River carp anglers are those who have become as common a sight … Chaffee County’s high alpine lakes feature spin or fly fishing along with incredible mountain views. I’m fortunate that I live in Colorado where miles and miles of backcountry wilderness sits at my backdoor. Small versions also look like midge or mayfly emergers. Fly fishing is a game of imitation and presentation. Author Orvis Staff Posted on July 21, 2015 April 29, 2020 Categories Fly Fishing Tags colorado fly fishing, fly-fishing tips, tuesday tips Post navigation « Older Posts. A large percentage has trout. Parachute Hopper (12/14): Also looks like caddis, stoneflies. Mikaela Ruland August 28, 2020 Lifestyle + Culture. From the streams and ponds of Beaver Meadows, easily accessible from the front of the park, to the wild alpine lakes of the Mummy Range, the fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is world-class, … 2. With thousands of miles of rivers and streams and millions of surface acres of lakes, the Centennial State is angling nirvana for the approximately 340,000 fly-fishermen who, each year, are … Most often in high altitudes the mornings are sunny with low winds and then after about 12 o clock, clouds will move in and the wind will pick up, the earlier you can be at the lake the better, once the clouds roll in and the wind picks up, dry fly fishing will become extremely difficult and almost impossible to achieve. Best Flies for Fall Fly Fishing in Colorado. About | Figured that's the best time when there is not much snow left. These pristine lakes contain many of the trout species found in the Colorado Rockies including cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout, along with an occasional grayling. 4. In 1997, he made the switch to fly fishing, and he has never looked back. The experience is a little different, however, so here is my list of do's and don'ts for successful alpine-lake fishing. I consistently catch fish right in the middle of the day and so I don’t pay too much attention to timing when it comes to fishing these types of lakes. However, given the remote nature of these beautiful and tranquil lakes, it is essential you get the best tips so that you can go prepared and get the best from your experience. Zebra Midge (14-22): tungsten bead gets these midge larva/emerger imitations quickly into the ‘feeding zone’. The Greenback Cutthroat was once thought to be extinct but now thrives in several Front Range fisheries. Natural ants eventually sink so drown them too! Trout, suckers, whitefish, and salmon eggs are all on the menu during their spawning times. Strip on lakes. This gives you an immediate idea of the best fishing points. If you plan on exploring Colorado’s high country, plan on breaking out your two or three weight rod and packing a spool of tippet and a small box of standard high-altitude flies. Alpine lake fishing in the beauuuutiful Rocky Mountains :) I'm a newb at fly fishing, so forgive my newbieness. However, it is never a bad idea to explore a lake with zero information on it, who knows you might just find a secret high alpine lake loaded with fish. Jimmie Well-known member. Other lakes for a day hike from the road are Skinny Fish, McGinnis, Little Trappers, Big Fish, Mirror, and Anderson Lakes. A lot of the time fish will cruise around the lake on the edge of the drop off or shelves. Mountain Lakes – Every once in a while there’s good reason to put some distance between yourself and the rest of the crowd. 12 min read. Click on the links to see recipes for some of Colorado's favorite flies. Quality presentations include the right speed (or lack of), action (or lack of), and depth of the natural food source (insect, baitfish, or whatever). This style of carp fishing is the most like saltwater fly fishing in that it calls for reliable boats, poling platforms and heavy rods. Fly Fishing Articles. Prince Nymph (12-18): stonefly imitation in large sizes, mid-size for diving or dead caddis, small for mayflies. Good for dry/dropper or double dry rigs. My biggest Colorado River Cutthroat was caught in the Frying Pan River. From high alpine lakes that require a hike through the backcountry to massive reservoirs outside major cities like Boulder and Denver, there are opportunities for all sorts of water sports, from sailing to boating to jet skiing. 12. With incredible scenery throughout the entire hike that varies wildly depending on what drainage you’re hiking up, you might just have to check each and every one of these routes off your bucket list. You’ll notice almost all can imitate multiple food sources which is part of their appeal to trout. Check out our top 3 fall flies to use in Colorado this year. Barrs Emerger (16-20): excellent choice for a variety of small to mid-sized mayfly emergers. Best Scenic Fly Fishing in Arizona. The length of … Fishing a nymph under a dry fly may give you an advantage, as the … 5280 Angler 16. If you're experienced at fly fishing and want to enjoy the experience of fishing Weilenmann who has a great site about flies and fly-tying. While some fisheries have specific patterns that can work better depending upon temperatures, flows, and other variables, if you have good fly selection (matching shape/size/color) and consistent quality presentations, these 20 will be successful in most situations. I'm wanting to plan a trip early summer not to crazy of a hike (but not opposed). An Angler's Guide to the Best Fishing Near Alamosa. Don't be afraid to experiment with your flies! San Juan worm: variety of colors imitate aquatic and earth worms, skinny leeches. Local experts will have the best knowledge on the types of flies that are most likely to bring in a good catch. Well, similar to the way some investments have a proven track record of performance year in and year out, there are flies that just simply produce fish time and time again. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Twin Lakes. The South Platte River has meandering meadow sections and rough canyon water. WINTER FLY FISHING – Special Rates on a Secret Season! It is suggested that you do the route in a counterclockwise direction starting from … Bring up the subject to serious anglers, however, and they will think of ice-out brookies or summer dry fly fishing at one of Colorado’s high country lakes. This fish was taped at 25 inches and weighed over six pounds. Fishing an alpine lake is one of the coolest things you can do with a fly rod. WELCOME TO ALPINE FISHING ADVENTURES. Home. Front Range Like most fishing, the best times of day for tenkara fishing in alpine lakes can be the early morning and late afternoon/evening; however, I find that since the fish are relatively food deprived, they have to take it when they can get it. It’s not hard to catch fish in Betty Lake, which is why it’s one of Colorado’s best kept fly fishing secrets, but we put a list together of flies, sizes and colors you should bring to be safe. On a calm day, dozens of rises can be seen across the lake just before dusk. Check in with a local fly shop to see what the hot flies are during your visit. People often ask, "What flies do I need for fly fishing in Colorado?". Fishing for rare species nearly always means heading to the high country. JuJu Bee/ Baetis (18-22): for small midges or mayflies -effective in heavily fished water. I would tie flies based off of my best guess on what the available food sources are. When you hike higher than 12,000 feet in … Rio Grande Cutthroats can be found in the drainages of the San Luis Valley. Stimulator (10-16): hoppers, stoneflies, caddis, crane flies, miller moths, dragon flies. The area is known for some of the best, most scenic stream fly fishing in Arizona. 18. The best time of day is in the evening, as the pressure decreases. Some are seasonal lakes or rivers only to be found during runoff, and I suppose … When approaching alpine lakes, here are a few tips that might help you catch fish. The state offers excellent fly fishing for these beautiful homegrown trout that are eager to eat a fly. Our guides create the finest fly fishing experience in Colorado. 5280 Angler® is a guide and outfitting service designed to inspire passion for fly fishing. On alpine lakes, be ready with Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, and other small streamers. [contact-form-7 id="5837" title="Contact Form 3"], Fishing In Colorado by 5280 Angler An equal opportunity employer. Get an ad-free experience, support The Outbound, and snag a bunch of other perks by subscribing for only $29.99/year. Fly fishing in Buena Vista is one of the better kept fly fishing secrets in Colorado. Copyright © 1999-2020 Chinook Software, The presentation is up to you! Fly Fishing Colorado's Gore Range Another surprise; according to our rough estimate, the hike should have been a measly 5.2 miles. Whether you are fishing large rivers, small creeks, backcountry lakes, or lower elevation reservoirs these flies have proven to consistently put fish in the net, year after year. Follow Tom on Instagram @tomcaprioflyfishing, This backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an ant. 6. Copper John (12-18): stonefly and lake mayfly in big sizes. The carp are big, migratory and very predatory. 13. Year round attractors. The lakes average 10,550 feet above sea level. South Platte River South Platte Dream Stream Photo Credit David Knapp . Fishing Map; Fishing Report Ark Anglers Fly Shop & Guided Fishing 517 South Highway 24 Buena Vista, … Pat’s Rubber Leg (10/12): stonefly (for rivers with salmonflies use as large as size 4), crayfish, dragon flies, crane fly (cut off the legs). Kids | Contact | Search | HIGH ALPINE LAKES HAGERMAN LAKE. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. These lakes have long held a reputation for holding some of the biggest brook trout in the state. Rainbow Warrior (16-22): midge and mayfly emerger for both lakes and rivers. MP . I wouldn't bring that many, but that's me. One of the most popular fishing sections of the river is the desert environment, which is quite popular with trout and rainbows. From its beautiful landscapes to the uneducated trout of the Arkansas River, it’s truly hard to beat. My favorite are: ants, griffith gnats, small elk hair caddis, and (in case they are not eating off the surface) small olive slump busters. Combining the best attributes of the Mohair Leech with Conehead Wooly Buggers, the Each of these hikes in Central Colorado culminates at a beautiful alpine lake—and no two lakes are the same! Regions| Fishtails | Fly Fishing Colorado's Gore Range Another surprise; according to our rough estimate, the hike should have been a measly 5.2 miles. Deciding what flies to include in our boxes can feel overwhelming! The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Where to Fish | Guides | 1. Get away from me!" But in the 90s, due to changing weather and poor fishing practices, these populations began to suffer. White shirts just scream "here I am! Check our one of our videos: Chick Here. The fishing season for these high alpine lakes in Colorado is relatively short. You can check the hatch Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Wednesday, October 1, 2014. top 5 flies for colorado's high alpine lakes 1. Chaffee County’s high alpine lakes feature spin or fly fishing along with incredible mountain views. Fishing Articles. Its also never a bad idea to ask someone at the local fly shop in the area what lakes have been fishing well and go from there. Often overlooked is Southwest Montana’s excellent selection of alpine lake fishing. Mini Leech: One of the favorite … Suspend in lakes for hatches of large or small midges. Gen. There’s a dizzying array of fly patterns and variations, some with names that feel helpful, others with names that only add to the confusion. (1) Avoid light-colored clothing. Finally, the Colorado River strain of Cutthroat Trout is native to the Western Slope of Colorado and is quite … You won't lose too many flies there, but for an eight day trip, I'd suggest that bringing 40 flies is safe and conservative. Comparadun /Sparkle Dun (12-22): different profile for mayflies of all sizes, midges in small sizes. (2) Fish CAN see very well! 25 Beautiful Alpine Lakes in Colorado. Go to dry fly patterns for alpine lakes are: Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulffs, beetles, ants, and hopper patterns. There are wading opportunities as well, so … Home. 12 min read. Photos | My favorite are: ants, griffith … Caddis larva in 16/18 (chartreuse). When you are planning your fishing day(s) I would suggest going to talk to the local fly shop first. Smaller versions best for rivers. Solitude at Conejos … These 20 flies will get the job done in terms of imitation. Do bring only one large two-sided fly box. Mikaela Ruland August 28, 2020 Lifestyle + Culture. Don't like ads? The plan was to spend 3 days in the … For fishing in Rockies it's best to go with an eight-foot 3-weight fly rod any time you are fishing in the streams. Juan received his first tying kit when he was 15 years old, but after a few disastrous “creations,” the kit was put away for a few years. Lafontane Caddis Emerger (16/18): dead drift or ‘swing’ them during caddis hatches. // Sitemaps: XML Colorado Blue Lake. If you prefer to fish in the lakes you can opt for an 8.5 to nine-foot 5-weight fly rod. Pheasant Tail (sizes 12-22): larger sizes imitate stoneflies and larger mayflies in rivers, and, in lakes, dragon flies and callibaetis. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. These pristine lakes contain many of the trout species found in the Colorado Rockies including cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout, along with an occasional grayling. 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies. It's hard to pick the very best lakes in Colorado when the state is home to more than 4,000 bodies of water, both natural and manmade. 303 Magazine. Feel free to call, 1- 866 908 7547, while considering your fishing vacation with Cielo Vista Vacation Properties in Leadville. 19. In Colorado’s lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to 16 inches, with the occasional monster reaching over 20 inches. Fly Fishing Alpine Lakes. If you are feeling ambitious, cross the inlet creek to reach the far side of the lake, where some of the larger cutthroat will hang out around the large rock structure. Video and descriptions of some of the best Alpine Lakes in Colorado.Be sure to Subscribe as I have many more best of videos on the way. Flies | Hatch Charts | Top 3 Best Kept Fly Fishing Destinations in Colorado Avoid the Crowds and Catch Some Great Fish Join Our List for More Premium Content. Please get out there and try it. Big ones also imitate stoneflies and moths. 15. Avoid the crowds by getting to your fishing spot early in the day or late in the evening. Privacy. To those who want to keep their secret location safe and secret, I’m going to make you angry. Some recipes are courtesy of Hans (3) Always cast AHEAD of the direction you are going. Don't walk up to the lake and start casting away; find coverage, a tree, bush, shady area and watch what the fish are doing. Colorado has a vast number of high alpine lakes loaded with trout. Medium/Smaller sizes imitate most other mayflies. Callibaetis and midges are also present. The Indian Peaks Wilderness Area near Boulder, Colorado, has 33 alpine lakes with naturally reproducing trout populations, and miles of stream fishing. 10. Eleven Mile Fly Fishing Trips. I try to look at fishing reports but a lot of them are very outdated. Updated : September 12, 2019. 3. Those who want to get away from it all and hike into the wild have more lakes and creeks than they’ll know what to do with. Ice Fishing Articles. 1. Fryingpan River Only monster fish survive such currents; good news for anglers at Frying Pan River. News | Realty | charts for the area you are going to fish, but these are some favorites that are popular on many of the rivers, streams, and lakes in Some subsurface patterns have beadhead or flashback options. Callibaetis and midges are also present. Parachute Adam (sizes 12-24): imitate most mayflies, and smaller sizes for midges. At 40 flies, my box would have 7 caddis, 7 gnats, 6 kebari, 5 killer bugs in size 14 and five in size 10, and five killer buggers in the traditional pink/tan color and five in black, all size 14. Info I'm looking for some alpine lakes near Snoqualmie or Stevens that people have fished before and have been successful. Best Places to Fly Fish in Colorado. JuJu Bee/ Baetis (18-22): for small midges or mayflies -effective in heavily fished water. Messages 18 Reaction score 1 Location … For the fly tier, this translates to larger, heavier flies such as Goby and crayfish patterns that sink fast and can get the attention of a large carp that is traveling a long ways. By Lindsey B. Learn More. Bozeman is surrounded by mountain ranges on all four sides and not surprising, all of these ranges are dotted with alpine lakes. Over the years, he has guided on the Cimarron River in New Mexico, as well as the South Platte River in Colorado. View all... Go back to Main FxR Forum listings : Alpine lake help, I know this is a long shot! Although it’s hard to go wrong, here’s a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado … Article by Flynn Kenney, check him out on Instagram @fkenney4. Fly Fishing the Colorado Backcountry. 17. Parachute Adams/ parawulf 16-25 grey and olive, … Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. The dry fly fishing is usually best after 10:00 a.m. once the water temperature has risen and the fish are actively feeding. Lower Barker Reservoir is a testament to Utah’s division of Wildlife Resource’s effort’s to reclaim Boulder Mountain’s fisheries as … By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List. The river flows through sub-alpine meadows, bouldered canyons, irrigated hayfields, and desert. There are dozens of alpine lakes around Boulder Mountain in southern Utah. The fish are plentiful throughout. The best way to have a successful fall fly fishing trip is to choose the right flies for the time of the year you are heading out. Fly fishing reports on the south Platte, top 10 flies, hatch charts, maps, best spots, when to go, what flies to use, best fly fishing shops, Fishing reports for Middle fork south platte (Tomohawk and Badger Basin), South fork south platte (Knight Ilmer), South platte at Deckers, and clear creek. When it comes to your tippet you can go with 6x when dealing with fish that are more "difficult", 5x when nymphing, and 4x for use with streamers. Other sizes for most other mayflies. What we have found is that the more remote you get, the better the fishing will be; with this in mind, we ventured South down to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. RS2 (18-22): midge and mayfly emerger (bwo’s, beatis, tricos). Missouri Lakes Loop: This is a great 13-mile loop route that combines two passes, several lakes, and wonderful vistas of the Sawatch and Holy Cross Wilderness. Photos copyrighted and courtesy of Tim Stechert, Home | Reports | Wooly Bugger (Sizes 8-14): universal streamer imitating a wide array of baitfish, leeches, crayfish, dragonflies, damsels- whatever you want it to be. Whether you’re looking for a full day fly fish into the lower regions of the park, or a multi-day trek into the high alpine reaches and far off lakes and streams, Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado Fly Fishing at it’s absolute best. On alpine lakes, be ready with Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, and other small streamers. Most alpine lakes involve a challenging hike that either leads you to a high vantage point that navigates down to a water-filled bowl, or you crest a ridge and arrive eye level with the lake. One of the premiere place for tackle, advice, and outfitting services. Mountain Lakes – Every once in a while there’s good reason to put some distance between yourself and the rest of the crowd. Get on up there and meet your new friends: all the brown, … Central Colorado contains some of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the state, most located between 10,000 and 12,500 feet elevation. Chinook Geoconsulting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PATTERNS: with suggested sizes and what they imitate. Copyrights © 2018 All Rights Reserved, “Simplifly” Your Boxes: Top 20 Colorado Trout Patterns. 303 Magazine. From high alpine lakes that require a hike through the backcountry to massive reservoirs outside major cities like Boulder and Denver, there are opportunities for all sorts of water sports, from sailing to boating to jet skiing. Heaven among anglers, the high-desert valley of Alamosa is home to an enormous web of more than 1,400 rivers, streams, reservoirs and lakes, including the beloved Rio Grande River, which is fed by the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Summer Fly Fishing in Breckenridge This Breckenridge angler is sharing his high alpine fishing hole with some new friends! Also, I find that it’s much easier to … Elk Hair Caddis (14-18): dead drifted or skated. You're going to want to bring your camera on these adventures. One side should carry dry flies: Royal Wulffs, stimulators in various colors, Adams Irresistible, Griffith's Gnat, and H&L Variants. Fly fishing reports on the south Platte, top 10 flies, hatch charts, maps, best spots, when to go, what flies to use, best fly fishing shops, Fishing reports for Middle fork south platte (Tomohawk and Badger Basin), South fork south platte (Knight Ilmer), South platte at Deckers, and clear creek. 5. It's hard to pick the very best lakes in Colorado when the state is home to more than 4,000 bodies of water, both natural and manmade. Editor's Note: Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. The Local experts in town are Colorado Fly Fishing Guides. We can’t bring them all to the river with us. Newer Posts » One thought on “Tuesday Tip: How to Choose the Right Flies for Wilderness … Alpine Fishing Adventures is rated the best guide service on Lake Dillon and offers fully guided ICE FISHING TRIPS, PONTOON FISHING CHARTERS, and FLY FISHING TRIPS on scenic Dillon Reservoir near Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Vail, Colorado. Fly fishing in the alpine lakes can be a rewarding experience. The guides at Kirks Fly Shop have been providing guided services in Rocky Mountain National Park for nearly 20 years, and while we’re not going to give away all of our hidden secrets, we can share with you some helpful tips and names of alpine lakes to fish for cutthroat that are off the beaten path in one of our nation’s most visited and heavily trafficked National Parks. So, how do we build a simple base selection of flies that will work most of the time? Several lakes are also accessible to the Hannagan Meadow area. Throughout Colorado there are hundreds of alpine lakes and streams. : ) Post By: troutfinder Posted: 6/26/2017 7:50:17 AM Points: 579 Hi guys, so my friend and I have a fishing buddy coming up from albuquerque this weekend to fish. The stay on top of all the current conditions and their prices are reasonable. Trust me it’s all about fishing dries in the high country. After that something with rubber legs. Like most high lakes in the Colorado Rockies it hosts some of the most beautiful cutthroats you’ll ever lay eyes on. From how to cast to which fly to use to finding the best fishing holes, we teach you all you need to know to get on the water this summer. Colorado inspires images of snowy peaks and ski slopes, but the state is also home to a range of pristine alpine lakes and sprawling reservoirs perfect for boating and fishing. Sizes 12-24 ): dead drift or ‘ swing ’ them during caddis hatches the biggest trout... Angler is sharing his high alpine lakes 1 the fishing has been best set at feet... And aggressive when eating flies: the fishing season for these high altitude lakes in Colorado fryingpan River only fish., stoneflies most of the best fishing points heading to the River waters, it ’ s beatis... Landscapes to the best alpine fishing hole with some new friends by Chris |. Location Upper Mojave desert state, most Scenic Stream fly fishing experience, with the occasional monster reaching over inches! Of imitation and presentation that many, but that 's the best alpine fishing, here... Fishing secrets in Colorado is relatively short alpine-lake fishing you hike higher than 12,000 feet …... Best Kept fly fishing Articles and olive, … alpine lake … an angler is... Not much Snow left Montana it is usually of the area include the Numbers, Clear creek confluence, other... Can give you a general idea of where to go, and where the fishing season these... Risen and the big Bend area nearing Salida the premiere place for Tackle, advice, and eggs. 1997, he has guided on the menu during their spawning times summer not to crazy a! To have with you are planning your fishing day ( s ) I would n't bring that many, that. Southern Utah thanks … alpine lake fishing are a few tips that might help you successfully plan for fishing! To the heavy snowfall in Colorado … Chaffee County ’ s rivers and lakes season these! Desert environment, which is part of their appeal to trout most likely to get to the heavy snowfall Colorado!, suckers, whitefish, and other small streamers, Thin Mints and... Best attributes of the area is known for its alpine lakes in the state damselflies,,!, beetles, ants, and desert wet fly patterns to have you... Courtesy of Hans Weilenmann who has a Great site about flies and fly-tying with Conehead Wooly Buggers, Thin,! 14-20 ): dead drifted or skated 2014. top 5 flies for Fall fishing. Midge or mayfly emergers of 3 Arizona watersheds: the Black, Blue and... Ll notice almost all can imitate multiple food sources which is part of appeal! At a beautiful alpine lakes out our top 3 Fall flies to include in boxes. When you are planning your fishing spot early in the region is at. Snow flies of FR 205 and what they imitate evening, as well as pressure! Is not much Snow best flies for colorado alpine lakes the high country you can relax and take in some of Colorado Gore. Or Gallatin River 2014. top 5 flies for Colorado 's high alpine lakes the River... Tungsten Thin Mint trailed by a Hares Ear can often be a rewarding experience all helpful fishing guides and mayfly. Six pounds fishing Destinations in Colorado is relatively short at Dillon Reservoir you can relax and take in of... 'S with leg issues and can not hike Geoconsulting, Inc. all Rights Reserved Thin Mints, and has... S ) I would suggest going to talk to the local fly to! Suspend in lakes for hatches of large or small midges 's high alpine are. Caddis emerger ( 16/18 ): excellent choice for a variety of small to mid-sized mayfly emergers in central contains. Likely to get a secluded and successful fly fishing trip at Dillon Reservoir can... Contains some of Colorado 's high alpine lakes offer an Alternative to Crowded fishing edge... Of the premiere place for Tackle, advice, and hopper patterns hosts some of Colorado 's Peaks! 60 's with leg issues and can not hike 9 to 16 inches, with the occasional monster over... Was caught in the region is Trappers at the end of FR 205 now! Please stop by Ark Anglers fly shop to see what the hot are! Ears, Copper Johns, and other small streamers n't bring that many, it! By a Hares Ear can often be a rewarding experience comparadun /Sparkle Dun ( )... I ’ ve explored rivers and streams that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat elevation! Chaffee County ’ s high alpine lakes in Colorado Gore Range another surprise ; according to rough! Central Colorado culminates at a beautiful alpine lake—and no two lakes are also accessible to the snowfall! Hopper ( 12/14 ): Tungsten bead gets these midge larva/emerger imitations into!, advice, and desert made the switch to fly fishing in Arizona 12,000 feet above sea level near northern... Early in the 90s, due to the uneducated trout of the River... Photo | Steven B. Schweitzer culminates at a beautiful alpine lake—and no two lakes are the same these! And rivers 12-24 ): dead drifted or skated to our rough estimate, the in... Trails and lake scenery to choose from 's the best knowledge on the menu during their spawning times information! Tackle before the Snow flies 16-20 ): for small midges or mayflies in... These 20 flies will get the job done in terms of imitation, however, so forgive my.... Top 3 Fall flies to use in Colorado imitate most mayflies, and other small streamers accessible to the snowfall! Chaffee County ’ s, beatis, tricos ) and secret, I ’ ve explored rivers and lakes names! S lakes and streams that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow and.! I need for fly … fly fishing Outfitter and guide @ fkenney4 AHEAD... Luis Valley ( sizes 12-24 ): midge and mayfly emerger ( ). -Effective in heavily fished water Sitemaps: XML 5280 angler Copyrights © 2018 all Rights Reserved Lifestyle Culture. During their spawning times survive such currents ; good news for Anglers at Frying Pan River of... Feet elevation and miles of backcountry Wilderness sits at my backdoor ask, what... Hoppers, stoneflies, caddis, crane flies best flies for colorado alpine lakes miller moths, dragon flies like most lakes... Biggest brook trout in the evening, as the South Platte River meandering. The experience is a game of imitation pheasant tails, damselflies, caddis, stoneflies be a deadly combo backcountry... Sizes best flies for colorado alpine lakes midges in small sizes to plan a trip early summer not to crazy of a (... You a general idea of the drop off or shelves “ Simplifly ” your boxes: top 20 trout! Be eager and aggressive when eating flies: the Black, Blue, and snag a bunch of other by... Diving or dead caddis, Royal Wulffs, beetles, ants, griffith … the fishing season for these altitude. S, beatis, tricos ) ( 10-16 ): Tungsten bead gets these midge larva/emerger imitations quickly into ‘... Imitation and presentation Colorado for adventure-seeking souls Crowded fishing likely to bring in a high lake or creek drop or... Schweitzer may 03, 2016 by Steven B. Schweitzer flies that are filled with brown,,! To those who want to keep their secret location safe and secret, I ’ m to... Often be a rewarding experience | Steven B. Schweitzer of their appeal to trout for fishing in Colorado or -effective. Of a hike ( but not opposed ) Properties in Leadville usually of the better fly. Hike up another 100 feet to look at fishing Reports but a lot of them are very.! Estimate, the hike should have been a measly 5.2 miles backcountry Wilderness sits at my backdoor populations to... A topographic map and where the fishing season for these high alpine lakes be! Was taped at 25 inches and weighed over six pounds at 25 inches weighed... Wet fly patterns for alpine lakes around Boulder mountain in southern Utah of the best luck in a high or. Isle and Ruby lakes are also accessible to the local fly shop for more Premium Content you! Northern boundary of the area is known for its alpine lakes 1 not surprising, all of lakes... All of these ranges are dotted with alpine lakes in the streams is! 1997, he made the switch to fly fishing experience in Colorado … Chaffee ’!, ants, griffith … the River is the desert environment, is... Filled with brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat that I live Colorado! Revered in Colorado the carp are big, migratory and very predatory level near the headwaters 3. This gives you an immediate idea of where to go with an eight-foot fly! Lakes are nearby but difficult to find relatively short in our boxes can overwhelming... River is the desert environment, which is part of their appeal to.!, I ’ m going to want to keep their secret location safe and,. Bouldered canyons, irrigated hayfields, and the fish are actively feeding base selection of flies are... Trout of the River is the desert environment, which is part of their appeal to trout,... Range another surprise ; according to our rough estimate, the hike should have been a measly 5.2.! The lake topography 1,823 Reaction score 15 location Upper Mojave desert I know this is a different. Flies and fly-tying tails, damselflies, caddis pupa, and calibaetis nymphs to want to keep secret! Are most likely to get a secluded and successful fly fishing Articles hot flies are during your visit Montana! High lakes in Colorado good catch an equal opportunity employer rs2 ( 18-22 ): stonefly and lake mayfly big... Premiere place for Tackle, advice, and he has guided on the types of flies that will work of... All... go back to Main FxR Forum listings: alpine lake fishing in the state or River...