My dad and I are planning to go to Colorodo this summer to visit some relatives in Vail and Colorado Springs. My question to those who have fished around or live around those areas is when are the best/worst times to go with fly-fishing in mind. Our schedule is pretty flexible so just looking for some good advice. I saw the other Colorado Springs post and will give that fly shop mentioned there a call as well.
Also do you have any favortie rivers around there to fish?
Any time after July 4 would be preferable. That way, you SHOULD miss most of the runoff. We have a MUCH heavier than normal snowpack this year, so that date is a MAJOR SWAG. If we get a warmer-earlier spring, that date will move up. If it’s a late spring, it will move back.
When do you have to make a decision?
If you come later in July, you could catch the green drakes and caddis on the Roaring Fork, Colorado and the Frying Pan.
The Blue is always good that time of year. The Arkansas will be high, but MAY be fishable.
So, if you want to fish tailwaters, anytime is good. If you want to fish the “real” rivers, you have to play the runoff game.
As time gets closer, I can give you pretty current conditions from that area. I have a friend that guides in Vail, so I can check in with him.
Near Colorado Springs, you have the South Platte that is controlled by several dams, so it is always good except in full moon phases.
Ken
“The memory of a fisherman is more like fiction than journalism, that is, it doesn’t ignore the facts, but it is not entirely bound by them, either.”
As you may have heard, Colorado is experiencing one of the best snow years in a long time which means that run-off will last well into July and possibly to August on most of our rivers. That being said, you still have lots of choices for some great fly fishing around both Vail and Colorado Springs.
When you leave Vail for Colorado Springs your best route will be highway 24 up through Leadville. Once past Leadville you are on the headwaters of the Arkansas River, the longest freestone river in Colorado. The river may be high and slightly off color due to the run-off, but will still be very fishable. Contact Ark Anglers in Salida; [url=http://www.arkanglers.com/Default.asp:582b0]http://www.arkanglers.com/Default.asp[/url:582b0] or Royal Gorge Angler in Canon City: [url=http://www.royalgorgeanglers.com/:582b0]http://www.royalgorgeanglers.com/[/url:582b0] . Both of theses shops, along with Anglers Covey in Colorado Springs, can also give you information on fishing the South Platt. With run-off concerns, the Platt between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoir (known as the Dream Stream), and the canyon below Eleven Mile Reservoir are both great options.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir is also an option where you can hook into lots of 20?+ Rainbows.
For the Vail Valley, the Blue River, the Frying Pan, and the Arkansas, a 9? 5 wt. will probably do just fine. For the Dream Stream and Spinney, think 6 weights, the wind does blow up there.
As you can see, you?ve got lots of choices so do some research, contact the shops and come out to Colorado and have some FUN.
Wow! Thanks for the great info guys! This really does help. We really had no specific time frame in mind so sounds like we will wait and go in late july/early august from your advice. Plane tickets tend to go up the closer you get to the date so we wanted to purchase those fairly soon to get a good deal.
Thanks again! I really appreciate the help.
Ken: check your email you should have a note from me.
You’ve already received some great advice. Not sure if your budget might allow it, but you should consider taking a guided trip down the Arkansas or Eagle. I’d personally select the Arkansas, since it is still my favorite river in Colorado.
I would also spend some time exploring the upper South Platte in South Park. A number of quality access sites exist in that region and the surroundings are incredible.
If you want to fish for some big, big fish, go to the Taylor tailwater. Get up there around 4 or so in the morning and pick your spot!
