Colorado Fly Fishing There are many advantages to Colorado fly fishing, but among the most obvious are the bountiful streams, rivers and reservoirs, along with the exceptional stocking program of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The fish in the Colorado waterways are closely monitored and their well-respected stocking program provides an excellent supply of fish within the state. Among the best known areas to fish in Colorado are the following reservoirs. These areas can be fished either by boat or from shore, and the many streams, rivers and other waterways surrounding these reservoirs are just as rich in Colorado fly fishing opportunities. Blue Mesa Reservoir The largest of all the Colorado waterways, this reservoir is 41,972 acres in size. Feeding into and out of this reservoir are many different streams and rivers that provide above average fly fishing opportunities. Within the Blue Mesa Reservoir there are several types of trout including rainbow, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. The Blue Mesa is also home to a kokanee salmon fishery, which is actually the largest in the United States. Elevenmile Reservoir Located to the west and north of Pike National Forest the Elevenmile Reservoir offers many varieties of trout including rainbow, brown and cutthroat. The South Platte River, which connects to Elevenmile Reservoir, offers wonderful spring and summer fly fishing opportunities in a very easily accessible yet still relatively isolated and protected area. Some of the streams along the Elevenmile reservoir offer catch and release fly fishing, so careful review of the regulations is recommended before starting out. Grand Lake While not actually a reservoir, Grand Lake is Colorado's largest natural lake. It is approximately one mile by one and a half miles in size and is over 4000 feet deep in some areas. Grand Lake connects with the Granby reservoir and several other creeks to provide over 150 miles of shoreline for fishing. Fly fishing is catch and release along the creeks and rivers of the area. There are rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout available in the various streams that run between the major lakes in the area. The lakes themselves have kokanee salmon as well as the various species of trout. Colorado fly fishing opportunities are amazing and provide a unique combination of great fishing and beautiful scenery, as well as camping and other attractions for those non-fishing times on your next vacation.
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