Fishing The Colorado River

Colorado River

A lot of big fish in big water; what else could you ask for, and what more do we need to tell you about the Colorado?  One of Colorado's best rivers which offers a little something for everyone, from renowned fishing to its picturesque canyons.

Grey Reef (Wyoming)

This stretch of the North Platte River is home to some of the largest and strongest trout in the lower 48 states, and is another destination our guides (the ones who have made this river their second home) begged us to add to our destination list.  Compared to many of our other destinations, Grey Reef appears rather ordinary as it winds its way through the Wyoming meadows, but after hooking into one of these fish, the scenery fades as the fisherman engages in the fight of a lifetime.

South Platte at Spinney Mountain Ranch

Located in the majestic grasslands of South Park between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, this Gold Medal section of the South Platte River is one of Colorado's premier stretches of water. The inhabitants of this river include strong populations of Snake River cutthroats, rainbows, browns and kokanee salmon. Rainbows and browns over ten pounds are caught here on occasion. The cutthroats typically do not grow quite as large as the rainbows or the browns, but one look at the coloration of these amazing fish can leave the most seasoned angler in awe. The spawn of kokanee salmon from Eleven Mile Reservoir marks an exciting time for the fly fisherman, as the kokanee who have spent most of their time in the depths of the reservoir are now readily accessible to fly-tackle.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

This Gold Medal Reservoir is a lake fly fisherman's dream. Snake River cutthroats, rainbows and browns over 5 pounds are caught on a regular basis, and occasionally are caught tipping the scale into the double digits. Spinney is also a prime northern pike fishery, which can provide the most exciting fight a freshwater fly fisherman is likely to find. During the prime months, pike over 20 pounds are not an uncommon catch.

Eleven Mile Reservoir

This reservoir is stocked with kokanee salmon, rainbow and cutthroat trout, and has a very strong population of northern pike. Wading of the bays at Eleven Mile can produce large trout, and even larger northern pike. Before and after the northern pike spawn, some of the bays will be full of pike prowling the water in search of an easy meal. Pike over 20 pounds at these times are not uncommon, and they will give the fly fisherman a fight that can only be surpassed in saltwater.

Badger Basin State Wildlife Area

This state wildlife area is located above Spinney Mountain Reservoir, and contains cutthroats, rainbows, browns and brook trout, along with the occasional northern pike. When the spawns are on, and the crowds have gathered on the South Platte above Eleven Mile Reservoir, this can be the perfect place to beat the crowds and still get the great action for which the South Platte is known.

Knight-Imler & 63 Ranch State Wildlife Areas

Located near the town of Fairplay in the wide open expanses of Colorado's grasslands, these small sections of the South Fork of the South Platte can offer some exciting - but at times technical - small stream fishing. The resident trout of Antero Reservoir, which include browns, rainbows and cutthroats, will make their yearly migration up this section of the South Platte, and when they do the fishing can be phenomenal.

Tomahawk State Wildlife Area

Tomahawk State Wildlife area is considered by some to be one of the most enchanting small stream fishing areas in Colorado. Located near the town of Hartsel, this area provides a quintessential backdrop for Colorado small stream fishing. Tall shrubs line the banks of the meandering stream, while vibrantly colored rock outcroppings force the stream in a different directions. Rainbows, browns and cutthroat trout inhabit this section of the Middle Fork of the South Platte, and if the timing is right the fishing can be just as favorable as the scenery.

Fishing The Colorado River - We are a licensed, registered, insured and bonded Colorado fly-fishing outfitter with permits for the South Platte River, Spinney Reservoir and Eleven Mile Reservoir, with plans to expand our destinations in January of 2004 to include the Colorado River from Pumphouse (located just below Kremmling) to Dotsero.

Furthermore, we have planned expansion into the state of Wyoming, in which we will hold a permit for the renowned Grey Reef section of the North Platte.  Let us guide you for a day of unforgettable fishing and beauty in Colorado's (or Wyoming's) great outdoors.

We welcome the beginning and the experienced fisherman alike. For the beginner or the beginning couple, we offer full or half-day lessons introducing casting, knots, entomology, locating fish, fly selection and more. Call or email us and we will tailor a full or half-day lesson to fit the needs of you or your group.

We also offer professionally guided full or half-day trips throughout the year. Whether you want to get out early to catch the pre-spawn rainbows in the spring, enjoy a beautiful summer day on the lake stripping flies for pike, test your skills on the aggressive fall browns, or venture out in the winter months for the larger (monster) trout, we can customize a trip to fit your every need.

Come and join us for a taste of unforgettable fishing in the renowned beauty of Colorado’s wilderness. We can arrange everything from equipment to lodging. To discuss or schedule a trip, lesson or both, click on the Contact Us link for our contact information.

We have numerous business affiliations with hotels, motels and lodges in the areas we guide, so we can get discount rates for our clients' stay.

The Colorado River at Pumphouse is typically open from April through November.

Book Now - "What the guide charges, is what you will pay and nothing extra. No middleman fees ~ book direct or contact the guide today!"
John Openshaw ~ President, WadersOn.com

* Prices above reflect one guide for all participants.  It is recommended that there be one (1) guide for every two (2) participants.

** Prices above are based on the number of boats needed for your trip.  No more than two (2) individuals to a boat.