Fly Fishing Trip - Northern Colorado
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, and Smallmouth Bass speciesAll fly fishing equipment and gear provided onboardIntimate lake fishing experience for two guests maximum
Northern Colorado's pristine lakes offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere in the Rockies. This top-rated guided experience takes you to productive waters where rainbow trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass are just waiting to test your skills. With all equipment provided and space for just two anglers, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and an amazing one on the water. Just bring your valid Colorado fishing license and get ready to work some serious fish in stunning alpine settings.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water is calm. Northern Colorado's high-altitude lakes sit between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, creating perfect conditions for trout fishing with crystal-clear water and consistent temperatures. The intimate two-person capacity means you'll have plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, and your guide can focus on putting you on fish rather than managing a crowd. These lakes hold some serious size - lake trout pushing 20+ pounds aren't uncommon, while the rainbows and browns run thick and healthy from the abundant insect life. The scenery is world-class, but the real draw is the fishing action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Lake fishing requires different tactics than stream work, and your guide will set you up with the right approach for conditions. Stillwater fly fishing means reading the water for drop-offs, weed beds, and structure where fish hold. You'll likely start with chironomid patterns under an indicator, working depths from 10 to 25 feet where trout cruise for emerging midges. As the day warms up, switching to streamers like woolly buggers or zonkers can trigger aggressive strikes from larger fish. The provided equipment includes quality rods in 5 and 6 weights, floating and sinking lines, and a selection of proven patterns tied specifically for these waters. Your guide will handle all the rigging and teach you the retrieve techniques that make the difference between looking at fish and actually hooking them.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of these lakes, typically running 14 to 18 inches with occasional fish pushing over 20. They're active throughout the season and hit everything from small nymphs to big streamers, making them perfect for anglers of any skill level. Peak action happens during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily before and after spawn. What makes these rainbows special is their fight - the cold, oxygen-rich water keeps them strong and they'll make multiple runs that'll test your drag system.
Brown trout are the smart guys that require more finesse, but they're worth the effort. These fish average 16 to 22 inches and can top 5 pounds in the deeper lakes. They're most active during low-light periods at dawn and dusk, often holding in deeper water during midday. Browns are known for their wariness and explosive strikes - when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. Fall is prime time for browns as they become more aggressive before winter, making them a customer favorite during September and October trips.
Lake trout are the giants of these waters, with fish over 30 inches caught regularly. These deep-water predators can live for decades, growing slowly but reaching impressive sizes. They're typically found in 40+ feet of water during summer, requiring specialized techniques with sinking lines and large streamers. While they don't jump like trout, their steady, powerful runs can last several minutes. Landing a lake trout is a bucket-list experience that keeps anglers talking for years.
Smallmouth bass bring a different kind of excitement with their acrobatic fights and aggressive nature. These bronze-backed fighters average 12 to 16 inches but pack more punch per pound than any other fish in these lakes. They're structure-oriented, hanging around rocky points and weed edges where they ambush prey. Summer is peak smallmouth season when water temperatures hit their preferred range. They'll crush poppers on the surface or inhale streamers worked along the bottom - either way, you're in for a rod-bending good time.
Cutthroat trout are the native jewels of Colorado waters, distinguished by their red slash marks and stunning coloration. These fish are typically found in the higher elevation lakes and represent some of the purest strains of native trout left in the state. They're eager feeders that respond well to traditional patterns like elk hair caddis and adams dry flies. Cutthroats average 12 to 16 inches but their willingness to rise to dry flies makes them incredibly fun to target, especially during summer evening hatches when the surface comes alive with rising fish.
This renowned Northern Colorado fly fishing experience delivers consistent action in some of the most beautiful settings you'll find anywhere. With all gear provided and expert guidance included, you'll maximize your time on productive water while learning techniques that'll serve you well on future fishing adventures. The two-person limit ensures personalized attention and plenty of casting room, making this a best trip choice for serious anglers or anyone looking to step up their lake fishing game. These dates fill up fast, especially during prime season, so secure your spot and get ready for a day of world-class fishing in the Colorado Rockies.
Your fishing platform for this Northern Colorado lake adventure is a reliable 2018 Old Town kayak that's built to handle whatever the water throws at you. This stable craft cuts through the lake quietly, letting you slip into those perfect casting spots where the Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass like to hang out. The onboard GPS keeps you oriented on bigger waters, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools and structure below. With room for two anglers, you can share the experience or have plenty of space to spread out your gear. The kayak's design gives you the mobility to reach back bays and shallow areas that bigger boats can't access, putting you right where the Lake Trout cruise. Whether you're working a dry fly on the surface or dropping deep with streamers, this kayak positions you perfectly for sight fishing and precise presentations that make all the difference on these Northern Colorado waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the craftiest trout we target - smart, selective, and absolutely worth the challenge. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 14-20 inches, but the old-timers can push 25+ inches and 6+ pounds. They're homebodies, loving deep pools, undercut banks, and fallen logs where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though early mornings and late evenings produce fish all season. What draws guests to browns is their reputation as the "graduate degree" of trout fishing - they're incredibly challenging but fight like bulldogs once hooked. They're also exceptional table fare. These fish get nocturnal in summer, so low-light conditions are key. My best advice: fish streamers like woolly buggers tight to cover and be ready for subtle takes - browns don't always slam flies like rainbows do.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are one of our most beautiful native trout, easily spotted by that distinctive red slash under their jaw. Around here, they typically run 10-16 inches, though we occasionally see bigger ones in deeper lakes. These fish love cold, clean water with rocky bottoms - you'll find them holding near beaver dams, undercut banks, and fallen timber. Spring through early fall gives you the best action, especially during mayfly and caddis hatches. What makes cutthroats special is they're not as spooky as browns - they'll often take a well-presented fly even after being hooked before. They fight hard with some nice aerial displays too. Pro tip: use a gold bead prince nymph or elk hair caddis and focus on the deeper pools where streams enter lakes - that's where the big ones cruise for food.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold lakes - true trophies that can live 20+ years and reach massive sizes. We regularly see fish 24-36 inches weighing 15-25 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 40+ pounds. These char prefer the deepest, coldest water available, often suspended 40-80 feet down in summer. Right after ice-out in spring is when they move shallow and become accessible to fly fishing. They're built for the long haul - slow-growing but incredibly strong fighters that'll test your tackle. What guests love is the chance at a fish of a lifetime in pristine mountain lakes. The scenery alone is worth the trip. Lakers are also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Here's the key: use heavy sinking lines and large streamers, then fish them deep and slow. Patience pays off - these fish don't move fast, but when they grab your fly, hold on tight.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the perfect fly fishing target - aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely gorgeous with those pink stripes. Most of our rainbows run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, but the lakes hold some real chunks pushing 5+ pounds. Look for them in fast-moving water with good oxygen - riffles, runs, and deep pools with gravel bottoms. They feed actively from spring through fall, with peak action during insect hatches at dawn and dusk. What makes rainbows special is their willingness to rise to dry flies and their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're also fantastic eating with that pink flesh. These fish adapt well to different conditions, so we catch them consistently all season. Here's a local secret: during caddis hatches, try an elk hair caddis with a soft hackle dropper about 18 inches below - the combo is deadly.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are absolute fighters that'll test your drag and keep you on your toes. These bronze-backed scrappy fish average 12-18 inches in our waters, with the bigger females pushing 3-4 pounds. They love rocky structure, fallen trees, and boulder fields in 8-20 feet of water. You'll find them cruising shallow flats in spring and fall, but they head deeper when summer heat hits. Early morning and evening produce the best action, especially on cloudy days. What guests love most is their attitude - smallmouth hit hard and jump like crazy, making every hookup exciting. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to trick is using weighted streamers like woolly buggers near rocky drop-offs. Work them slow along the bottom, then strip fast to trigger that predatory response.
Denver