Three Great Fly Fishing Spots in Colorado

Darwin Horan

IntroductionDarwin Horan brings two decades of experience to the

table as owner of Ventana Capital, Inc., in Englewood, Colorado. With a strong background in home building and land development, his firm owns properties spanning the Denver Front Range from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. Outside his professional life, Darwin Horan is a devoted fly fishing enthusiast.

With many fine spots to fly fish in throughout Colorado, it can feel somewhat daunting to narrow down the list to a few "best" destinations. If you’re serious about exploring what Colorado has to offer fly fishermen, however, here are three great places that are definitely worth your time.

Fly FishingSouth Platte River

This river boasts 15 access points to the public and is brimming with bass, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and many other species of fish. The types of waters one can fish vary wonderfully as well, ranging from technical waters in Cheeseman Canyon to Dream Stream, which runs between two reservoirs and is renowned for the size of its trout.

Blue Mesa Reservoir

The Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water you will find in Colorado, and it’s also a dream for fly fisherman. Finding a casting spot won’t be a problem among the reservoir’s 96 miles of shoreline, not to mention the miles and miles of waterways which can explored by boat. Lake trout and brown trout make their home in the deeper waters, but you’ll find mostly rainbow trout here.

ConclusionGrand Mesa Lakes

This amalgamation of natural lakes and reservoirs are home to a healthy variety of trout. Most of the waters are navigable by boat if that’s your cup of tea, but some of the lakes do have rules prohibiting watercraft. Before you put in, make sure to check for posted signs. Here you’ll find rainbow trout, cutthroat and brown trout.