Colorado fly fishing is anchored by world-class rivers spanning the full spectrum of angling styles. The South Platte — practically in our backyard here in Boulder — is one of the nation's most demanding and rewarding tailwaters, producing large, selective rainbows and browns. The Frying Pan near Basalt and the Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Dam each offer exceptional trophy trout fishing with consistent hatches and year-round access.

For those willing to hike into Colorado's high country, wilderness lakes and headwater streams offer an entirely different experience — smaller fish in impossibly beautiful settings, rising readily to dry flies in completely wild water. Colorado fly fishing is viable year-round on tailwaters, with fall widely considered the best all-around season: cooler temperatures, lower pressure, and aggressive fish.