Colorado

[Terrierman]

Going to Colorado for three weeks this summer.  Leaving June 28, home July 18.  Travel trailer deal. We're going to Mesa Verde first for a few days, then Durango and then Gunnison, coming back by way of Colorado Springs and I-70.  I'll have time to explore and fish at all of the above.  Recommendations sought.  Will probably do a guided trip near Durango and one near Gunnison.  Experience there would be helpful too.

 

Thanks!

[netboy]

2 suggestions..

1. The Uncompahgre tailwater. Well worth the trip over the million dollar highway.

2. The San Juan tailwater in north New Mexico. Get some really small midges and 7x tippet.

[DainW]

I fished Durango for a week last summer and had a really good time. San Juan tailwater was fun, but crowded and like netboy said, get ready to fish small midges and light tippet. Not really my cup of tea, but we had a good time. You may be there while run off is still going for a lot of places, but if run off has subsided, I would really recommend the box canyon on the Piedra. Pocketwater filled with 15-18 inch browns that eat nothing but big stoneflies.  Can't go wrong with anything in that area though. Wish I could be in Colorado that long.

[netboy]

Forgot to mention if you go to the Uncompahgre, go to Ridgeway park and enter at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk entrance.

Really nice streach of water and C &R.

[sean c]

Rick for the Durango guided trip I would do a guided float on the rio grande should be big dries that time of year. Sounds like a great trip enjoy.

[Bnorm]

Pray that the snow season in Colorado ends early so that you miss any potential pitfalls with runoff, but i think you should be fine.

The fishing around Gunnison is incredible and having lived in CO for 19 years maybe my favorite in the state. Chances are any guided trip you are on they will float the Gunnison River which is really good fishing, if you have a chance try to take a trip into the Black Canyon. The Gunnison is a big river with pretty fast flows and is fished best by boat or raft, wading is doable but i wouldn't recommend it.

If you don't want to float or go on a guided trip the 2 main Tributaries of the Gunnison offer great fishing as well.

First is the Taylor River- classic mountain freestone stream with pocket water everywhere. Lots of private water around, but the area right downstream from the Taylor River reservoir holds some MONSTER trout but they can be tricky to catch (Mysis Shrimp Patterns rule but I have also had success with wooly buggers, if you don't have any mysis, use a white mini jig  ). It is easy access right next to the road into the water and therefore can be crowded at times especially on weekends. Google "Hog Trough Taylor River" for some pictures of the lunkers that it holds. There are other areas closer to Almont to fish but like i said a lot of it is private so access is tough.

Second is the East River- Winding freestone river on much flatter ground. I suggest parking at the Roaring Judy hatchery and then taking one of the paths from there down to the river. Easily wadeable and a nice amount of fish. Almost all of the water in that location is public. There are a lot more runs and riffles and less pocket water than the Taylor. Also if you have kids with you, Roaring Judy has 4 stocked trout ponds. 2 of the ponds have smaller fish and they are pretty easy to catch and bait is allowed. The other 2 ponds are larger and harder to access but hold some nice browns.

 

Enjoy your trip, there is so much to see and do around the areas you are headed. If you want a good spot to setup camp by the East and Taylor look to stay in Almont which is about halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Crested Butte has a great old mountain town feel and a cool little 4th of July celebration with fireworks and a parade and the restaurants and bars aren't too overpriced for the area.

 

 

 

[ozark trout fisher]

On 2/8/2017 at 3:53 PM, Terrierman said:

Going to Colorado for three weeks this summer.  Leaving June 28, home July 18.  Travel trailer deal. We're going to Mesa Verde first for a few days, then Durango and then Gunnison, coming back by way of Colorado Springs and I-70.  I'll have time to explore and fish at all of the above.  Recommendations sought.  Will probably do a guided trip near Durango and one near Gunnison.  Experience there would be helpful too.

 

Thanks!

You will not be disappointed with SW Colorado. That area is not really in my wheelhouse but I've been a couple times...it's awesome.

Even though it's non-fishing related Mesa Verde is very worth your while. Beautiful, absolutely bizarre landscape even before you consider the ruins.

If run-off season is on at the freestones (and it might be) take a look at the Uncompahgre in Ridgeway SP. Spent a few very enjoyable days there, and its a tailwater. Not a ton of solitude but a pretty stream and BIG trout. 

[oneshot]

East of where you are going but I lived in Salida on the Arkansas River. Pretty good fishing right in Town and Gold Medal Fishing below the Stock Yards. Plenty of access and no Guide needed.

If you drop down on 50 HWY follow the river, there is plenty of places to go in.

oneshot

[motroutbum]

I started guiding in Durango in 2006.  I know the area like the back of my hand.  Colorado snow pack state wide is 145%.  The Southwest part of the state is at 160%.  Its not likely that the snow will melt early (except here on the Front Range, even still we are at 136% in the South Platte drainage.)  I second the float on the Rio Grande.  Heck, the Animas is an amazing river to float as well. Look up Will Blanchard with Animas Valley Anglers for either river (Animas or Rio).  And stay away from the San Juan.  its not worth your time to drive all the way down there.  You will be there at a great time to fish.  I guided the Rio also and at that time you will see stones, caddis, and possibly green and gray drakes.  Uncompahgre River is very similar to fishing at Roaring River or Bennett Springs in Missouri or the Spring River in Arkansas.  Manicured to the river, lots of people and stocked fish.  Let me know when you head out this way and I can point you in the right direction as well as keep you updated on what is happening with the water!

 

Cheers!

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