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Imagine having a pristine river all to yourself on a gorgeous, sunny winter day in Telluride. Insulated in layers, waders and Neoprene gloves and socks, you wade into a deep, 35-degree pool. As you stand there fly-casting, listening to the quiet water, you might see American bald eagles dive into the river for fish, or if you're lucky, catch the sight of elusive deer and elk grazing.
For outdoor lovers in the winter, fly fishing is Colorado's best kept secret. It's more than just magnificent scenery of mountain rivers, high-country lakes, alpine creeks and glassy trout streams against the snowy backdrop of the San Juan mountains; it's the chance for beginners and expert anglers to fine-tune their skills, spend a meditative day on the water and experience unmatched fly fishing when the crowds are at their lowest.
The mountain rivers of The San Miguel, Dolores, Uncompahgre and Gunnison are considered some of the finest in the Rocky Mountains. From January until about April, the surface currents are clear and calm, reflecting the evergreens above. When the midge population reaches its peak in winter, the silvery bodies of trout and large rainbows and browns populate the waterways.
The afternoon is considered the best time of the day for fly fishing, so many people get in a vigorous morning of skiing and finish with a tranquil afternoon of fly fishing.
A number of excellent fly-fishing outfitters provide full- or half-day packages to get you situated in Telluride's high-country rivers, lakes, and streams (including access to private water). They offer top-notch fly-fishing rental equipment as well as professional guidance and techniques.
These professionals will handle all the paperwork to get your fishing license and provide you with the local regulations (i.e. possession limits, bait restrictions and places that require catch-and-release).
The guides also have the experience to bring you to the best elusive spots on the waterways that might otherwise take a novice days or weeks to find. As one reviewer put it: "I love fly fishing, but my wife had never been. We didn't know if it was even possible in the winter. Fishing wasn't easy, but our persistence paid off with a really nice native Cutthroat trout. We saw lots of wildlife - deer, golden eagle, a beaver. Just a great day outside."
Some of the top Trip Advisor-recommended outfitters include Telluride Outside and San Miguel Anglers.
For more interesting ways to get the most out of your visit to Telluride, call SilverStar Telluride Luxury Rentals at 970-728-3001, check out our blog or contact us online.
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