As we near the end of Colorado’s bigger whitewater to paddle through every year, we’re always looking for ways to still get out on the water. Fly fishing is one of our favorite fall time activities and a fantastic excuse to spend a few days angling some great spots across the state. If you’re already committing a day to cast a line in the water, you might as well take a few and make your fly fishing trip a weekend excursion. Here are the best overnight fly fishing trips to venture out on in Colorado this fall.
The North Platte
Location: Walden, Colorado
What You Can Catch: Brown or Rainbow trout
Raftable? No
Riverside Camping? Yes
Fishing on the North Platte River
The North Platte River is the most popular upstream when you cross over into the state of Wyoming, but don’t overlook the Northgate Canyon section near Walden, Colorado. The water is not super easy to access from the road, so be sure to pack some food and bring your waders. However, heading a few miles north of the Colorado border will give you river access in close proximity to your vehicle. As we all know, good fishing comes with a good abundance of bugs as well, so packing insect repellant and protection is essential.
Camping Near the North Platte River
You could check out North Sand Hills Recreation Management Area, otherwise known as Sage Campground, in Cowdrey, Colorado. You’d be in close proximity to the river and be able to spread out a bit on BLM land.
The Animas River
Location: Durango, Colorado
What You Can Catch: Brown or Rainbow trout
Raftable? No
Riverside camping? Yes
Fishing on The Animas River
If you find yourself in the Southwest corner of the state this fall, the Animas River near Durango, Colorado offers plenty of fishing bounty throughout the season. Though it’s too low to be rafted at this point of the year, you can walk and wade miles of this river and get plenty of bites on your line. For a better bet at catching a trout, keep your eye on the 10 to 15 inch range. September and October are considered to be the best time to fish the Animas, according to expert anglers in the area.
Camping Near the Animas River
Word on the street is Barnes Mountain Boondock just north of Durango, Colorado has some great dispersed camping. If you’re looking for something right next to the river and a little more accommodating, check out United Campgrounds of Durango along the Animas or Junction Creek Campground along Junction Creek which eventually runs into the Animas River.
The Colorado River
Grizzly Creek Area
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
What You Can Catch: Brown or Rainbow trout
Raftable? Yes
Riverside camping? Yes
Pumphouse / Radium Area
Location: Kremmling, Colorado
What You Can Catch: Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout
Raftable? Yes
Riverside camping? Yes
Fishing on the Colorado River
The Colorado River is very accommodating to all sorts of fisherman. Whether you’re wanting to walk and wade or hope on a framed raft for the day, either works great to fish on this stretch of water.
Fishing Near Pumphouse and Radium on the Colorado River
You can fish with nymph rigs or dry flies this fall. Though you don’t have much time left to do so, you might be able to use a hopper if you’re fishing the Colorado in the morning. The clarity of water usually stays pretty good between Pumphouse and Radium, and rafting subsides a good bit after Labor Day weekend so you’ll hopefully have some space to spread out as well.
Fishing Near Grizzly Creek on the Colorado River
If you’re on the hunt to catch some cutthroat trout, this section of the Colorado River has a few great tributaries where you can find them. Check out both Grizzly Creek and No Name Creek areas that run into the Colorado. Raft from the Grizzly Creek launch to Two Rivers park, or pack your walk and wade gear for miles of river access along the recreation path through Glenwood Canyon.
Camping Near the Colorado River
When you’re on the section of the Colorado River up near Kremmling, you have plenty of options. Pay a small fee at Radium or Rancho del Rio and set your site up there, or pull the raft over at one of the many riverside campsites along the way. Down near Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Canyon Resorts has some great RV or tent spots riverside. Ami’s Acres is just south of town and though there aren’t riverside spots, you would get a good view of the water though.
An option if you’re just looking to forget about all the details is to book a guided trip with Fly Fishing Colorado. Between our 2 Hour Walk and Wade and the 4 Hour Float Trip, heading out on the river with our knowledgeable guides and only having to worry about bringing yourself and a fishing license makes your adventure this fall a breeze.
Call Fly Fishing Colorado today to book a guided fishing trip on the Upper Colorado River!
(970) 423-7036
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
EMAIL
