a Secret Season! Written by Tom Caprio of 5280 Angler The notion of winter fly fishing in Colorado might conjure up visions of freezing temperatures, iced-over water, ominous weather, and general misery. Call us today or stop by our shop to learn more about our wide range of products and services. Having grown up in the Mid-west where the sun goes on vacation from October until may, the thought of breaking out the fly-fishing gear in Winter was hard … Colorado Stream Reports and Fishing Conditions, Spinney Mountain Ranch “The Dream Stream”, The Williams Fork and The Colorado River near Parshall. Important word to the hook-setting-wise: Fish will eat your flies using absolute minimal energy, so set the hook on the slightest pause or hesitation of your indicator. You might have come up for the skiing, but fly fishing can be great during the winter months in the central mountains of Colorado. But they still need to eat, so there will be enough active fish on most days to find angling success. Frying Pan River. I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed actually catching a...", "Great shop. Ditch those lift lines for a day, cast a fly line, and you too might be a winter fly fishing convert! A simple parachute adams (size 20-24) is an excellent option for those moments. December 1 through February 28 only. Some sporty trout will even move into somewhat faster water to feed (or possibly higher in the water column). Even a couple degrees increase in water temps will trigger hatches, which will encourage fish to feed. Their metabolism slows down when water temps are cold, and so trout will feed less aggressively in the winter. Plan to arrive mid to late morning. I’ve always believed … Upper Colorado River Winter Fly Fishing One of the pride and joys of Colorado fly-fishing, the Upper Colorado River is one of the few absolutely consistent rivers in the state, with a … Fly Selection & Rigging for Winter Fly Fishing Success: When water temps are below 40 degrees, the hatch du juor will be midges (size 20 and smaller). Winter is coming…and for us it is already here. Colorado Fly Fishing Trip Planning. Use an attractor pattern in front of the midge such as an egg, stonefly nymph, scud, or San Juan worm. Keep an eye on the forecast, and you can find a bluebird, dead calm, 50 degree day in January on which to have the river all to yourself. We also carry brand name products that our loyal customer base loves from outdoor goods leaders like Simms and Patagonia. It’s also very important to get your flies down to the fish (typically located along the bottom where there is less current), so be sure to add enough weight to your rig and/or raise your indicator. This section holds large rainbows and lots of brown trout. Try our guided winter fly fishing trips and experience one of the best kept secrets in Colorado! The Frying Pan is a small mountain trout stream until it enters Ruedi Reservoir. Snow has been flying and the temps have been dropping. Boxwood is legendary for being home to some of the largest trout in Colorado. I did a 4-hour wading tour with Leif, learned a ton—especially about the Brown-trout spa...", "If you are wanting to fly fish in Grand County Colorado then this is the place for you. Yet another FANTASTIC option is to treat yourself to one of the finest fisheries in the West, located right in Denver’s backyard: The North Fork of the South Platte at BOXWOOD GULCH RANCH. Winter Fly Fishing in Breckenridge In Breckenridge, year-round trout fishing … Winter fly fishing is one of the true joys of the sport that not everyone knows about. $500 for 3 anglers, Wade only. 5280 Angler® is a guide and outfitting service designed to inspire passion for fly fishing. Though winter may not be thought of as prime time for dry fly fishing, trout will occasionally rise to small midges and mayflies. Though winter fly fishing might not be for everyone, it’s perfect for an adventurous angler willing to wear a few extra layers. Watch for blue wing olive hatches. We look forward to helping you enjoy your fishing experience this winter, wherever you may travel! You may remember him as the man behind “Yukon Goes Fishing,” but here Ivan Orsic of Trouts Fly Fishing in Denver, Colorado, dons a Santa suits and offers his five favorite flies for … As long as the Roberts Tunnel remains open, Boxwood Gulch Ranch will be open this winter! Copyrights © 2018 All Rights Reserved, FLY FISH COLORADO IN WINTER – Cold Weather Trout Tactics. Our expert staff can pair you with all the right equipment. Colorado offers ample opportunities for the wade fisherman, bring your waders, or you can opt to fish from a boat. Secret Tip: If you need a smaller profile to match the hatch, simply cut off the tail of the fly. However, as a huge fan of the secret season, I picture something entirely different: open (both as in ice-free and crowd-free) water, quiet and peaceful rivers, beautiful trout, blue skies, late starts, and the perfect cure for cabin fever. We are privately owned and operated, and strive to break down the barriers that have existed between fly … Winter fly fishing is one of the true joys of the sport that not everyone knows about. … Find deep water and fish it slowly and thoroughly. What’s In Your Colorado Winter Fly Fishing Arsenal? This combination of equipment will work for wet wading in rivers, fishing from a drift boat or raft, or fishing … Other midge imitations such as a Griffith’s Gnat will also work. Consult the fly shop nearest the water you’re fishing to get a menu of likely patterns. Within those sunny areas, fish will often hold in the slower /deeper slots to conserve energy. Ideal winter destinations are primarily river sections located directly downstream from bottom release dams (tailwaters). A great half day option(4 Hours) is wade trip on Gore Creek or the Eagle River Eagle. In this ‘secret season,’ the waters are crystal clear, the air is … The water flowing east, … Very friendly and helpful. The Best of Winter Fly-fishing in Colorado. The key to winter fishing is staying comfortable. Actually winter fly fishing in Colorado is a truly unique and serene experience. Even in the dead of winter, the Durango area offers quality fly fishing … The notion of winter fly fishing in Colorado might conjure up visions of freezing temperatures, iced-over water, ominous weather, and general misery. One of the favorite fall fly fishing destinations for anglers in central Colorado is to … 5280 Angler The water coming through the dam is typically warm enough to maintain open water upwards of 3-4 miles downstream. We also host some of the most rewarding and informative guided fishing trips in the Fraser Valley. Fly Fishing Colorado was established in 2016 to provide beginner and experienced fisher alike with the opportunity to float down the Colorado River and learn from our experienced fishing guide all about … December-February. ... Let’s take a look at the top spots for winter fly fishing in Colorado: Cheesman/Deckers: This is a … You don’t have to wait until summer to experience the best fly fishing Colorado has to offer. Before you go, you’ll need to stock up on fly fishing gear in Fraser, CO. That’s where Winter Park Flyfisher comes in. Vail and Beaver Creek fly fishing seasons are as follows with Fly Fishing Outfitters. There are some truly crazy trout fishermen in Colorado, where tire chains and four-wheel-drive vehicles are basic equipment for winter fishing. Huge Fly Fisherman In today’s Huge Fly Fisherman video, you’ll come along as I spend two days floating a western Colorado … Our expert staff members strive to ensure you have the best, most memorable Fraser river fishing experience possible. Bonded & Insured –, "A terrific day with a guide and a great fly shop. The Upper Colorado River and William’s Fork – Another fall favorite is the Colorado River near its confluence with the Williams Fork River near Parshall. Besides, Colorado’s weather can be wacky! To pinpoint the midge color/size, seine the water, or look in eddies or foam along the bank, which are collection points for hatching insects. Colorado River in December As all of our guides and several of our frequent guests know, winter is an excellent time to fly fish in Colorado! However, as … Author Phil Monahan Posted on December 28, 2020 December 28, 2020 Categories Fly Fishing Written by: Ben Sittig, a.k.a. The reality is that many rivers don’t tend to freeze in winter, and the fish are still biting. There are no crowds, as most visitors are 4,000 feet higher on the ski slopes, and spending a day in a white winter wonderland … Tail of the best fly fishing is one of the largest trout Colorado! Line, and you too might be a winter fly fishing, trout will occasionally to... 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