Denver - Longmont area fly fishing

[SDHNTR]

I've got to visit a client in the Longmont area in mid July. He likes to fly fish. And so do I! I'd like to take him out but don't know the area. Both of us are experienced fly fishermen so we dont really need a guide, but I would like access to some exclusive water. Or is that even necessary for a good experience in the area? My client probably knows the area, but I'd like to surprise him so I dont want to ask him personally. Where can we go? I don't mind paying for private water, or even a guide if that is what it takes to get access. This is a good client and I want it to be a high end experience. I want real wild trout, no tailless mutants. Ideas? Thanks.

 

[bogeyboy555]

I've got to visit a client in the Longmont area in mid July. He likes to fly fish. And so do I! I'd like to take him out but don't know the area. Both of us are experienced fly fishermen so we dont really need a guide, but I would like access to some exclusive water. Or is that even necessary for a good experience in the area? My client probably knows the area, but I'd like to surprise him so I dont want to ask him personally. Where can we go? I don't mind paying for private water, or even a guide if that is what it takes to get access. This is a good client and I want it to be a high end experience. I want real wild trout, no tailless mutants. Ideas? Thanks.

Hey Hey!

Mid-July should give the water time to ease, since it has been running really fast all over the state. Your best bet hands down is going to be either the Big Thompson River close to Estes Park (Or) the Cache la Poudre River west of Fort Collins. Other than that, you are going to be driving a LONG way to getup to some of the other mountain streams that fall near I-70.

The Big T will be closest, but get fished heavily. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and you will see a ton of Wildlife (Elk) right in town.

The Poudre River has an awesome Canyon about 45 minutes from Fort Collins that fishes EXTREMELY well, but cant be pretty technical. It will be more remote on the Poudre, but some of those fish have seen just about every fly you can imagine, so it might be tough depending on your level.

If you have an entire day, I'd try the Poudre..... The scenery is sweet and the access along highway 14 is really good.

If you have a few days, send me a PM and I can point you to some better waters up near the continental divide in Summit/Eagle county near the ski resorts.

dmac

 

[5MilesBack]

Depends on how much time you've got. I'd take him to the North Platte, even if you have to hire a guide. Much better fishing than those around that area.

 

[COlineman78]

I have heard the Poudre isn't as good since the fire a couple years back, have you been up since bogeyboy?

As far as close options, there are some hidden spots in Boulder Creek, but all of the big browns I have seen pictures of have been in the middle of the night. There are a bunch of alpine lakes up near Nederland that wouldn't be too bad with just a mile or two hike-in (Lost Lake comes to mind). The Big Thompson and North Platte are the two closest river systems, so you could focus your research there, but with all of the flooding over the recent years; the holes have moved and been cleaned out/filled in and in some places even the river moved.

There are some longer, but super cool options still within reasonable day trip distance. Plenty of cool options up in RMNP where you won't catch much for size but you will get a really cool experience. If you're in it for monsters and it's not a weekend then the Blue River and more specifically Jurassic Park (the area just below the Green Mountain dam). There is only about a mile of public water there and the slope down to the river is a little on the steep side, but as the nickname suggests the fish are big. You might look into a guided float of Jurassic Park if you want a real treat. Here's a Simms video of the area. Each of these options are about 1.5hr drives each way.

 

[SDHNTR]

Thanks for the ideas. I'd like to be within a hour or so drive from Longmont. I will have a half day, likely an afternoon/evening.

Isn't there some private water on the Big Thompson or St Vrain available to book?

 

[COlineman78]

Thanks for the ideas. I'd like to be within a hour or so drive from Longmont. I will have a half day, likely an afternoon/evening.

Isn't there some private water on the Big Thompson or St Vrain available to book?

Give Kirk's Fly Shop in Estes Park a call. Right about 50 min drive from Longmont to Estes.

http://www.kirksflyshop.com

 

[foambeetle]

Some good advice so far. I know some good locations in and near RMNP, if you would like them by way of PM just let me know.

For private water, here is one idea: http://www.sylvandale.com/adventure...entures/colorado-trophy-fishing-loveland.html

Back in my fishing guide "phase of life" (forever ago now, it seems; boy how time flies), the private water at Sylvandale provided some very good flyfishing opportunities - both lake/pond and on the Big T. I no longer live in CO, so I would definitely defer to those that have been on these fisheries recently.

 

[Liv2HntBigBullz]

Call the guys at St. Petes in Ft Collins and they will get you lined out.

Lots of opportunities around the area.