For many of us, the cold wait for spring fishing to start, and then the inevitable wait for run off to subside and for summer fishing to really kick off can be challenging. We organize, and then reorganize our flies, geek out on fly line tapers and systematically watch flows on our favorite rivers. We dream of cool days fishing BWO dries, then the blanket Caddis hatches and finally while covered in sunscreen and bug spray, PMDs, hoppers and big bugs.
This year, 2023, has been a wild one for weather, flows and delayed hatches. You might have missed an annual salmon fly float this year because the river was just too rowdy or a weekend fishing ice off because your favorite lake was still locked up in ice. The good news is that it isn't too late to make up for lost time and book a great local Colorado fly fishing adventure. We have some prime dates available at Budges Wilderness Lodge in the Flat Tops for you.
We have dialed in some great date ranges and an awesome trip itinerary for you. Our 3 night, 2 day Flat Tops Fly Fishing package goes like this: After a dirt road drive into the second largest wilderness area in the state, you arrive in the afternoon of day 0. You get settled into a rustic but comfortable cabin, maybe enjoy a few casts in the creek nearby and join the other guests in the lodge for dinner. On day 1, you either set out on horseback or on foot with a wrangler who knows the area like the back of their hand. You will fish the meandering headwaters of the White, or a few choice high mountain lakes, or both. Feisty Brook Trout and beautiful Cutthroat Trout will surely find their way to the end of your bobbing dry fly. You will close out the day with a meal at the lodge while swapping stories with the other guests. Day 2 kicks off with breakfast, as the day before did, and you will be off exploring and fishing new water with fly rod in hand. If you are an early riser, you can fish on your own on day 3, enjoy breakfast and then check out of the lodge. As you watch Budges Lodge get smaller in your rear view mirrow, you’ll be thinking ahead to next year, and maybe a longer trip with a wilderness overnight option you heard about from the staff. We will be open at 9am the next day to take your 2024 booking!
August Prime Dates: Right in the heart of dry fly fishing in the Flat Tops!
Trip #1 Monday to Thursday - August 7th-10th | 2 Cabins available - 8 total anglers
Trip #2 Thursday to Sunday - August 10th-13th | 2 Cabins available - 8 total anglers
Trip #3 Saturday to Tuesday - August 12th-15th | 2 Cabins available - 8 total anglers
*** Hosted Trip Opportunity with Ben Baxter Thursday to Sunday - August 24th-27th. Combine tying flies with Umpqua Signature Tyer, Ben, and fishing those flies in the surrounding trout waters! 2 Spots available.
September Prime Dates: Fall colors and late season hopper fishing!
Trip #1 Tuesday to Friday - September 19th-22nd | 3 Cabins available - 8 total anglers
Trip #2 Thursday to Sunday - September 21st-24th | 3 Cabins available - 8 total anglers
Trip #3 Saturday to Tuesday - September 23rd-26th | 3 Cabins available - 8 total anglers
This 3 night, 2 day fly fishing package runs $1300 per person based on double occupancy and includes lodging, all meals, non alcoholic drinks and a wrangler to show you the Flat Tops either on foot or horseback. Alcohol is BYOB. A fishing license and staff gratuity is not included. Fly fishing guides can be hired per day for additional cost.
Call your favorite fishing partner, fill your pack with dry flies and droppers, grab a pair of wet wading socks and boots, throw in a 3 and 4wt fly rod and explore a beautiful part of Colorado with Budges Wilderness Lodge and Anglers All.
For more information on this fantastic local destination and some killer photos, check out our travel page here. For a first hand account of fishing the Flat Tops with Budges in September from Jeff and Delaney, give this video Larkin produced a watch here! Please contact us with any questions you have about the trips listed above. Dates and itineraries are customizable. We can be reached at 303-794-1104 or at Travel@anglersall.com.