Whether you have been in Colorado for decades or for just a few years, you know the state has an amazing amount of fishable water to explore. With so much here in our own backyard, we thought we would share two special backcountry destinations that we as fly anglers dream about. Neither of these angling paradises require waiting in line at an airport or getting a stamp in your passport. Simply load up the car and head west of Denver for a few hours to find your next fly fishing adventure.
Flat Tops Wilderness Area
The first of the two trips we are highlighting is the Flat Tops Wilderness area. Geologically, the Flat Tops is a bit of an oddity. Ancient volcanic events followed by periods of glacial activity left the area scoured with lakes, ponds and rivers. It belies Colorado’s typically arid, high-desert climate. In large part, this is what makes the Flat Tops such ideal habitat for wild trout. This designated wild area is the second largest in Colorado and is home to hundreds of alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of wilderness trout streams. Nearly all of which is limited to foot and horseback access. This means you are just as likely to find yourself all alone on an alpine lake with trout rising all around you, as you are hooked up to Brook Trout and native Cutthroats.
This year we have teamed up with Budge’s Wilderness Lodge to offer you, our friends and customers a few awesome itineraries to get out in Colorado’s backcountry and fish! Anglers can choose to stay in one of the historic log cabins at the main lodge, or strike off for a remote wilderness tent camp. Those fishing out of the main lodge will enjoy daily horseback rides into the wilderness, exploring new waters each day. Meanwhile, anglers fishing out of a remote wilderness camp will set out from their wall tent each day on foot, fishing remote stretches of the river, or one of the high alpine lakes.
With completely customizable programs and trips including lodging, food and horseback access starting at $1500 per angler this spot is perfect for a long weekend with friends and family. To read more on this destination visit our Flat Tops travel page or give us a call at 303-794-1104 or email us at travel@anglersall.com
The Gunnison Gorge
The second spot is one we have been sending anglers to for years. The Gunnison Gorge is one of the most iconic fly fishing destinations in the lower 48, and it’s in our own back yard! A short hike into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison delivers you riverside where you will hop on rafts and float through 16 miles of true wilderness for 2 nights under the stars and 3 days fishing down river. The fishing in this remote canyon can be epic and the late summer hopper fishing is some of our favorite.
We have chosen to work with Gunnison River Expeditions for this destination trip. Their guide’s are extremely experienced and they have launch dates throughout the summer. The 3 day / 2 night float trip includes all riverside meals and basic camping accommodations and runs $1850 per angler and makes for a fantastic Father’s Day gift! To get more details on this destination visit our Gunnison Gorge travel page, or give us a call at 303-794-1104 or email us at travel@anglersall.com
Reserve Dates for Your Colorado Adventure
It’s time to put an adventure on the calendar! Don’t wait to experience one of these incredible trips, right here in Colorado. And remember – when you book travel with Anglers All, you’re not paying any additional fees or commission. Yet you’re gaining our team’s experience and assistance along the way. Plus, you’ll receive our VIP travel discount. It’s good on purchases online or in the fly shop, from the day you make a deposit until your day of departure!