Fly fishing in Colorado is the ultimate angling challenge and experience. Fishing with an artificial fly tests the skills and patience of even the best anglers. There are many challenges to the sport of fly fishing, such as choosing the most effective patterns to match the conditions, getting the flies to drift correctly, knowing where the fish are holding, and much more.
Once the angler has matched the fly or nymph, he then needs to make it look like a natural. The way your fly drifts is very important and essential if you want to catch fish. The best way to start fly fishing is to go with someone experienced, hire a guide, or take a class. Learning to fly fish in Colorado can be one of the most frustrating and rewarding experiences. Like anything else it takes practice to improve
Getting Started With Colorado Fly Fishing
Before you hit the river there are a few pieces of equipment you will need to get started. Having a reliable rod and reel is very important. Fly rods come in many sizes from a 1-weight to 12-weight. For Colorado a 5-weight is a good all-around rod. Make sure the line on your reel matches the weight of your rod. (example: 5-Wt rod/reel = 5-Wt line) You will also want to invest in a pair of waders, and wading boots. There are many companies that make these products and any of which will due. Waders range from $50-$700, and as you become more active and experienced, I would recommend upgrading to a higher-end wader, and the same goes for the boots.
Polarized sun glasses are one of the most important pieces of equipment. These glasses allow you to see through the glare on the water and spot fish. These glasses range from $30-$300, and again don’t break the bank until necessary. You will also most likely need a vest or pack of some sort, net, fly box, flies, bug float, forceps, indicators, weights, leaders, tippet, and much more. Don’t rush out and buy all of this at once. If you are just getting started, buy the essentials, and borrow what you can. Over time you will acquire most of this stuff.
Species
There are many species of sport fish in the state of Colorado. Most fly fisherman are traditionally after Trout, but there are those who find sport in other species. The fish listed below are the most common species targeted by fly fisherman:
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
- Brook Trout
- Rocky Mountain Whitefish
- Carp
- Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth)
- Pike
- Wiper
- Sunfish
Casting
Casting is the motion/action in which you get the fly line and fly onto the water. A fundamental skill of fly fishing, casting is the first step to becoming a fly fisherman. While there are many types of casts, the most basic is the overhand cast. This consists of taking the rod and line from the 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock positions, with a slight pause at the end of each motion. It is important to keep a firm wrist and not be whippy with the fly rod. A nice fluid motion will produce the best results. There are many fly shops and guide services that offer casting classes with certified casting instructors. This is a great way to learn the proper techniques and fundamentals of casting. Like anything else, this is a skill that needs to be practiced to be perfected.
Mending
An essential part of fly fishing in Colorado rivers, is mending the fly line. To be a great angler you must know how to mend, when to mend, and mend often. Mending is the technique of picking up and moving your fly line upstream or downstream, to allow your line and fly to drift as natural as possible. Every cast should be followed by a few mends. Without mending, your line will “bow” and drag your flies in the water. This will cause the fly to wake and drift un-natural, and rarely will entice a fish to strike. A good drift and presentation is a must if you want to catch fish.
Dry Fly Fishing
When Trout are feeding on the surface, dry fly fishing is a classic way to catch fish in Colorado. When a fish takes a fly from the surface it is called a “rise”. Rising fish are a good indication that there is some sort of bug activity happening on the surface. Most of the time, when this occurs there is a “Hatch”. A “Hatch” is when the nymph’s in the river rise to the surface, emerge from their nymph stage, and turn into a fly.
Most insects hatch on or just beneath the surface of the water, which is known as an “Emerger”. Once hatched the fly floats down the river on the surface and dries its wings in preparation to fly. This is when the fly is most vulnerable and become easy prey for trout. Dry fly fishing is a favorite of most, and a fun way to catch trout. It is great for beginners because they learn to watch the fly float down the river, and see the trout come up and take it. Dry fly fishing is a great technique on creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes.
Nymphing
When you do not see fish rising or feeding on the surface, nymphing is a great technique. Fish that are feeding subsurface will often take a nymph when they refuse a dry. Colorado river fish are constantly feeding and will eat 80-90% of its food subsurface. When nymphing, it is very important that the fly/nymph is getting down to the fish and into the zone where they are feeding. This is normally accomplished by attaching a small split shot or two onto the line 12-14″ above the flies.
Another way of getting the fly down is to use flies with tungsten beads and/or weighted flies. If fishing with an indicator, it is usually attached to the leader 3-4 feet above the split shot. The indicator is watched by the angler, and any twitch, pull, or tug lets the angler know when a fish has taken the fly. If you see a flash underwater or there is hesitation or a strange tick in the indicator, set the hook. Nymphing is a great technique that will always catch fish. It takes years to get good at nymphing, and a lifetime to master it. All great anglers are great at nymphing.
Streamers
Another way to catch fish on a fly rod is using a Streamer. These are larger flies that are dead drifted and/or stripped back to the rod. They represent smaller fish, crustaceans, leeches or larger insects that are present in the body of water. A great way to fish both lakes and rivers. This style of fishing usually triggers an aggressive or predatory strike. An effective technique for certain situations, and a great way to catch larger fish.
Ethics
While there are no written guidelines for fly fishing, there is a code of ethics that many anglers live by. Fly fishing in Colorado is a sport, and every sport has rules and ethics. The following are a few of the rules and ethics to follow:
17 Golden Rules of Fly Fishing in Colorado
- Respect nature.
- Respect your fellow angler’s.
- Respect the fish.
- Practice catch and release, to preserve our sport.
- If you pack it in, pack it out.
- Respect other angler’s space.
- Ask before crossing above or below another angler.
- First person to a hole or stretch of water is entitled to that hole until they leave.
- Be quiet when on or around the water.
- Never try to snag a fish.
- Respect private property.
- Know the regulations and guidelines of the waters you fish.
- Use barbless hooks for easy release.
- Pack out all old leaders and line.
- Avoid fishing to spawning fish.
- Avoid walking or crossing through spawning beds.
- Always use common sense
