We’re here to let you in on a secret. If you’re a passionate fly fisherman, you’ll want to hear this. For a lot of fly aficionados out there, the fun on the water stops with the coming of cold weather. But that’s not the case in all parts of the country. When it comes to winter fly fishing escapades, one state stands out above all others – Colorado. The Centennial State is hugged by the beautiful Rockies, boasts fantastic views, four national parks, and first-class winter fly fishing.
The vast potential of Colorado’s rivers still remains mostly untapped during the coldest days of the year. Winter marks the beginning of the secret fly fishing season and these always hold a lot of promise. All you need to do to enjoy the bite is to dress warmly and be ready to hike a bit to get to your destination. Not sure where to go? Check out our list of Colorado winter fly fishing top spots.
Denver, South Platte River
Where better to start than in the capital? With one of the most productive fly fishing rivers running straight through the city, Denver is a great place to start our journey. The South Platte River is the type of watershed that keeps on giving year-round, and the winter fly fishing is simply excellent.
Your two main targets here are Carp and Trout species. The urban section of the South Platte has a lot of Carp that won’t make it easy to land them – and on the fly, that’s a thrilling experience. Trout are also popular, mainly Browns, and while there aren’t as many of them, the ones that do bite are bragworthy. We’re talking fish that can grow to be over 20 inches long, with plenty of fight in them.
In the winter, nymphing is the most productive strategy in and around Denver. The action on the water is consistent and locals make the most of it. If you’d like to explore more of South Platte’s impressive potential, the list of hotspots is long. Winter fly fishing in the canyons can be very good, especially around the Eleven Mile, Cheeseman, and Waterton Canyons.
One of the many perks of staying in Denver is the variety of things you can do when you’re not fishing. Hike around the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, check out the city’s best breweries, or simply chill in Larimer Square. Denver’s your oyster!
Kremmling, Upper Colorado River
Some hundred miles northwest from Denver, you’ll find Kremmling, nestled on the prolific waters of the Upper Colorado River. This is one of the most productive winter fly fishing spots in the state, with much less fishing pressure to boot. While it can get very cold, sections of the Colorado around Kremmling don’t freeze, so the bite is always on.
This part of the river is tamed by the canyons it runs through, and while the waters aren’t perfectly clear, big Trout love it. Rainbows and Browns of all sizes feed here, and fly fishermen get their attention by using a variety of larvae, flies, midges, and nymphs. Come to the river late in the morning, and you’ll see just how feisty the fish can get. No matter how cold it is, the battle will have your blood running.
Kremmling is sort of a winter fly fishing haven among the locals. The mouth of the Blue River is here, so you can also try your luck fly fishing on its waters. Because it’s not that close to any big city, it doesn’t get crowded even in the summer, let alone winter.
If you decide to check out this fishery, come prepared. Layers of warm, comfortable, and waterproof clothing are a must, as well as suitable fishing gear, and a hot beverage in a thermos. From Kremmling, you can go further into the wilderness, where red rock, fresh air, and evergreen trees will take away any thoughts of the city hustle and bustle.
Loveland, Big Thompson River
Another fishing hub in its own right, Loveland’s name shows how anglers feel about fishing here. With Big Thompson River at your fingertips, Estes Park only a short car ride away, and a dozen lakes to check out, this is easily one of Colorado’s best winter fly fishing spots.
Big Thompson River is the epicenter of fly fishing activities on the coldest days of the year. Here, you could hook into Rainbows, Lakers, Browns, and even Cutthroats on a good day. When you’ve got this many Trout in the same place, there’s always room for a good catch.
Go for a scenic drive along the river, and soon you’ll be in Estes Park, another angling hotspot. From here, Rocky Mountain National Park with its rich waters is close, though you’ll need special permits to fish there. Cache La Poudre River also offers a more-than-decent Trout bite, but it’s a bit of a drive to get there. You don’t even have to travel that far, as you can test the waters of Loveland’s many lakes right there in the city.
While you’re exploring different fishing grounds around Loveland, you can feast your eyes on the beauty that surrounds it. The Devil’s Backbone Open Space will provide you with one-of-a-kind views and hiking trails. At the end of the day, you can make your way to the town’s winery and breweries to stay warm after a long and satisfying day outdoors.
Top Fishing Charters in Loveland
South Fork, Rio Grande
There’s no talking about the winter fly fishing scene in Colorado without mentioning the mighty Rio Grande. Right on the threshold of the Rio Grande National Forest, the small town of South Fork offers quick access to big fish, even in the middle of winter.
It’s true that gets quite chilly around South Fork, but the bite can still be on fire. Rainbow and Brown Trout hide in the deeper sections of Rio Grande, apathetic, but still hungry. This means that fly fishermen can still tempt them with an array of midges and get a good-sized fish on. Just the possibility of landing a nice ‘Bow is enough to get anglers out of bed even when it’s freezing outside – they know that the wait will be worth it.
The Rio Grande is the biggest watershed in South Fork, but there are other fishing spots to check out too. Shaw Lake, Beaver Creek Reservoir, and Million Reservoir all have decent Trout fishing, though they might get more ice than the river. The town itself is perfect for spending days in nature and complete peace, surrounded by beauty. If you’re in need of a fly fishing getaway, South Fork might just be the place for you.
Vail, Gore Creek
If you need proof that Vail is not just about ski resorts and perfect “powder,” all you have to do is test the waters of Gore Creek. This small body of water demonstrates how the size of a stream is no indication of the size of its fish. Massive Brown, Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout live in these waters, and they all come out to play in the winter.
Gore Creek is the place to go if you’d like to land a Winter Grand Slam in a single day and reel in all four Trout species. The fact that this is a Gold Medal stream shows just how epic catches can get. The creek runs along the I-70, so it’s not hard to find, but it can be difficult to access. This doesn’t mean that you should give up, just be extra careful when finding a spot from which to cast.
You can fish Gore Creek right from Vail but for the best chance of hooking into something good, start your fishing adventure west of the town. This is where the Gold Medal section starts and where Trout are both big and numerous. If you’d like to explore other fishing spots, both Colorado and Eagle River are at your disposal.
Vail really needs no introduction, whether you’re an avid lover of winter sports or not. This is one of the top skiing places in the country, not to mention that it’s a proper winter wonderland. It can get very crowded in the winter, so be prepared for that. Don’t worry though, because as soon as you get to Gore Creek, the crowds disappear, and you can enjoy your angling successes in peace.
Silverthorne, Blue River
Another location that’s quite close to Denver (about an hour away) is Silverthorne, conveniently situated right on the Blue River. This little piece of paradise for both skiers and fly fishermen sports a strong Trout population year-round. Here you can target Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brown Trout, as well as a Cutthroat-Rainbow hybrid, Cutbow.
Come December, you’ll see more and more people coming to Silverthorne in search of pristine snow or promising fishing opportunities in said snow. Some people come to do both, which is one of the town’s advantages – fly fish in the morning, hit the slopes after lunch. The Blue River is the first to be explored, but you can also check out the Dillon Reservoir if the weather is good.
The river is clear, fast, and has plenty of deep sections where Trout spend most of their winter days. They won’t move around a lot, but all you have to do is let your offering drift to them. They won’t be able to resist a nice fly when it swims by. You can cast your lines close to town, or head further out, to the canyons, where the bite can get fast and furious.
Silverthorne is a popular winter destination and when you’re not fly fishing, there’s still a lot for you to enjoy. From snowkiting and dog sledding to ice fishing for Kokanee, Trout, and Char, the only limit is your imagination.
Gunnison, Taylor/Gunnison River
The city of Gunnison is the seat of the namesake county and has a namesake river running through it. Yes, things can get confusing, but one thing is for sure – winter fly fishing here is one for the books. While the city was once famous for discovering gold in its waters, the real treasure these days are big Trout.
There are two watersheds where you can put your fly fishing skills to good use. The Gunnison River is right in the town and can put you on the likes of Browns, Rainbows, and Kokanee. These fish respond well to midges and blue-winged olives, which are in season during the winter.
Take a drive out of city proper and you’ll soon hit Taylor River, home to big Rainbows, Cutbow, and Cutthroat. You’ll be high in the mountains where the water is fast and clear, and where wild Trout lurk in the deep pools. Tailwaters around the Taylor Park Dam are famous for their premier action in the winter, especially if using mysis shrimp. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular local fishing haunts.
Just like other spots we mentioned, Gunnison is a great destination for any type of winter escapades. Every type of skiing is popular here, be it nordic or downhill. A lot of first-comers fall in love with fat biking, which allows you to explore the mountain trails on a bike with wide tires, appropriate for riding in the snow. You won’t be bored here, that’s for sure!
Pueblo, Arkansas River
In the southern parts of the state, you’ll find Pueblo that’s a perfect mix of nature and urban design. The city was built on the Arkansas River, where very good fishing can be experienced year-round, but winter fishing is something special. Big Rainbow Trout are the stars of the show here, of both stocked and wild variety.
One of the reasons winter fly fishing is so good in and around Pueblo is that the Arkansas is regularly stocked with ‘Bows. This means that medium-sized fish are always available, which is perfect for beginner fly anglers. The section of the river right below the Pueblo Reservoir is well-known as a first-class wild Trout fishery. Even in the winter, you’ll see some fly fishermen in the area, battling Trout left and right.
If you decide to come to Pueblo, the good news is that it’s warmer compared to other spots we listed. Even better news is that if you’re looking to land some trophy Rainbows, this is the place to be. Streamers and dry flies can work just as well as nymphs in the Arkansas, so you’ve got plenty of possibilities.
The city of Pueblo boasts plenty of cultural venues and an eclectic food scene that’s worth exploring. It’s not only winter fly fishing that’s worth your attention – the city as a whole can be a nice change of pace and provides plenty of room for enjoyment.
Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado – Discover the Secret Season!
Maybe you’ve never been fishing in Colorado before. Maybe you’ve heard of the infamous “secret season” but never knew where to start. This is the year to give it a shot. Visit one (or all!) of the spots we’ve listed and trust us, you’ll be a convert. Once you’ve tried it, winter fly fishing in Colorado will become a new priority on your yearly bucket list.
Have you ever been fly fishing in the winter in Colorado? What are your experiences? Is there a hotspot we missed? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments.
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