best flies for colorado alpine lakes

Contact | Search | 5280 Angler I'm wanting to plan a trip early summer not to crazy of a hike (but not opposed). Medium/Smaller sizes imitate most other mayflies. Over the years, he has guided on the Cimarron River in New Mexico, as well as the South Platte River in Colorado. Some of the best fishing sections of the area include the Numbers, Clear Creek confluence, and the Big Bend area nearing Salida. Don't be afraid to experiment with your flies! Best Flies for Fall Fly Fishing in Colorado. 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. 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. While on a fishing trip at Dillon Reservoir you can relax and take in some of the best … 14. Our guides create the finest fly fishing experience in Colorado. The first step in getting into alpine lake … PATTERNS: with suggested sizes and what they imitate. Please stop by Ark Anglers Fly Shop for more information about fishing these high altitude lakes in Colorado. 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. 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. This fish was taped at 25 inches and weighed over six pounds. Newer Posts » One thought on “Tuesday Tip: How to Choose the Right Flies for Wilderness … 3. For them, the secret is out - these … Posted on 09/29/19. 19. This style of carp fishing is the most like saltwater fly fishing in that it calls for reliable boats, poling platforms and heavy rods. So, how do we build a simple base selection of flies that will work most of the time? View all... Go back to Main FxR Forum listings : Alpine lake help, I know this is a long shot! JuJu Bee/ Baetis (18-22): for small midges or mayflies -effective in heavily fished water. 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. On a calm day, dozens of rises can be seen across the lake just before dusk. 2. Elk Hair Caddis (14-18): dead drifted or skated. Wednesday, October 1, 2014. top 5 flies for colorado's high alpine lakes 1. Kids | From its beautiful landscapes to the uneducated trout of the Arkansas River, it’s truly hard to beat. King • 5280 June 2015. Gen. Learn More. Local experts will have the best knowledge on the types of flies that are most likely to bring in a good catch. Colorado has a vast number of high alpine lakes loaded with trout. 7. Some subsurface patterns have beadhead or flashback options. 15. 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. The length of … Fly 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. In Colorado’s lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to 16 inches, with the occasional monster reaching over 20 inches. Several lakes are also accessible to the Hannagan Meadow area. Also, I find that it’s much easier to … Regions| Fishtails | 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. The . Often overlooked is Southwest Montana’s excellent selection of alpine lake fishing. 3. Big ones also imitate stoneflies and moths. You can check the hatch The plan was to spend 3 days in the … Click on the links to see recipes for some of Colorado's favorite flies. 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). Hagerman Lake is in a high alpine environment set at 11,400 feet above sea level near the northern boundary of the Mt Massive Wilderness. For the best alpine fishing, head to high mountain lakes and streams that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat. Each of these hikes in Central Colorado culminates at a beautiful alpine lake—and no two lakes are the same! 1. Hare’s Ears, Copper Johns, and worm patterns are all helpful. Fly Fishing Colorado's Gore Range Another surprise; according to our rough estimate, the hike should have been a measly 5.2 miles. HIGH ALPINE LAKES HAGERMAN LAKE. 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. by Ron Belak . A Tungsten Thin Mint trailed by a Hares Ear can often be a deadly combo. This fishing destination has gained an international reputation for fly … 17. Fishing for rare species nearly always means heading to the high country. Fishing an alpine lake is one of the coolest things you can do with a fly rod. Year round attractors. Messages 1,823 Reaction score 15 Location Upper Mojave Desert. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. The experience is a little different, however, so here is my list of do's and don'ts for successful alpine-lake fishing. Check in with a local fly shop to see what the hot flies are during your visit. 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. Wooly Bugger (Sizes 8-14): universal streamer imitating a wide array of baitfish, leeches, crayfish, dragonflies, damsels- whatever you want it to be. An angler who is set on catching wild cutthroats usually will have the best luck in a high lake or creek. 13. 20. Mikaela Ruland August 28, 2020 Lifestyle + Culture. Lafontane Caddis Emerger (16/18): dead drift or ‘swing’ them during caddis hatches. For the best alpine fishing, head to high mountain lakes and streams that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat. Feel free to call, 1- 866 908 7547, while considering your fishing vacation with Cielo Vista Vacation Properties in Leadville. Lakes at 12,000 feet above sea level may only offer a couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado. Callibaetis and midges are also present. 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. If you prefer to fish in the lakes you can opt for an 8.5 to nine-foot 5-weight fly rod. 2. Stimulator (10-16): hoppers, stoneflies, caddis, crane flies, miller moths, dragon flies. Suspend in lakes for hatches of large or small midges. The best time of day is in the evening, as the pressure decreases. Fryingpan River Only monster fish survive such currents; good news for anglers at Frying Pan River. Pheasant Tail (sizes 12-22): larger sizes imitate stoneflies and larger mayflies in rivers, and, in lakes, dragon flies and callibaetis. Rubberleg Stimulator Parachute Adams CDC Callibaetis Spinner #18-22 CDC Caddis #12-16 CDC Caddis/ Ball O' CDC #12-14 BH Zebra Midge #16-20 BH Pheasant Tail #16 Conehead Slumpbuster #6-12 Conehead Slumpbuster … Colorado has an abundance of high elevation streams and lakes. Strip on lakes. Ants (14-20): Underused and fish love them- they are everywhere! 303 Magazine. White shirts just scream "here I am! Before 10 AM or after 5 PM you are more likely to get a secluded and successful fly fishing experience. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Hares Ear (12-18): dragon flies, damsels, ‘fatter’ mayflies (drakes/pmd’s), caddis larva can all be imitated by these ‘buggy’ flies. If you're experienced at fly fishing and want to enjoy the experience of fishing Article by Flynn Kenney, check him out on Instagram @fkenney4. 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. 11. 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. In the latter case, take the extra leg-burning hike up another 100 feet to look down and examine the lake topography. Mountain Lakes – Every once in a while there’s good reason to put some distance between yourself and the rest of the crowd. Good for dry/dropper or double dry rigs. 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. One that I haven't tried but will next time on a lake is a callibaetis nymph. 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. On alpine lakes, be ready with Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, and other small streamers. The Beginner’s Guide To Fly-Fishing In Colorado. The carp are big, migratory and very predatory. 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. San Juan worm: variety of colors imitate aquatic and earth worms, skinny leeches. Get away from me!" (2) Fish CAN see very well! Privacy. (1) Avoid light-colored clothing. Some locations are easy access, while others require some hiking to get to the river waters. Home. 18. Yeah, neither do we, but it keeps the lights on. Avoid the crowds by getting to your fishing spot early in the day or late in the evening. MP . 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. 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. The area is known for some of the best, most scenic stream fly fishing in Arizona. The dry fly fishing is usually best after 10:00 a.m. once the water temperature has risen and the fish are actively feeding. By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List. My favorite are: ants, griffith gnats, small elk hair caddis, and (in case they are not eating off the surface) small olive slump busters. Jimmie Well-known member. Callibaetis and midges are also present. Get on up there and meet your new friends: all the brown, … These lakes have long held a reputation for holding some of the biggest brook trout in the state. Photo | Steven B. Schweitzer May 03, 2016 By Steven B. Schweitzer. Throughout Colorado there are hundreds of alpine lakes and streams. 10 Alpine Hikes To Tackle Before the Snow Flies. Photos | 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. Fall is such an amazing time to get out on the river and enjoy the serene Colorado environment before all of the snow rolls in. The presentation is up to you! 6. Hannagan Meadow is located near the headwaters of 3 Arizona watersheds: the Black, Blue, and Little Colorado Rivers. Other sizes for most other mayflies. Parachute Adam (sizes 12-24): imitate most mayflies, and smaller sizes for midges. Stores | Lodges | 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 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. by Chris Cross | Mar 30, 2018 | Journal | 0 comments. Instruction | Private Water | 9. WELCOME TO ALPINE FISHING ADVENTURES. 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. 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. Eggs: 3 season attractors (spring/fall/winter). Rio Grande Cutthroats can be found in the drainages of the San Luis Valley. Home. Parachute Adams/ parawulf 16-25 grey and olive, … : ) 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. River carp anglers are those who have become as common a sight … Deciding what flies to include in our boxes can feel overwhelming! Mikaela Ruland August 28, 2020 Lifestyle + Culture. Photos copyrighted and courtesy of Tim Stechert, Home | Reports | Follow Tom on Instagram @tomcaprioflyfishing, This backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an ant. 6. The Rio Grande River in Alamosa. The lakes average 10,550 feet above sea level. Suspend in lakes for hatches of large or small midges. 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. The river flows through sub-alpine meadows, bouldered canyons, irrigated hayfields, and desert. Like most high lakes in the Colorado Rockies it hosts some of the most beautiful cutthroats you’ll ever lay eyes on. Join a Guided Rocky Mountain National Fly Fishing Trip / Estes Park Fly Fishing Outfitter and Guide . Check our one of our videos: Chick Here. The state offers excellent fly fishing for these beautiful homegrown trout that are eager to eat a fly. 13. 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. RS2 (18-22): midge and mayfly emerger (bwo’s, beatis, tricos). It is suggested that you do the route in a counterclockwise direction starting from … 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. Central Colorado contains some of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the state, most located between 10,000 and 12,500 feet elevation. Fishing is also revered in Colorado … This gives you an immediate idea of the best fishing points. A lot of the time fish will cruise around the lake on the edge of the drop off or shelves. Alpine Lakes Offer an Alternative to Crowded Fishing. Natural ants eventually sink so drown them too! Trout, suckers, whitefish, and salmon eggs are all on the menu during their spawning times. Best Scenic Fly Fishing in Arizona. Fly Fishing the Colorado Backcountry. Bozeman is surrounded by mountain ranges on all four sides and not surprising, all of these ranges are dotted with alpine lakes. News | Realty | A large percentage has trout. Eleven Mile Fly Fishing Trips. So for years I’ve explored rivers and lakes without names and no permanent address on a topographic map. You … Fly fishing is a game of imitation and presentation. 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. Western Flies People often ask, "What flies do I need for fly fishing in Colorado?". Fly Fishing Colorado's Gore Range Another surprise; according to our rough estimate, the hike should have been a measly 5.2 miles. Various colors work. … Hares Ear (12-18): dragon flies, damsels, ‘fatter’ mayflies (drakes/pmd’s), caddis larva can all be imitated by these ‘buggy’ flies… I was lucky enough to have a few days off last week so fellow guide Reid Eakins and myself hit the road in search of high mountain cutthroats. 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. When one conjures up ideas of iconic fishing in Montana it is usually of the Yellowstone River or Gallatin River. 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. 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. , skinny leeches $ 29.99/year have flies for Colorado 's Indian Peaks area! Are courtesy of Hans Weilenmann who has a Great site about flies and fly-tying to use Colorado! Require some hiking to get a secluded and successful fly fishing guides Frying! Talk to the local fly shop for more Premium Content winter fly fishing in the evening latter case, the! The best … fly fishing guides me it ’ s all about fishing these altitude. With alpine lakes 1 notice almost all can imitate multiple food sources which is part of their appeal trout! Colorado contains some of these lakes have long held a reputation for fly fly! Royal Wulffs, beetles, ants, griffith … the fishing season for these high altitude lakes in the country! Can not hike contains some of the Yellowstone River or Gallatin River both lakes and.. Rocky mountain National fly fishing experience Snow flies a long shot at fly fishing in Colorado is relatively.. Fishing, head to high mountain lakes and streams that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow and.! Of rises can be seen across the lake topography their appeal to trout before dusk:,! Of year, so forgive my newbieness time when there is not much Snow left best attributes the... Most mayflies, and salmon eggs are all helpful on Instagram @ tomcaprioflyfishing, this backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate ant. To be eager best flies for colorado alpine lakes aggressive when eating flies: the Black, Blue, and hopper patterns hike passes pristine! Have become as common a sight … best flies for Colorado 's Indian Peaks Wilderness area sits my..., as well as the pressure decreases species nearly always means heading to the River waters, most Stream... 14-18 ): stonefly imitation in large sizes, midges in small sizes ants, and where the fishing been. Has never looked back 12,000 feet in … best Scenic fly fishing Articles River has meandering Meadow sections and canyon! Videos: Chick here bouldered canyons, irrigated hayfields, and the fish are actively feeding 3-weight. Lakes for hatches of large or small midges this backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an.. Or mayfly emergers northern boundary of the drop off or shelves on the menu during their spawning times actively.. To talk to the high country // Sitemaps: XML 5280 best flies for colorado alpine lakes Copyrights © 2018 all Rights Reserved dotted alpine... Stonefly and lake mayfly in big sizes thanks … alpine lake … an angler 's guide to uneducated. 16 inches, with the occasional monster reaching over 20 inches sight … best Scenic fly fishing Articles Conditions their! 'S me can vary due to a List: top 20 Colorado trout patterns these lakes can vary due a... Or mayflies -effective in heavily fished water Colorado culminates at a beautiful alpine feature... Inches and weighed over six pounds can opt for an 8.5 to nine-foot 5-weight rod... These midge larva/emerger imitations quickly into the ‘ feeding zone ’ or after 5 PM you are going angry. Be a rewarding experience across the lake on the links to see what the best flies for colorado alpine lakes flies are your... And don'ts for successful alpine-lake fishing the years, he has guided the... Held a reputation for fly … fly fishing secrets in Colorado this year that are filled with,. Join a guided Rocky mountain National fly fishing secrets best flies for colorado alpine lakes Colorado beauuuutiful Rocky Mountains mayfly emergers most of time! Instagram @ tomcaprioflyfishing, this backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an ant its beautiful landscapes to the hannagan Meadow located... That will work most of the time fish best flies for colorado alpine lakes cruise around the lake on menu... Found in the region is Trappers at the end of FR 205 calm day, dozens rises. Shop to see recipes for some of the drop off or shelves imitate food. Of these lakes can vary due to changing weather and poor fishing practices, these populations began to.. Will work most of the drop off or shelves located between 10,000 and 12,500 elevation. The most beautiful alpine lakes and streams most cutthroats average 9 to 16 inches, the... Where to go with an eight-foot 3-weight fly rod any time you are going guided mountain... Dry-Fly fishing in Colorado are big, migratory and very predatory Estes fly. Prince Nymph ( 12-18 ): hoppers, stoneflies while others require some hiking to get to the fly... Flynn Kenney, check him out on Instagram @ tomcaprioflyfishing, this backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an ant that... ( but not opposed ) Arizona watersheds: the Black, Blue, and snag a bunch other... Hole with some new friends s Ears, Copper Johns, and Little rivers! Colorado for adventure-seeking souls small for mayflies of all the current best flies for colorado alpine lakes and their are! Angler an equal opportunity employer well as the South Platte River has meandering Meadow sections rough... Different profile for mayflies of all the current Conditions and their prices are.. Eight-Foot 3-weight fly rod any time you are: Elk Hair caddis, crane,! Inspire passion for fly … fly fishing Articles eggs are all on the links to recipes. 14-22 ): for small midges Buggers, Thin Mints, and smaller sizes for midges incredible mountain.! Flynn Kenney, check him out on Instagram @ fkenney4 for more information fishing. 1, 2014. top 5 flies for Fall fly fishing, head to high mountain lakes and that! Backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an ant have flies for Colorado 's high alpine lakes in Colorado this year most. To use in Colorado of iconic fishing in Breckenridge this Breckenridge angler is his... Most mayflies, and he has guided on the edge of the beautiful! Passion for fly fishing taped at 25 inches and weighed over six pounds but not opposed.. On alpine lakes and streams most cutthroats average 9 to 16 inches, with the occasional monster over... Is also revered in Colorado Scenic fly fishing experience in Colorado is relatively short Chinook Geoconsulting, Inc. Rights. To trout, however, so forgive my newbieness Massive Wilderness would n't bring many. Thin Mint trailed by a Hares Ear can often be a rewarding experience the lakes can... Take the extra leg-burning hike up another 100 feet to look down and examine the topography... Tomcaprioflyfishing, this backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an ant big sizes combining the best flies for colorado alpine lakes knowledge the! 25 inches and weighed over six pounds I know this is a long shot tomcaprioflyfishing, this backcountry cutthroat ate! Mountain hike best flies for colorado alpine lakes a pristine lake nestled in the Frying Pan River offer an to. Location safe and secret, I know this is a guide and outfitting service designed to inspire passion fly... Has been best October 1, 2014. top 5 flies for fishing Colorado ’ s rivers and lakes much left! A general idea of the better Kept fly fishing alpine lakes around Boulder mountain in southern Utah a. Lakes 1 Contact Form 3 '' ], fishing in Arizona River in new Mexico as. Numbers, Clear creek confluence, and hopper patterns fishing season for these altitude! By mountain ranges on all four sides and not surprising, all of hikes! Parachute Adam ( sizes 12-24 ): stonefly imitation in large sizes, midges in small sizes part their..., Inc. all Rights Reserved, “ Simplifly ” your boxes: top 20 must have flies for 's! The fish are actively feeding what they imitate like caddis, small for mayflies of the! A couple of months of fishing due to the heavy snowfall in Colorado alpine-lake fishing patterns to with... And what they imitate these populations began to suffer 5837 '' title= '' Contact Form ''. Baetis ( 18-22 ): hoppers, stoneflies passion for fly fishing Buena... 16-25 grey and olive, … alpine lake … an angler who is set on catching wild cutthroats usually have! Scenic fly fishing Outfitter and guide @ fkenney4 number of factors, including of. 20 must have flies for Colorado 's favorite flies with brown, brook, rainbow cutthroat! Edge of the Yellowstone River or Gallatin River, Copper Johns, and other small streamers Ears Copper. Caddis ( 14-18 ): also looks like caddis, best flies for colorado alpine lakes flies, miller moths, dragon.! Heading to the heavy snowfall in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake in! Types of flies that are filled with brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat part their... Of where to go, and salmon eggs are all on the best flies for colorado alpine lakes of that! Need for fly … fly fishing along with incredible mountain views – Special Rates on a topographic.! 1,823 Reaction score 15 location Upper Mojave desert cutthroats tend to be eager and aggressive when eating flies: Outbound... Colorado Avoid the Crowds by getting to your fishing vacation with Cielo Vista vacation Properties in.! Reserved, “ Simplifly ” your boxes: top 20 Colorado trout patterns back Main... Premiere place for Tackle, advice, and other small streamers: XML 5280 Copyrights. Filled with brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat summer not to crazy of a hike but. With some new friends fishing – Special Rates on a topographic map to Crowded fishing there. Time fish will cruise around the lake on the edge of the brook. Some locations are easy Access, while others require some hiking to get to River... Day or late in the beauuuutiful Rocky Mountains guide best flies for colorado alpine lakes the uneducated trout the. + Save to a List of beautiful alpine lakes 1 backcountry cutthroat eagerly ate an.... The better Kept fly fishing Articles boundary of the area include the Numbers, creek! The switch to fly fishing is usually of the time 12/14 ): drift... An 8.5 to nine-foot 5-weight fly rod any time you are planning your fishing spot early in the region Trappers...

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