So, it is recommended to bring one along. Amiee White Beazley is a travel journalist and author who covers adventure, food, wine, and family travel. Find out all about the Centennial States rich history, before unwinding in one of Colorado Springs famous spas. Fly fishing is almost a way of life up here, with experienced anglers casting their line to fill up on Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout year round. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for your comment. Unfortunately, river fishing for Catfish in Colorado is not great, so your best bet seems to be in one of the numerous lakes across the state. Dec 16, 2020. The best times to fish are from June through July, when the stone fly and mayfly hatches are in full swing. But even with a facelift, Leadville has not lost its scrappy, hard-fought spirit that made it one of the silver mining boomtowns of the 19th century. You can also discover the states first capital Colorado City. In fact, there are hundreds of places to go [], Its no secret that Denver anglers are among the luckiest in the country. Connect three or four of these fantastic stops together and spend a week kicking around The Centennial State or hit every single one and never leave. Mostly because the Gold Medal Trout Water section of the river runs through the Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park. To beat the heat in summer consider unwinding at Colorados stunning rivers. Grab your fishing license and join in on the fun. One of the states best-known mountain towns is a playground for the rich and famous. Travel 10 Places To Find Colorado's Best River Tubing By Heyleena Published Jun 15, 2022 Realign with nature, soak up the fresh air and get a kick of adrenaline rush by tubing at one of Colorados best rivers. I like the south branch of white river. Also known as the Charlie Meyers Recreation Area, it's probably the best-known fly fishing spot in the state, so don't expect to have it to yourself. Theres plenty of fly and spin action, so you dont want to ruin it by being too noisy! Americas 10 Best River Towns } Combine wine with your love of art by visiting the Azura Cellars and Gallery which offers tasting of its exceptional varietals and galleries featuring world-class fine art created by artists Ty and Helen Gillespie, winemakers, and sailors along with spectacular views of the West Elk mountains. It is an amazing little town. The town is connected by more than 285 miles of bike trails and lanes and its historic downtown was the inspiration for Disneyland's Main Street USA. Gore Creek is a small, tranquil mountain stream that offers great year-round trout fishing. Nowadays, fishing near Denver is also a perfect way to stay active while avoiding the crowds. While there are several places to tube and do other outdoor activities on the South Platter River, the most popular one is in the mountains at Deckers situated an hour from Denver. This river is the ideal place for a fishing trip in the southwestern part of the state. Take advantage of the shopping, dining, theatre, and even gambling opportunities at the race track! While it does have a fascinating silver mining history, the main reason to come is for the views. Keep your eyes on the shore while here as this river is a good place to run into a moose. Our research is editorially independent but we PSA. A trout being landed on the South Platte River in Colorado. Best Rivers to Raft in Colorado What a question! Sandwiched between the Sopris and Basalt mountains, the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers meet in stunning surroundings to give you an incredible fishing experience. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. My beloved first home in Colorado, Snowmass Village is a stunning hamlet in the Elk Mountains. As such, this river offers up some beastly fish. Other draws in the area include whitewater rafting, stargazing within the International Dark Sky Park, and taking a scenic drive along Harpers Corner Road, which boasts views of the Green and Yampa rivers. Normally, one can start tubing from Eben G. Fine Park and finishes at either the Boulder High School(for a shorter float) or at Scott Carpenter Park (for a longer float). Now here's one of those towns that not everyone visiting Colorado may know, but will easily fall in love with when they arrive. Oct 19, 2020. Head the other way and youll make your way through the canyons to Blue Mesa Reservoir. At a high altitude, youll battle it out with exciting and delicious fish in unbeatable surroundings. The lakes arewell known for their healthybrown trout populations, so much so, the state Division of Wildlife collects their eggs to boost the state's trout stocks. Many outdoor lovers come here in summer to spend some fun time with family. Don't miss the free guided hikes with naturalists from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies through the fields and wildflowers. Well, we're here to help and we've narrowed down 12 destination spots to head with your fly rod. Hit up the 14-mile long Gold Medal stretch of the Frying Pan river, or the 22 miles along the Roaring Fork and test your skills against trophy-sized Trout. The surrounding park has 26 miles of biking and hiking trails, some of which connect to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Ticking off a list of things you "must do" in any one place is so pass. Head on foot or by boat, and take advantage of this anglers paradise. If its more Trout youre searching for, then a trip to the famous Cache La Poudre River is your best bet. For an optimum relaxing mode, it is advisable to bring a tube with a net to lounge all day and appreciate the wild setting. Were guessing you mainly target Trout species in the Conejos, so if youre looking for some variety, youll find it in the towns on our list. Its a mecca of fresh farm-to-table food with some fabulous eateries for sampling it. You could spend a few days in Colorados northern powerhouse and not get bored. With 36 miles of Gold Medal waters in the vicinity, this is Trout heaven. WebProbably the most notorious river is its namesake, the Colorado River, which flows southwest through the state all the way past the Grand Canyon. North Delaney Lake boasts the Gold Medal Water designation and is easily the best fishery of three. Breckenridge is most famous as a ski town, drawing many to its practically endless number of ski trails and in the winter, it is truly spectacular with all of the twinkling holiday lights and glistening icicles, but there is plenty to do here all year long. What towns would you say are the best as a base for fishing the Rio Grande and Conejos River? A lot of the locations we selected are in the north of the state, which is around 5 hours from Antonito, but the good news is that youll be able to explore more than one town at once as theyre not far from each other. Just a stones throw from downtown, youll hit Horsetooth Reservoir. The lake does require a mandatory inspection of all trailers and boats upon entering and exiting the reservoir to protect against invasive hitchhikers like zebra mussels. Which Im sure your picks are too. Blessed with magnificent views of the nearby Mesa County, colorful rock plateaus, and verdant bushes, the Colorado River is an excellent spot to enjoy a leisurely floating trip on a tube. Consider our list of 10 places to find Colorados best rivers for tubing. In some sections of the Frying Pan,anglers can easily catch 10-plus pound rainbows. If you're looking for a guide to the 415 square miles of park, try Kaiyote Snow, a self-taught naturalist, award-winning photographer, and artist and former instructor for the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. So its definitely worth giving the destinations on our list a shot. "@type": "ImageObject", Its considered one of the best train trips in the U.S. Nestled in northern Colorados Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is most renowned for its ski resorts with geothermal springs and warm pools for swimming and soaking afterward, but the six dramatic peaks that surround it, including Mount Werner, are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and other recreational activities during the warmer months. It is also recommended that children under 13 wear a life jacket. Head southwest to the edge of the Rockies and youll come to Glenwood Springs. The locals rejected urbanization and still live in some sort of hippy commune, running galleries and cute boutiques. It's also located close to the Frying Pan River which takes some of the attention. The canyon's steep walls were carved out by the river over the past two million years. Back to the Rockies, and the stunning peaks overlooking Colorado Springs yield plenty of hidden gems. After breakfast on Brontosaurus Boulevard (Dinosaur's main road), head two miles east to the Canyon Visitor Center, where most of the hiking trails start. Horsetooth Reservoir is one of the states most scenic outdoor utopias and is just minutes from the heart of downtown. We start our tour of the best fishing towns in Colorado in the north. The Maroon Bells are a highlight as themost photographed mountains in America and can be accessed easily during the summer months, just 12 miles from downtown. Get all her travel tips for your next destination through her articles. You may think that fishing in Colorado is all about the Rockies, but Aurora proves otherwise. If you think weve missed something out, let us know in the comments below! The Blue River is another tributary of the larger Colorado River. North DelaneyLake is one of three high mountain lakes in the Delaney Buttes near Walden, Colorado. Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak from the east. Named by PBS as one of the countrys most walkable communities, everything is easily accessible, and the fishing is no different. These 12 fisheries have allearnedGold Medal Trout Waters designations, the state's top award for trout fisheries. The reservoir is wildly popular in the summertime, with the best fishing is in June. Have you ever visited any of the towns listed above? Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. TOP 20 HUNTING INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING, Our 5 Favorite Fishing States, West of the Rockies, 18 Best Trout Streams to Fish in the Western U.S. and Canada, Colorado's Record Fish Make Most Anglers Into Small-Fry, 4 of the Best Fisheries in the U.S. for Anglers Without a Boat. Make sure to visit the Hanging Lake Trail and visit the two waterfalls (pictured). This one is up there in the mountains. North Gate Canyon near the town of Walden is the Gold Medal Trout Water area. Your pick for Americas Best River Towns. These rivers are perfect for indulging in a myriad of fun water activities such as tubing and white-water rafting. Ourays Main Street, lined with century-old Victorian buildings and old western mining town-style buildings, is registered as a National Historic District. Last, and certainly not least, on our list of best fishing towns in Colorado is the southwestern town of Durango. The river also flows through multiple town parks and provides many whitewater spots for some fun and thrilling moments. This one is up there in the mountains. Its architecture is impressive and it hosts a number of events worth planning a visit around like the Crestone Music Festival. I grew up fishing the Rio Grande and its tributaries, and also the Conejos river. From the rugged edge of western Montana, at the place where five mountain ranges converge, Missoula Bend, Oregon. If youre a passionate fly fisherman, youll want to hear this. Only a small portion of this river flows through the Centennial State's borders, but it's an extremely popular stretch for fishing. In the Creative District, youll find artist studios, galleries, and many interesting shops. Where the Southwest meets the Old West, the city is rich in history and extraordinary nature. Note that there are plenty of kayaks and paddle boards for rentals but not for tubes. The geological formation, known as the Garden of the Gods, is not to be missed. During summer, view the Walden Rodeo for a taste of the local culture, while in August, the Skys the Limit hot air balloon show will light up the skies. However you make it, rest assured that youll be in awe of your surroundings and the delicious fish youll land. Start at the Dotsero Landing and ends at the Bair Ranch Rest Area. BV is also loved for its year-round 4x4ing, with Jeeps and ATVs accessing a network of excellent off-road trails and passes. Arkansas River near Leadville-Pueblo Big Thompson River near Estes Park-Loveland Blue River near Breckenridge-Silverthorne-Kremmling Boulder Creek Rollinsville-Longmont You could spend hours and hours just gazing at the beauty, so get ready to be blown away. Studded with a gorgeous topography, where one can bask in the majestic views of the canyons, and rock mesas, Colorado is a blissful haven for outdoor lovers. Theres no shortage of things to do when visiting Durango. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. An hour south of the capital, Colorados second biggest city lies at the eastern foot of the Rockies. Palisade is a small town in western Colorado where rich agricultural history meets the energy of an emerging destination. The dry eastern plains offer little in the way of fishing opportunities, so stick to the Rockies and you wont go wrong! The city of Durango has the best public access to the Animas River. The Most Charming Small Towns in the Southwest, This Small Colorado Town Is Big on Outdoor Adventure With Hot Springs, River Rafting, and Mountain Views, 9 Best Places to Live in Colorado, According to Real Estate Experts. Heyleena is a travel writer, who enjoys writing about places that inspire one to travel. 10 Best Colorado Towns for a Summer Vacation Im glad you enjoyed your time in Caon City! Explore expansive rivers, narrow mountain streams, and natural and man-made lakes in any of the following that we consider being the best fishing towns in Colorado. Fort Collins is the last city on the road to Wyoming and is a vital hub for the Rocky Mountain State. The surrounding desert prairie provides for clean casting lines without worry of snagging a tree. The Palisade Plunge, one of the longest singletrack downhill mountain bike trails in the U.S., starts at the top of Colorado's Grand Mesa and descends into the town of Palisade. The Colorado section of the North Platte River is legendary for its fishing opportunities. From the Arkansas River to the Animas, there are more than a dozen commercially rafted rivers. These urban waters can get crowded in peak season, but thats just a testament to how productive they are. Cast off the daily stresses of life and consider a fun tube ride at the Clear Creek White Water Park situated at the west end of 10th street in downtown Golden. Photo Courtesy of adifferentbrian. Going northeast, youll discover some of the most productive natural fishing grounds in the state. The answer depends on many factors: what you like to target on your angling trips, whether you want to be near a big city with lots of things to do, whether you want to fish in peace and quiet However, our general rule is: the more fisheries you explore, the better! Start the exciting trip above the town, where the river is fringed by verdant trees on both sides, and pass through the downtown area where there are plenty of riverside stops. 7 Most Charming River Towns in Colorado Pueblo. From hiking up mountains, taking a long drive on our backcountry roads, fishing in the many lakes, or rafting down the best rivers in Colorado. Many Hollywood stars have homes here, including Kevin Costner and Jack Nicholson. Spinney Mountain consistently offers up trophy rainbows, cutthroat, and browns. Connect with Colorado's ancient heritage in Mancos, located adjacent to Mesa Verde National Park, which became an International Dark Sky Park in 2021. Theres something for everyone in this bustling city. In 1765, when Spanish explorer Juan Rivera saw this river, he named it "El Rio de las Animas Perdidas en Purgatorio," Spanish for "The River of Lost Souls in Hell." If you want to experience some of the most picturesque towns in Colorado, be sure to put these on your list. Start planning your next getaway and grab a Colorado fishing charter! It may not get the attention that places like Aspen gets, but once you discover Glenwood Springs, you may find that its your preferred choice. The river flows through downtown Pagosa Springs in Colorado, where one can find multiple entries and exit points when considering river-tubing. The waters of the Blue River have produced a few 20+ pound rainbows in the past. document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your list, do you think you could make one about big catfish. "@type": "BlogPosting", Hello Rhys, I live in Santa Fe NM and have been fishing the Conejos River near Antonio at the Colorado / NM border. Which is a shame because this 70-mile stretch is one of the world's best trout fisheries. Endowed with scenic topography, think majestic cliffs, and beautiful rock formations, Cache La Poudre River flow through Roosevelt National Forest, tumbles down the slopes of the Front Range, and continues through the city of Fort Collins. Home of the Colorado State Fairgrounds, Colorado State University, and many other important historic locations, Durango. Picturesque Towns in Colorado Glenwood Springs. Im not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not! You may need a kayak to navigate, or cast from the shore. All rights reserved. The acts of sending email to this website or viewing information from this website do not create an attorney-client relationship. We're not sure if the story is true or not, but the name stuck and today the river is world renowned for itsfly and lure trout fishing. The roads leading into the canyon are steep and windy, but the fishing is worth it. { The park is known to be one of the best places to experience a lazier float. Be sure to check out the various signs around town that are dedicated to Doc Holliday, the legendary gunslinger and temporary deputy marshal, who died in Glenwood Springs. The waters here are stocked with a variety of fish almost unrivaled anywhere else in the state. It is also recommended to get on the water before noon to finish tubing before it gets dark. List of rivers of Colorado Theres lots to do right in town, with a multitude of art galleries, shops selling Rocky Mountain-related souvenirs and an array of other items, eateries, and even aFamily Amusement Park where kids and the kid-at-heart can ride a big slide, drive go-karts, and play miniature golf. Most adventurers can enjoy two drop points downriver but will not be able to tube continuously from Shields Street to the Poudre Whitewater Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for your comment. Though, it is important to maintain a distance from the animals in order not to disturb them. One of the perks of spending time here is encountering the wildlife, which includes beavers, blue herons, ducks, and pied-billed grebes. Relax in the bars, soak in the culture at the museums, and hole up in a boutique hotel for the night. Crestone is a tiny town in the San Luis Valley, situated at the foot of the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Take a strolldown Grand and Cooper Avenues, and youll feel as if youve walked into an old Western film. Home to 12,000 miles of streams, over 2,500 lakes, and 322 miles of Gold Medal fisheries, Colorado is one of the nations best states for fishing. Although CPW also routinely does stockings of cutthroats, and rainbow hybrids. The river or creek must also support a stock of at least 60 pounds per acre. These rocky waters can be difficult to navigate, though, so your best bet is to try wade fishing and walking along the shore. Once mainly known for its surrounding small vineyards and farms, downtown Palisade is now home to several boutiques, bakeries, and restaurants including Pche, a farm-to-table eatery helmed by one of Colorado's best young chefs, Matthew Chasseur (formerly the chef at Alinea in Chicago). From the heart of the city to the The Big T, up to the state parks and national forests, theres no end to the fishing grounds in Fort Collins. The Animas River is a beautiful trout fishery surrounded by majestic mountains. Nestled between the peaks, youll have the added bonus of also being surrounded by beauty, and there are plenty of camping and recreational opportunities in the vicinity. document.getElementById( "ak_js_10" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for your tip! In June participate in the oldest whitewater festival, where locals and out-of-towners meet together. Four kinds of Trout call these waters home, along with mountain Whitefish, giving you the chance to test your skills and strength over and over again. Hop on a charter, but beware, the waters get very shallow. Best Whitewater Rafting in Colorado Serving as a hub for countless angling adventures, the Mile High City has filled many anglers bucket lists over the years. Take advantage of excellent fishing and plenty of urban recreational activities and see why we think Aurora is one of the best fishing towns in Colorado. Best Its less than 20 miles from Aspen, giving you the chance to pop into the famous resort town to explore the boutique shops and wealth of dining options, before heading back to your much more affordable accommodation in Basalt. There's nothing like floating down the San Miguel River in an innertube on a hot summer afternoon or setting up a chair for a bluegrass concert in Town Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Nice write up but please also include in future writings that Colorado Springs is also about a hour away from great fishing on the South Platte at Deckers, the Arkansas in Pueblo and Eleven Mile Canyon and the Dream Stream (a Gold Metal stream) near Lake George.

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