Just hitting you up. With your options ranging from camping for the authentic outdoor experience in the park itself, or staying in one of the multiple hotels available in and around the area too. Found inside the park are a number of different fishing ponds. But with close proximity to the town of Montrose, there is plenty of options for overnight accommodation. For fly fishermen, these fish offer excellent and unique fall fishing opportunities. Another great thing is that you can go fishing at any time of the year if you are not afraid to stay outside in the cold. As evidence? Be warned, this lake is home to a large mosquito population and I would advise bringing repellent for the trip. A key location for fishing throughout the fall, Carbondale has three access bridges to the Roaring Fork River, which is perfect for wading and for trout fishing. The deeper waters of the reservoir are where you will find your Lake and Brown’s, conversely the inlets for the rivers and streams are where you will find and abundance of Brook’s. Only lure and fly here, catch and release only for within 100 feet of the inlet. Frying Pan river has a world-renowned reputation for lure and fly fishing easily serving up 10lbs+ rainbows like throughout the day. Rules here are simple, again just a way of ensuring a fair game for everyone and keep the stock levels in place. Unfortunately a lot of the surrounding areas are privately owned; however, access to the river itself is pretty good, and there is a full 8.5 mile stretch between the basalt and the dam allowing public access for fishing. With over 6,000 miles of fish-bearing rivers and streams, 2000+ reservoirs and lakes and a multitude of Gold Medal waters (for those prize-winning catches), Colorado has it all! I had the pictures produced at Walmart, and I swear, Doug has it worn out already, showing all his buddies! The area’s waters are filled with kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, small mouth bass, German brown trout, northern pike and walleye. #default-btn-7de414be281501d8c99910b3b7a6a355 * { Over on the east side by the steep slopes, there is a great spot for jigging. Sign up to the Fishing Pioneer mailing list to be notified when awesome new content is published. This area is one of my favorite places to hunt and fish, so I enjoy the trip whether I get anything or not. What are you waiting for? For those not afraid to brave colder climates, ice fishing is extremely popular from December to late February across the whole state. Let me know when you start doing the ice fishing adventures. We also present large bombers (dry flies) in front of holding Atlantic Salmon which can often entice a strike. If you are heading more west then you can also catch Wiper Fish, Kokanee Salmon, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. We typically offer 4-6 hour trips for 3-5 people, but can customize a trip to meet your needs! As well as a two-trout bag limit. It boasts a dozen Gold Medal waters. This serene natural surrounding should ensure that the Arkansas River tops the list for any angler looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. These silver fish with black spots on the upper half of their bodies can be found swimming in compact schools feeding on zooplankton, a food source unaffected by the drawing down of reservoirs. Would recommended him anytime. This specifies the number of fish that can be legally caught and kept. At 1,210 acres, this large body of water doubles as a solid fishing spot and storage water reservoir for the surrounding areas. The upper portion is where the river winds through the high-desert county and is home to 40 miles of public fishing access for Rainbow Trout and plenty of native browns too. HUNTER.TESTIMONIALS@STATE.CO.US. Blue Mesa Reservoir is home to many species of fish and offers Wild Kokanee Salmon fishing, Lake trout fishing, ice fishing, fly fishing and trophy trout fishing. However, there are actually salmon hiding in the mountain lakes and streams of Colorado. The Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarki) deserves to be state fish, as it is the only trout that is native (indigenous) to Colorado. Therefore the point of snagging this kind of salmon, is to catch it […] Hey thanks again for the rocking fishing experience, I’m telling everybody in the Grand Valley…. Thanks for your assistance and expertise. If you don’t mind crowds and are on the lookout for larger gamefish, you would do well to visit the tailwaters below the dam. Our friendly team of guides have an abundance of experience and we are all licensed, bonded, insured, and 1st Aid/Cpr certified. Next Post Next post: Fly Fishing Leader Line Connection. We had a grand time, and naturally, when the weather and the FISH cooperate, it’s all good! With camping allowed and access to a boat ramp, Chambers Lake is perfect for anglers seeking a sense of adventure. Plus, of course, the natural beauty that can be found within Colorado’s dense pine forests, towering mountains and mile after mile of pristine waterways. Colorado Spoons for Salmon Fishing with Allan Burgess. From Kansas, Richard and I had a great day with you yesterday! Allowing you to enjoy both a fishing and skiing trip at once. Call Robby @ (719) 649-3378 or email @Robby@sportfishcolorado.com. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. This small 30 mile river has a small fishing season in the summer, but that short season is prolific for people who want to catch salmon. The peak season for fishing in Colorado, however, is summer. You are welcome to bring your own boat, but it will require inspection first to make sure there is no cross contamination into the reservoir. If you are heading more west then you can also catch Wiper Fish, Kokanee Salmon, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Some of the most notable limits include the following: The daily limit for trout, char, grayling and salmon is four fish, with a total possession limit of eight. The landlocked cousin to the sockeye salmon begins their fall journey in Blue Mesa Reservoir before running up the Gunnison River in late August. My clients are catching quantity and quality with an average of 25 to 50 fish up to 19.25” being caught a day. But, if it’s prize-winning big fish you are after, this is the place to be. Sometimes we walk to the fishing grounds and other times we will take snowmobiles out to further hot spots. North Delaney Lake can be found near Walden in the Buttes State Wildlife Area and is one of three high mountain lakes too, providing anglers with 360 degrees of jaw-dropping views. If you are seeking to bag yourself large Rainbow Trout, then the Eleven Mile Reservoir will be sure to provide you with plenty, ranging from 14 to 20 inches. He knows the area so very well and was busy making sure our experience was memorable and it was! The Upper Arkansas River is prime fly fishing territory, with the river stretching for over 102 miles with a 5,000 ft total drop across. Mysis shrimp flies are the bait of choice for the locals here. For those seeking large trout, head due west of Vail to the point where Red Sandstone Creek enters the Gore, just off exit 1-70. Surrounded by stunning forests and mountainside there are definitely worse lakes to spend your time on. Let’s “flash” forward to 2018 and think about salmon fishing. Date of experience: August 2019. Wind River in Skamania County, Washington. By Dan Thornberg. Blue Mesa is located in one of Colorado’s most beautiful national parks, located only a few hours from Denver, Colorado and … Colorado, the Rocky Mountains, and the Gunnison valley is home to many great fishing opportunities and Sport Fish Colorado is composed of very experienced Colorado fishing guides who spend hundreds of days a year on the water and know how to take advantage of these fishing opportunities. Post navigation. Colorado is home to a unique salmon species called the Kokanee. South Platte River South Platte Dream Stream Photo Credit David Knapp . If you fish for trout, you may catch up to four fish, of which only two can be longer than 16-inches. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. So when I found out he had never angled a salmon I jumped at the opportunity to help him, and his girlfriend land their first Colorado kokanee salmon. As a fishing guide on Blue Mesa over the last five years, I can attest that Blue Mesa’s salmon population appears to be making a very strong come back! Multiple species such as Browns, Cutthroats, Rainbows, Lakes, and Brooks can be found across the state. 4255 Sinton Rd. Snagging, the act of hooking a fish without bait, is legal during certain periods of the year in Colorado to help control carcass litter. Perfect for fly fishing or even wading if you want a bit of variety, just remember to pack your floats. We have even had a few 60-70 fish days! Make sure you leave us a comment below with where you have been before, where you decide to go or likewise if you have any questions before booking then we would be more than happy to help. They turn reddish in color and males develop a “hook jaw” during the fall spawning season. We don’t have a magic wand to always make the fish bite, but we do combine a wealth of knowledge, experience, and hard work with state of the art tackle, fishing equipment, and safe quality boats to put you in a position where opportunity meets preparation and results in success! our 5.0 Reviews on Trip Advisor. The South Platte River has meandering meadow sections and rough canyon water. Whether you want to take a trip down to the Gunnison area to fish the Taylor River, East River, and, of course, the Gunnison River, or you want to stay closer to Denver and fish the Dream Stream or the Blue, there are plenty of places to catch some Kokanee. Likewise, if you are heading over for the winter then Vail is a very popular ski resort, so you could kill two birds with one stone so to speak, and split your time between fishing and skiing. 6. Unfortunately, for the outdoorsmen among us, camping isn’t available at Chipeta Lake. Likewise, no swimming or any other water-body contact activities are allowed. It is successful when used to fish the fast water of the river “gut” and in deep holes up-river. Please ensure plans are made to safeguard yourself before embarking on a winter trip, as any Lake below 8,000-feet in elevation may be fully or partially frozen even outside of these dates. There are usually a lot of Chinook salmon in the water during this time, and you will find plenty of steelhead salmon, too. Sport Fish Colorado focuses on fishing for Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Trophy Lake Trout on the open lake waters of Blue Mesa, Antero, Taryall, Taylor, and McPhee reservoirs and can also accomodate trips on Spinney, 11 Mile, Pueblo, Harvey, and Rifle Gap reservoirs via our partners Fish Head Outdoors and Apex Sport Fishing! They have a similar reproductive process that … Not requiring more than a basic set up, the lake is well stocked making it perfect for beginner anglers and those more advanced looking to relax. The fish are plentiful throughout. Salmon run in Colorado Rivers and a lot of people don't even know these opportunities exist here. Randy was our amazing guide from Alpine Fishing Adventures. The pumpkinseed is typically six to eight inches in length and can typically live up to eight years of age. Bagged and labeled the fish and plan on having some Salmon this evening!Will touch base with you about another trip and may take…, Hey this scott from the milligan fish catching party. Kokanee Salmon Fishing in Colorado gearweare.net When you think of salmon fishing, you probably think of heading to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest. If heading out on the lake is more your scene, boat access is available, or you can find a shaded spot on the shore instead and pass away the day reeling in catch after catch. As you will find that when the wind dies down, they seem to appear from out of nowhere. Colorado Fisherman Forum Since 2005 A forum community dedicated to fishers, anglers, and enthusiasts in the Colorado area. The main rule to follow here is no snagging, besides that, if you’re heading out during the summer then we would highly recommend taking advantage of the boat ramp and trolling across the lake. Some of the best Colorado fishing charters near Denver, Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, Pueblo, and Breckenridge are on Lake Pueblo, Eleven Mile, Antero and Spinney Mountain Reservoirs. Native to eastern Colorado, this sunfish usually resides in heavily vegetated lakes, ponds, shallow waters, near cover such as weeds, docks, and sunken vegetation. The San Juan River is a technical river with some stretches that hold 10,000 fish per mile. We also do trips that focus on quantity for rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, kokanee salmon, crappies, walleye, and perch on the boat and through the ice! It’s incredible at Blue Mesa and Wolford but what happened to Green Mountain, Eleven Mile, Williams Fork and others? Visiting in the winter months? Whether fishermen are beginners or seasoned anglers, this area offers fishing for all experience levels. The headwaters of the Roaring Fork spring to life at Independence Pass (elevation of 12,095 feet) and, depending on time of year, either roar or gently flow towards the Colorado River. Alima. It has a crimson slash on either side of the throat, below the lower jaw. Colorado fishing reports for Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. There are a few simple rules to follow whilst in Gore Creek to help preserve the stock and make it fair game for all visitors; Don’t forget to check out nearby Eagle River while you’re in the area, it’s not too far away and really worth the trip, often times being quieter than Gore Creek. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re thinking of heading here during the winter months, Aspen isn’t too far away. Situated roughly nine miles from Gunnison, with, of course, plenty of bait shops, accommodation (including campsites) and a plethora of bars and restaurants to keep yourself fed and watered. The park is ideally situated, close to both Fort Collins and Denver, which makes getting there even easier too. Come between May and September for the pick of the fishing in local rivers and lakes. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Initially created in 1965 after the damming of the Gunnison River, the Blue Mesa Reservoir is the States second largest reservoir, providing a whopping 96 miles of shoreline. Eleven Mile is a vast 3,400-acre reservoir located close to Lake George, Fairplay, and Hartsel. Whether you fish on ice, with a rod and reel, or with a fly-fishing rod, Colorado is one of the top places in the country for anglers. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. St. Vrain may possibly be considered more suitable for a family vacation, but still equally as attractive if you’re heading out alone or with friends on a fishing vacation. Elk Creek Marina Guided Fishing Services provide fishing trips on Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the US, and for the more adventurous and very hearty there is Morrow Point Reservoir in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with Elk Creek Marina being the only motorized fishing guided outfitter on this reservoir. We went and caught some Salmon in South West Colorado. Kokanee (land-locked Pacific sockeye salmon) are suited to the large, fluctuating mountain reservoirs of Colorado. Visitors love this Westminster lake for its many trails and accessible fishing spots. As the salmon spawn in the fall, they slowly die. LC Eleven Mile Reservoir is an angler’s dream, and with its sheer size, currents and landscape, offer a perfect spot for novices and experts alike. You are allowed to boat, but no diesel, propane, gasoline, or electric motors are permitted. We strive to show you a first class experience so don’t waste money traveling out of state or trying to figure out it all out on your own in a weekend, book a guided fishing trip on your Colorado vacation today and let Sport Fish Colorado show you what Colorado fishing is all about! One of the more popular spots here is situated between the Ruedi Reservoir and the Roaring Fork, which provides not only fantastic fishing but also amazing views of the surrounding mountainside. I would like to bring up my Dad and use you you as a guide sometime. Set across 4,470 acres with over 50 miles of fishable shoreline, the man-made McPhee Reservoir is located on the Dolores River, close to the town of Dolores. That’s the Gold Medal territory. Colorado Fishing Reports | Blue Mesa Antero Spinney 11 mile and Morrow Point. These fish are so fun to catch every year during the run. Catch and release for bass 10 to 15 inches. Plus, of course, the natural beauty that can be found within Colorado’s dense pine forests, towering mountains and mile after mile of pristine waterways. During our trip to Colorado my girlfriend Tatiana and I went Ice Fishing at Dillon Reservoir. Colorado fishing charters offer some of the most exciting and explosive fishing for walleye, northern pike, big gold metal trout, and kokanee salmon that an angler can find! This was a very popular rig 30 plus years ago but is seldom seen today. } You may catch 10 Kokanee salmon daily, all year around. Best Places to Fly Fish in Colorado. Colorado fishing report for Lake Pueblo, 11 Mile Reservoir, Spinney Mt Reservoir, and Antero Reservoir. Fly Fishing the Salmon Run in Gunnison, Colorado Autumn in Gunnison, Colorado is a special time for anglers. There are plenty of bait shops close by and of course, overnight accommodation is available too. Share. Don’t Take Our Word for it, Hear from our customers or read My clients are catching quantity and quality with an average of 25 to 50 fish up to 19.25” being caught a day. If you want to catch Kokanee Salmon in Colorado, you just need to know where to look. Our passion is fishing and we want to share our love of this sport by showing you a first class Colorado Fishing Trip! Year around Colorado fishing report for walleye, pike, bass, trout, catfish, crappie, kokanee salmon, and lake trout. Blue Mesa has many great spots to fish since it has 90 miles of shoreline. Randy was our amazing guide from Alpine Fishing Adventures. Our team has a passion for fishing and we want to share our passion with you to build your confidence as an angler and increase your enjoyment of this great Colorado adventure sport! Related. These silver fish with black spots on the upper half of their bodies can be found swimming in compact schools feeding on zooplankton, a food source unaffected by the drawing down of reservoirs. Contact us now at (719) 649-3378 or by clicking the email link below! Rules for this lake are catch-and-release for browns measuring 14-inches to 20-inches and 18-inches to 22-inches for cutthroats and rainbows. Rainbows, on the other hand, seem to be caught from all areas. If you are into fishing, you'll have plenty of locations to choose from and beautiful views as a bonus. Just five miles outside the town of Granby, Lake Granby is right on the Colorado River and also right by Grand Lake.Created in 1950, when the Granby Dam was built, it is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline.. One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake Granby is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon. Most cutthroat are not found in their original range due to competition from the non-natives, over-fishing, and habitat loss. to be featured on this brochure cover or CPW's online blog! The largest Kokanee Salmon Run in the US takes place here in fall, so the fishing really is year-round! One of the most popular places to fish in Colorado is Gore Creek, unfortunately, this does mean it can receive a lot of traffic during busy periods. Check out the interview below with Matt to learn how to rig like a pro as Matt’s shows us his recipe for rigging for Colorado rivers. Sport Fish Colorado is operating under a special use permit on the Gunnison National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider. There are also a few areas designated for breeding and clearly marked as no fishing zones, as well as all of the docks and the island too. GILL LICE has destroyed some of Colorado’s best salmon fisheries. There’s no bag or possession limit on Northern pike. Chambers Lake also makes the perfect spot for ice fishing. Another Gold Medal Lake, meaning the big photo worthy and prize-winning catches are awaiting anyone willing to make the trip. If you’re wanting to go on a Colorado fishing trip, Gunnison is the prime location. GUNNISON — For many, the concept of Colorado salmon fishing remains an enigma. It’s no surprise the official state fish here is the elusive Greenback Cutthroat Trout. Atlantic Salmon Fishing is consider a gentlemen’s sport and consists of swinging unweighted flies through holding pools. This is Colorado's largest lake and can be some of the best fishing, ... My husband and I had a great time fishing for Kokanee salmon with Mark as our guide! Read more. Colorado has 13,000 km (8,000 miles) of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes. That’s a roundup of some of the best spots to fish around Boulder, Colorado. Still can’t get over the size of the browns and rainbows and fun in the Canyon! That’s basically the Golden Globes, except with gills and fins. It is helpful for anglers targeting kokanee salmon to be equipped with a fish finder so that they can adjust their fishing technique to the correct depth where the kokanee are found at that specific time. Kokanee salmon, as well as trout, live in this pristine reservoir and are actually known to be the biggest Kokanee salmon in the entire country. It’s snagging season in Colorado for kokanee salmon. Get the latest tips, reviews, and in-depth guides as well as subscriber-only content when you sign up to our monthly newsletter. During the Fall Trout fishing really hits its peak, with both the Great Blue Heron reservoir and Bald Eagle Pond both being perfect spots for trophy Bass fishing (catch and release only). Some of our most popular action packed Colorado guided fishing trips include casting and trolling for Rainbow and Brown trout, trolling for Kokanee salmon, jigging for trophy Kokanee salmon, jigging and trolling for Mackinaw Lake trout, casting and trolling for walleye, ice fishing for trophy pike, and fly fishing Colorado lakes for trout! FIND OUT MORE INFO! Send us your fishing photos and stories for a chance. Crayfish imitation bait is best used along the rocky shorelines (Plateau Creek, Beaver, and House) for Smallmouth Bass. Thanks, Mark! It's a beautiful sight. Come explore the open water with the best guides west of the Mississippi! However, they are also caught on flies and Colorado spoons like the one shown here. Anglers are only allowed to fish a single fly in a traditional manner. Access is easy via public parks, as Gore Creek runs right through the busy town of Vail. Fishing is huge in Colorado, which boasts thousands of miles of rivers and more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. We are your premier Colorado Ice Fishing Guide, providing first class guided ice fishing trips across Colorado with first class equipment to keep you warm and safe!We cater to all ages and experience levels. Towards the north side of the reservoir and close to the river and ‘Dream Stream’ area is where you should head if your aim is to catch Kokanee Salmon. Whether you’re an experienced angler who wants to dial in a certain species of fish or a novice who wants to see what Colorado lake fishing or ice fishing is all about, Sport Fish Colorado can build your confidence as an angler by taking you on a fun, affordable, first class Colorado guided fishing trip where you’ll learn something new, and catch fish!