Top 10 Colorado Flies That Catch Fish (2025)
Colorado Travel Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Willowfly Anglers - Best for anglers who want a flexible itinerary with day trips (float or walk/wade) in the Gunnison drainage. It’s built around a convenient home base at Three Rivers Resort, with lodging options that can fit different group sizes and budgets.
- Best Premium: Taylor River Lodge - Ideal for groups that want a high-comfort lodge stay paired with guided days on legendary Colorado trout water. You get exclusive wade access plus options to float the Gunnison, with on-site amenities that make non-fishing time feel like part of the trip.
- Best for Adventurous Anglers: Black Canyon Anglers - A strong fit if you’re chasing a true wilderness-style experience and don’t mind earning your water. The multi-day Gunnison Gorge float format combines remote trout fishing with a lodge “bookends” experience before and after the trip.
How to Choose Colorado Travel
Choose the right trip style: lodge-based vs. expedition
Action: Decide if you want to sleep in a cabin every night or commit to a multi-day float/camp experience.
Lodge-based trips are ideal if you want predictable comfort, easier logistics, and room for mixed groups (anglers + non-anglers). Expedition-style trips are better when your priority is accessing remote water and fishing hard from morning to dark.
Match the lodge to your group (and your non-anglers)
Best for: Families, couples, and groups that want fishing plus other activities should prioritize lodging amenities, dining, and off-water options. If your group is fishing-focused, prioritize guide program details (wade vs. float options, daily logistics, and how the trip is structured).
Think through the water you want to fish
Colorado has everything from technical tailwaters to bigger freestones, and many trips blend more than one. If you want more floating, look for programs with consistent float options; if you prefer wading, focus on private wade access and walk-and-wade days. Either way, plan on bringing (or having the lodge provide) gear that can handle dry flies, nymph rigs, and occasional streamer fishing.
Skill level and expectations
Best for beginners: Lodges with patient guide programs and straightforward daily logistics are often the easiest entry point. Avoid if: You’re brand new and want the lightest learning curve, multi-day expedition floats can be more physically demanding and less forgiving when weather or water conditions shift.
Care & Maintenance
- Wading boots & waders: Rinse and dry completely after each day to reduce odor and help prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Rods & reels in transit: Break rods down fully and store them in a protective tube or travel case between sessions.
- Flies & terminal tackle: Dry flies and boxes overnight to prevent rust, then restock leaders/tippet before the next morning’s rigging.
- On-river essentials: Keep phone/wallet/keys in a waterproof pack or dry bag, weather and wading depth can change fast.
Complete Your Setup
Related Gear
- Fly Selections - Easy way to show up with a ready-to-fish box when you don’t want to build patterns one-by-one.
- Leaders - Stock a few lengths and materials so you can switch between dries, nymphing, and streamers.
- Tippet - Dial in presentation for clear water and pressured fish; also helps you replace nicked material quickly.
- Rod & Reel Cases - Adds real protection for flying, shuttle rides, and bouncing around in trucks and boats.
- Waterproof Packs - Keeps critical items dry when rain hits or you take an unexpected swim.
Related Guides
- Colorado Fly Fishing: Where To Fish In Colorado
- The Best Easy-Access Fly Fishing Destinations
- How To Choose The Best Fly Fishing Waders In 2024
- Fly Fishing for Beginners: A Gear List
- How to Tie the Top Secret Midge Fly
Colorado Travel FAQs
Q: What is Colorado Travel on Trident?
A: Colorado Travel is Trident’s curated collection of fly fishing trips in Colorado, focused on hosted lodge and outfitter experiences. The products in this collection are bookable trip options, not physical gear.
Q: Are these Colorado trips good for beginners?
A: Yes, these trips can work well for beginners, especially lodge-based programs with experienced guides and clear daily structure. If you’re brand new, ask about typical wading difficulty and how much casting practice is recommended.
Q: What’s the difference between a lodge stay and a wilderness float trip?
A: Lodge stays usually mean returning to a cabin/room each night with more amenities and simpler logistics. Wilderness floats are more immersive and remote, but tend to be more physically demanding and less flexible day-to-day.
Q: Do I need my own fly fishing gear?
A: Some trips can provide rental equipment if needed, but many anglers prefer bringing their own rod, waders, and boots for fit and familiarity. Confirm what’s included and what’s recommended before you travel.
Q: What fly rod weights should I bring for Colorado trout?
A: A 9' 5wt is a common all-around starting point for dries and lighter nymphing, with a 6wt helpful for heavier rigs, wind, and streamer work. Your guides can help refine this based on the specific rivers and season.
Q: What flies should I pack for a Colorado trip?
A: Plan on a mix of dry flies, nymphs (including smaller patterns for technical water), and a few streamers. A destination-focused pack from the Fly Selections collection is a solid starting point, then adjust based on current reports.
Q: How far in advance should I book a Colorado fly fishing lodge?
A: The best weeks can go quickly, especially in peak summer. If you have fixed dates or a larger group, it’s smart to start planning well ahead so you can match the right trip style to your schedule.
Why Trident Carries Colorado Travel
These Colorado trips are curated to cover distinct experiences, customizable day-trip itineraries, premium lodge programs, and more remote wilderness-style adventures. If you’re not sure which direction fits your group, having a small, vetted selection makes it easier to choose and then dial in gear and packing details.
