If getting out and connecting with beautiful mother Earth is the reason you came to Colorado, then you came for the right reason! There are so many outdoor hobbies to engage yourself with in Colorado. Fly fishing is a must. Colorado is known for having some of the best fly fishing around, especially since you’re often immersed in the Rocky Mountain range around you. Spring is a great time of year to get out there and cast some flies. Take some tips and do a little research on fly fishing here so that you can dominate the water this spring!
What flies should you use? The elk hair caddis are a great pick for flying fishing during April through the end of June. Copper johns and the Pheasant tail nymph are also necessities that should be in every fly fisher’s box. Finally, the Parachute Adams is perhaps one of the best flies out there, if you’re looking for overall consistency.
Where should you go? Within the top places to fly fish in Colorado is Gunnison County. Gunnison receives thousands of new fish each year from the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery. Glenwood Springs and Carbondale are other great spots and offer a wide variety of water types. In southwest Colorado, some stretches in the San Juan River hold about 10,000 fish per mile. In the spring, fly fishers have been known to strike trout fishing gold in Lake City. South Park is known for being home to over 50 miles of gold metal water. Finally, southeast Colorado and Meeker in the northeast are home to some very successful fly fishing hot spots.
Learn the lingo. There is a variety of slang phrases that fly fishers use. Knowing these terms and phrases make your time on the water more enjoyable. Here is a list of terms to know when hitting the water: Break off, catch and release, false cast, foam is home, hatch, headwater, match the hatch, mend, pool, riffle, rising, roll cast, seam, stripping line, tailwater.
Looking for a little direction to kick off your fly fishing adventure? Fly Fishing Colorado offers a 4 hour float fishing trip that is perfect for beginners and pros alike!