Colorado
Heads Up Fly Fishing
Request a Reservation
Thanks for your interest in Heads Up Fly Fishing. Fill out the form below and our team will contact you shortly to discuss availability and details.
Trip Summary
Heads Up Fly Fishing offers one of the most unique trout fishing adventures in Colorado, combining classic backcountry horsemanship with remote high-country fly fishing in the vast Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. Based out of Durango, anglers ride horseback deep into an alpine landscape of glacial lakes, meadow creeks, and rugged peaks that can only be accessed by horse or foot. From comfortable wilderness camps, guests spend their days exploring new water and targeting eager Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, along with Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout that thrive in these cold, high-elevation waters. With expert guides, well-trained horses, and thoughtfully prepared camp meals, these 3- and 5-day horseback fly fishing trips offer anglers a rare opportunity to experience Colorado’s largest wilderness area the way it was meant to be explored.
Who's It For?
Remote wilderness horseback fishing
Ride deep into Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness on well-trained horses to access alpine lakes and creeks that can only be reached by horseback or on foot. This vast protected wilderness offers miles of untouched water and a true backcountry fishing experience far from roads and crowds.
Native Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
Target the San Juan lineage of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, a native fish once believed extinct and now thriving in select high-elevation waters. These beautiful trout are aggressive surface feeders and a prized catch for anglers exploring Colorado’s remote mountain fisheries.
Classic alpine trout fishing
Fish a variety of high-country environments including glacial lakes, meadow creeks, and small mountain streams. Throughout the summer, eager trout rise readily to attractor dry flies, terrestrials, and simple nymph patterns in these cold, clear waters.
Authentic backcountry camp experience
After each day on the water, return to a comfortable wilderness camp complete with wall tents, great food, and spectacular mountain scenery. Evenings are spent relaxing around camp, sharing stories, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the San Juan Mountains.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
WHY BOOK WITH TRIDENT
- No Credit Card Fees
- Same Price as Booking Direct
- Earn Trident Rewards
Trident Travel’s expert planning service is free of charge. The rates below are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the outfitter.
Rates are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing.
3-Day Trip = $3,250 Per Angler (2 guest minimum)
5-Day Trip = $5,000 Per Angler (2 guest minimum)
What's Included
- Transportation between Durango and the trailhead
- Guided fly fishing
- Wrangler-assisted horseback travel
- All meals in camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and appetizers)
- Fishing equipment if needed
What's Not Included
- Travel to and from Durango, Colorado (DRO)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for guides and wranglers
Gallery
Seasonal Fishing
Calendar
Horseback fly fishing trips in the Weminuche Wilderness operate during the short summer window when high mountain trails and alpine waters are accessible. Early summer typically brings cool mornings, warming afternoons, and trout that eagerly feed on attractor dry flies and simple nymph patterns after a long winter under ice. As the season progresses into July and August, water temperatures remain cold and stable at these elevations, allowing trout to feed opportunistically throughout the day. Terrestrial insects such as ants and small hoppers become increasingly effective during the warmer weeks. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during Colorado’s monsoon season in mid-to-late summer, but these brief storms often pass quickly and can trigger excellent fishing. Anglers should expect rapidly changing mountain weather and come prepared with layers for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional rain shower.
Lodging & Accommodations
Accommodations
During your trip, anglers stay in comfortable backcountry camps set deep within the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Established camps feature spacious wall tents that serve as the main cooking and gathering area, while guests typically sleep in either wall tents or smaller teepee-style tents depending on the camp location. These well-organized camps provide a comfortable and welcoming base after a full day of fishing, allowing anglers to relax, enjoy meals together, and take in the quiet beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Simple pit-style toilets are maintained at each camp, and while accommodations are rustic by nature, the thoughtful camp setup and attentive guides ensure a comfortable and memorable backcountry experience.
Food
Meals on these trips are thoughtfully prepared to keep anglers well fueled throughout their time in the backcountry. Food is prepared by a chef in Durango and carefully packed for transport into camp, where your guides handle meal preparation during the trip. Breakfasts typically include hot coffee and hearty options to start the day, while lunches are enjoyed on the water between fishing sessions. In the evenings, anglers gather back at camp for appetizers and a satisfying dinner after a full day of fishing. Guests consistently rave about the quality of the meals, which are designed to be both delicious and practical for a remote wilderness setting. Alcohol is not included, but guests are welcome to bring their own wine or spirits to enjoy around camp in the evenings.
Connectivity
This trip takes place deep in the backcountry of the Weminuche Wilderness, where there is no cell service or internet access. The lack of connectivity is part of the experience, allowing anglers to fully unplug and enjoy the quiet beauty of Colorado’s high country. For safety, your guides carry satellite communication devices that can be used in the event of an emergency.
Target Species
Cutthroat Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
5-Day Itinerary
Each day is carefully planned to maximize your fishing success while experiencing the best of what this destination has to offer. Itineraries are flexible based on conditions and guest preferences.
Your adventure begins with a flight to Durango in southwestern Colorado. Most anglers arrive the day before their trip begins to ensure a smooth start the following morning. After arriving in town, check into your hotel, organize your gear, and enjoy dinner in Durango’s vibrant historic downtown. This comfortable night in town allows you to rest up before heading into the backcountry the next day.
On the morning of your trip, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Durango around 9–10 AM before driving to the trailhead in the San Juan Mountains. After preparing the horses and packing gear, you’ll begin a scenic ride into the Weminuche Wilderness, typically reaching camp in the early afternoon. Once settled in, anglers often enjoy a few hours of fishing in nearby alpine lakes or creeks before returning to camp for appetizers and a hearty dinner. The following day is a full day of fishing in some of Colorado’s most remote high-country waters. Depending on conditions and guest preferences, anglers may hike to nearby lakes or ride short distances on horseback to explore additional creeks and basins. Each evening, you’ll return to camp to relax, share stories from the day, and enjoy another excellent meal prepared by your guides. On the final morning in camp, anglers can enjoy breakfast and a few more hours of fishing before breaking camp around midday. Horses will carry you back out of the wilderness to the trailhead, where your guide will return you to Durango later that afternoon.
After returning from the mountains the previous afternoon, most guests spend one more comfortable night in Durango before traveling home the following morning. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to enjoy breakfast in town, explore Durango’s historic streets, or take in views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains before departing for the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCHAnglers fishing the high-country lakes and streams of the Weminuche Wilderness can encounter four species of trout: Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. The highlight for many anglers is the San Juan lineage of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, a native fish once thought extinct that now thrives in select waters of the San Juan Mountains. In alpine lakes, these cutthroat can grow surprisingly large, with fish over 20 inches occasionally caught.
This trip is suitable for anglers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned fly anglers. The guides provide instruction and fishing equipment if needed, making it a great option for anglers who are new to fly fishing. Experienced anglers will enjoy exploring remote alpine lakes and creeks that receive very little fishing pressure.
No previous horseback riding experience is required. The horses and mules used on these trips are well-trained and accustomed to carrying guests into the backcountry. Experienced wranglers accompany every trip and help guests become comfortable with riding before heading into the wilderness.
This trip involves moderate physical activity. Guests will ride horses into the backcountry and typically hike short distances to reach alpine lakes or streams. The horseback ride into camp generally takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. Anglers should be comfortable spending full days outdoors at elevations typical of the Colorado high country.
The primary season runs from June through August when the high mountain trails and lakes are accessible. Fishing remains consistent throughout the summer, as trout in these high-elevation waters feed opportunistically on attractor dry flies, terrestrials, and nymphs. July and August can bring afternoon thunderstorms as part of Colorado’s monsoon season, so anglers should pack appropriate rain gear.
A 9-foot 5-weight rod with a floating line is ideal for fishing alpine lakes, where anglers often target rising trout with attractor dry flies and terrestrials. For smaller creeks and meadow streams, a shorter rod such as a 7.5-foot 3-weight is perfect for accurate presentations in tight quarters. Fishing equipment can also be provided by the outfitter if needed.
Anglers stay in established backcountry camps located deep within the wilderness. Camps feature wall tents used for cooking and gathering, while guests typically sleep in wall tents or smaller teepee-style tents depending on the location. Each camp includes a designated pit-style toilet and comfortable areas for relaxing after a day of fishing.
No. The trip takes place deep in the wilderness where there is no cell service or internet connectivity. This provides an opportunity to fully disconnect and enjoy the remote setting. Guides carry satellite communication devices for emergency situations.
Trips are intentionally kept small to preserve the wilderness experience. Groups are limited to a maximum of eight anglers, with a guide-to-angler ratio of no more than three anglers per guide.
For the safety of both guests and horses, the maximum rider weight is approximately 275 pounds. Guests should provide their weight at the time of booking so the appropriate horses can be assigned.
The weather in the San Juan Mountains can vary widely. Daytime temperatures often range from the 60s to 80s during the summer months, while mornings and evenings can dip into the 40s. Anglers should pack layers and rain gear to stay comfortable in changing mountain conditions.
Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.
