Places to take kids Fly Fishing within 4-5 hours from Denver

[SWVA_Tim]

Hi all,

I'm planning on taking my son to Colorado in June for 5-6 days. He's six so we can't be hiking a long ways day after day but will probably do a short backpack trip or 2. Any suggestions on areas to go. I'm not set on any area specifically, although I'd like to keep it within 4-5 hrs of Denver. Thinking smaller creeks or alpine lakes probably best for a little guy. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, in Denver area any suggestions on car rental places other than the airport (kinda steep there).

Thanks!

 

[dsclowers]

Well, if you are open to coming out to the Western Slope there are tons of fly fishing opportunities. I live in Montrose, and we are in the middle of fly fishing heaven in CO. The Gunnison (Gold Medal Water) is out our back door, the Uncompaghre (near Ouray & Ridgway), the San Miguel (near Telluride), the Cimarron all very close. And the San Juan Mountains are one of the most beautiful ranges in the state. Most areas are easily accessible but you can do some backcountry fishing too. A great spot for a 6 year old is the Ridgway State Park. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area was custom built as a fly fishing park. They built the perfect waters and stock it with trout (catch & release only in the river). There are also a couple of ponds stocked with fish to keep the kids interested. http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Ridgway/Pages/Fishing.aspx

 

[Dos Perros]

I have lots of ideas, but Joe Wright Reservoir was at one time packed with very willing to the dry fly grayling. Would provide a lot of action under the right circumstances. I have a few lakes in RMNP that would fit the bill, too, if you're interested, but you have to take bear canisters now. PM me if interested.

 

[zman]

Hi all,

I'm planning on taking my son to Colorado in June for 5-6 days. He's six so we can't be hiking a long ways day after day but will probably do a short backpack trip or 2. Any suggestions on areas to go. I'm not set on any area specifically, although I'd like to keep it within 4-5 hrs of Denver. Thinking smaller creeks or alpine lakes probably best for a little guy. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, in Denver area any suggestions on car rental places other than the airport (kinda steep there).

Thanks!

If he likes to hike a bit I would hit Cross Creek (easy 15 minute hike) or Tonahutu creek in RMNP if you want to do the park thing. But load of creeks loaded with small trout. PM me if you want. What part of June might play into this though... water could still be high in some creeks.

 

[camelcluch]

The Colorado river at Hot Sulpher Springs. Go into the camp ground and fish up from the bridge. Do not camp there! Trains come every hour or two and make tons of noise.

 

[TraderMike]

i suggest a lake if fly fishing is the objective for a 6 year old... trying to explain the intricacies of mending line and drag to a young child may turn him off. At least on still water those issues are eliminated.

 

[SWVA_Tim]

Thanks for all the insight everyone ... the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk definitely looks good for a kid ...looks may want to take a drive to the western slopes.

Is it generally better later in June vs the beginning because of the snow melt?

 

[COlineman78]

One of the nice backpack trips that I have done is to Missouri Lakes in Holy Cross Wilderness. It is a very nice and well maintained trail roughly 4 miles to the lake at a pretty high altitude (11,000ft). The only major downside is that there are no open fires allowed at the lake due to the high traffic. The lake is full of aggressive little brookies, so it'd be fun for fishing. There is a nice short day hike up and over the pass to get an overlook of the entire wilderness. We also saw some fresh elk tracks so there's a chance of seeing some up there. https://goo.gl/photos/2CZtTdhn2vkP6Mik6 It's also a loop so you could continue on over the pass and find another lake for some change in scenery at some point. It's called the Fancy Pass loop.

 

[dsclowers]

Thanks for all the insight everyone ... the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk definitely looks good for a kid ...looks may want to take a drive to the western slopes.

Is it generally better later in June vs the beginning because of the snow melt?

Pa-Co is just below the dam at the Ridgway Resevoir so the flow seems to be ok. RIGS is a great fly shop about 5 minutes away from Pa-Co in Ridgway. They posted pics on their facebook page of people in Pa-Co catching some great fish (search for "RIGS Adventure CO Fly Shop and Guide Service"). Their web page (www.fishrigs.com) has a section with river conditions and t says that the Uncompaghre is great right now (the Uncompahgre is the river in Pa-Co). Look under "Fly Shop" and then "Fish Report" and select the Uncompaghre. It also has info on the other local rivers. Give RIGS a call and they will give you more info and advice on which flies are working.

 

[SWVA_Tim]

Thanks everyone I really appreciate the first hand knowledge

 

[the_bowhunter]

Well, if you are open to coming out to the Western Slope there are tons of fly fishing opportunities. I live in Montrose, and we are in the middle of fly fishing heaven in CO. The Gunnison (Gold Medal Water) is out our back door, the Uncompaghre (near Ouray & Ridgway), the San Miguel (near Telluride), the Cimarron all very close. And the San Juan Mountains are one of the most beautiful ranges in the state. Most areas are easily accessible but you can do some backcountry fishing too. A great spot for a 6 year old is the Ridgway State Park. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area was custom built as a fly fishing park. They built the perfect waters and stock it with trout (catch & release only in the river). There are also a couple of ponds stocked with fish to keep the kids interested. http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Ridgway/Pages/Fishing.aspx

X2. Beautiful area with great fishing. Love spending the summer in the are!!