The Anglers All Blog
Welcome to Alaska - A Trip to the Aniak River Lodge
When asked, nearly every angler that comes through the doors of the Littleton, or Denver Fly Shops has a fly fishing destination they dream about traveling to some day. Some have saltwater trips on the list, others, backcountry adventures full of big freshwater fish. We are sure of one thing though, Alaska is somewhere on that list. We are constantly researching, connecting with lodge owners and traveling to new destinations to bring those opportunities back to our customers. In our travels, we seek destinations, and lodges that we believe will give our customers an excellent opportunity to target some special species on the fly. This next destination is a great example of that. Earlier this year Chris, and Ben K who has recently taken over destination travel for us, shot up north to check out a new spot in Alaska.
8 Days in Chilean Patagonia with Cinco Rios Lodge
We were on our last leg of travel, and with each mile south we went, the excitement grew. We all booked window seats, just so we could take in the views of snow capped mountains and volcanoes as the plane took us from Santiago to Coyhaique, Chile. I had seen these views before, It was good to be back in Chile, on my way to Cinco Rios Lodge. I looked out on the Andes, passing by at 500mph, spotting bodies of water nestled in between glaciers, always wondering if the fish in that lake had ever seen a fly before. You hear people describe Southern Chile and its trout fishing as “Montana 100 years ago”. If Montana was this good a century ago, I was born in the wrong year.
Dream Fly Fishing Trips: Start Planning For 2024 Now
If you are reading this, there is a good chance you fly fish. And if you fly fish, you have likely caught yourself dreaming of jumping on a plane with fly rods packed to some far off destination, or of loading up your SUV headed to a wilderness area in search of colored up native trout. These trips could be once in a lifetime opportunities, or a yearly outing with your fishing partners. Either way, we all have a place we dream about visiting to challenge our fishing skills, catch new species, and experience a new place. The crew here at the shop is no different!
The good news for you is that we have a select group of destinations we have curated over the years for exactly this purpose. To help you, our customers and friends realize the dream of a destination fly fishing trip. We have the knowledge, the relationships and the passion to get you on a trip of a lifetime. It is never too soon to start planning such a trip. And to help you look into 2024 and beyond, we have put together a quick list of our favorite trips and when the best time is to go.
Packing Tips - Multi-Day Fly Fishing Trip
Many of us can relate to the excitement and anticipation of packing for an overnight fishing trip. Whether that’s a backpacking trip right here in Colorado, or a week-long trip to some far-flung destination, getting ready is part of the fun!
But figuring out how to pack rods, reels, waders, wading boots, flies, and all the other fly fishing gear can be a challenge. Whether you’re getting on an airplane, a horse, or just strapping it all to your back, deciding what to bring and how to bring it isn’t always easy.
Fly Fish the Flat Tops of Colorado - Prime Dates Available at Budges Wilderness Lodge
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.
Texas Redfish On The Fly At Bay Flats Lodge
We have all seen the footage, a hungry Redfish hunting down a striped fly, mouth wide open, ready to inhale any tasty looking object in its path. If you are like me, you have thought to yourself, that looks pretty cool, I want to experience that! Sure, I have watched hundreds of trout charge a well presented dry fly and pluck it right off the surface, but somehow these Redfish just seem more dangerous, or ferocious. Which I suppose is often the case with saltwater species. They move faster, eat more and get bigger than the species we target here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. To find Redfish though, we have to travel south, and that is how we got hooked up with Chris and his team at Bay Flats Lodge.
Summer Fishing: Gunnison Gorge and Flat Tops with Ben Baxter
As much as we love fishing in far-flung places, we’d be crazy to overlook the world-class fly fishing adventures right here in Colorado. As summer approaches, we can’t wait to float through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Then in August, Ben Baxter will host a trip to the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Here’s what you need to know about these two opportunities, right here in Colorado…
Video: Fishing in the Flat Tops with Budge’s Wilderness Lodge
In this video, Anglers All crewmembers Larkin, Jeff and Delaney recount their adventure to the Flat Tops Wilderness, where they explored remote waters on horseback with Budge’s Wilderness Lodge.
The Flat Tops Wilderness area drains the headwaters of the White River in northwest Colorado. It’s the state’s second-largest wilderness area, with about 370 square miles of wild country.
Video: How to Pack and Prepare for a Belize Saltwater Fishing Trip
In this video, Anglers All General Manager, Jimmy Juliana, covers what to pack and how to prepare for a fly fishing trip to Belize in Central America. Jimmy shares details on his packing system, as well as specifics on gear and tackle while chasing that elusive Grand Slam of Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish all in one day. Whether you’re considering your first trip to Belize or preparing for your tenth, use this guide to pick up some tips for your next adventure.
Colorado Summer Fishing Destinations In Our Own Backyard
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 to 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.
Video: How to Pack and Prepare for a Patagonia Fishing Trip
In this video, Anglers All Ecommerce manager, Blake Katchur, covers what to pack and how to prepare for a fly fishing trip to Patagonia in Chile or Argentina. Blake shares details on his packing system, as well as specifics on gear and tackle. Whether you’re considering your first trip to Patagonia or preparing for your tenth, use this guide to pick up some tips for your next adventure.
Recommended Fly Lines and Leaders For Your Next Saltwater Trip
When planning for a saltwater fly fishing trip, many anglers here in the Mountain West are surprised to learn that there are big differences between freshwater and saltwater fly lines, leaders and tippet. Do you really need a saltwater-specific fly line? What leaders and tippet should you bring on a saltwater trip? And why are these things important? In this article, we’ll outline our recommendations for your terminal saltwater tackle.
South America Is Calling With Two Spectacular Patagonian Fly Fishing Destinations
If you are like us, the change of seasons makes you want to dust off your dry fly rod and start looking forward to warmer days hunting rising trout. If you are like us, you are also itching to dust off your passport and have been day dreaming of hopping on a plane with fly rods in hand headed to your next fishing destination adventure.
Every Trip Is The Trip Of A Lifetime
A trip of a lifetime can be something different for every angler. Our Travel Coordinator works hard to make each of those lifetime adventures a reality for our customers and friends. From all those anglers we have sent out, one thing always rings true, the people and the accommodations. Yes, the fishing was epic, yes the scenery was wild and remote, but the staff, the food and the feeling of being at your second home, if only for a week, is what you will remember.
El Encuentro Lodge: The Newest Location In Our Exciting South American Destination Fly Fishing Program
South America is officially set to open to all international tourism effective 1 November, and we couldn't be more excited to get back to our Patagonia home waters to visit old friends, make new friends, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Patagonia while chasing trophy trout through the Patagonia back country.
New Fly Fishing Destination: Tarpon Caye, Belize
The crew at Anglers All has a traveling problem. We are constantly looking forward to, researching and planning our next trip and opportunity to travel with a fly rod. In our travels, we seek destinations, and lodges that we believe will give our customers an excelelnt opportunity to target some special species on the fly. This next destination is a great example of that.
We recently had the opportunity to make a trip down to Tarpon Caye, located about 15 miles east of Placencia, Belize in the heart of Victoria Channel, aka, Permit Alley.
Fly Fishing Argentina and The Gunnison Gorge: 2021 Bucket List Trips
Over the past 65+ years, Anglers All has shared a passion for all things fly fishing with its customers, destination angling was no different. Through the past 6 decades we have had the opportunity to build relationships with lodges, and guides throughout the world, ensuring flexibility, as well as keeping the anglers goals in the forefront of our preferred outfitters and lodges minds has been the key to our success.
Our Top International Fly Fishing Destinations in 2021
Belize has re-opened for business. And we can’t wait to be back in Patagonia later this year. From bonefish on the flats to dry fly crushing Argentinian trout, there’s a lot to look forward to. And after a year without travel, it’s about time to address that cabin fever.
Not sure how to plan travel in 2021, navigating the ever-changing health and safety requirements? We have a guy for that. Meet Andrew Pulford, dedicated travel coordinator here at Anglers All. With Andrew’s help, we are currently running trips to destinations like Belize smoothly, safely and efficiently.
Update from Anglers All Travel Coordinator, Andrew Pulford
Now more than ever, we need our next great adventure to look forward to. Many destinations now have limited space available, due to cancellations and reservations being rolled over from 2020 into 2021. We have worked with our preferred lodges throughout the world to ensure Anglers All customers get the best locations based on tides, hatches, and localized peak dates.
Anglers All Travel Updates and Plans for 2021
For obvious reasons, we’ve had much of our fly fishing travel program on hold. But as we look forward to new beginnings in 2021, and with international destinations beginning to reopen, we’re starting to get excited about revisiting some of our favorite places on earth.
Uniquely Colorado: Fishing The Gunnison Gorge & The Flat Tops
We have some incredible fishing opportunities on deck this summer. Both are adventures you can only experience here in Colorado, and both are adventures you can drive to, skipping airports. First, we’ll be setting off down the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. If you’ve never experienced it, put the Gunnison Gorge on your list. Next, we’ll be taking you to the high alpine waters of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Fishing the Flat Tops Wilderness and the Gunnison Gorge
As a part of our travel program, we love to explore far-flung destinations. But as spring arrives, we’re looking forward to fishing some of our favorite home waters right here in Colorado. This summer, we have multiple trips on the calendar to the Flat Tops Wilderness and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
From Belize to Brazil, A Warm Weather Guide to 2020 Travel
Why trust Anglers All with your travel plans? We’ve actually been there. When talking about remote destinations like Brazil, there’s no replacement for first-hand experience.
The Best Dates to Fish Rio Manso, Argentina in 2020
“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time at Rio Manso and it has become my home away from home water,” commented Anglers All travel coordinator, Andrew Pulford. “The crystal clear rivers of Patagonia just feel too right to stay away from.”
Happy Hour This Thursday: Learn About Travel to Patagonia
If you’ve been curious about fishing opportunities in Patagonia, this casual happy hour will be a perfect opportunity to learn more. Patagonia is a captivating destination. The incredible variety of waters, the fishing, the food, the people and the breathtaking landscapes together create a wonderfully unique experience.
3 Reasons to Begin Planning Your Trip to Belize
A Saltwater fly fishing trip may be much more accessible than you think. It may seem intimidating to many anglers. But we can tell you; it is positively, worth every single bit of effort.
Here are three reasons to begin planning your trip to Belize now:
New Fly Tying Fridays Video: The Twenty Incher
Anglers All manager, Greg Garcia is at the fly tying vise and Davis James is behind the camera for another installment in our Fly Tying Fridays video series. This time, Greg is tying up a classic stonefly nymph, the 20 Incher.
3 Upcoming Adventures on Our Travel Calendar
Have you noticed? The late summer light is turning gold in the evenings. Kids are going back to school. Temperatures along the Front Range are still in the 90s, and we’re seeing some of the best fishing of the year in Colorado. But restless as we are for new adventures, the subtle change of seasons has us thinking about our big travel plans this coming fall and winter.
Watch the 2019 Mile High 25: Part 1 of 3
The 4th Annual Mile High 25 multi-species fly fishing tournament was unforgettable. A crazy June storm made the fishing conditions challenging to say the least. These hurdles created a wide-open field for any anglers willing to brave soggy conditions and frozen fingertips. Six teams caught 12 or more species in two days of fishing. And 15 species proved to be the winning number in the 2019 Mile High 25.
Lose Fewer Flies and Save Money with Jimmy’s Hot Tip
If you don’t lose any flies throughout a day of fishing, you weren’t trying hard enough. Right? But there’s no need to be wasteful. Check out our latest video, as Jimmy shows us how to save a snagged fly, using the roll cast method.
Test Your Fly Fishing Knowledge and Win Prizes with FlyCast
We’ve teamed up with our friends at FlyCast for a little bit of fun this summer. The team at FlyCast has put together a fly fishing quiz. And to make things interesting, we’re throwing in some cool prizes. Think you know your stuff? Then it’s time to test your knowledge. If you’re brand new to fly fishing, don’t let that stop you. Wild guesses are totally welcome!
Runoff Report with Chris Keeley
“In the next two to three weeks, as water levels fall and clarity begins to improve, fishing can be the best of the year…”
That’s what we heard when we recently asked Anglers All shop owner Chris Keeley for his thoughts on the current runoff conditions in Colorado.
Finding Colorado’s Best Guided Fly Fishing Adventures
“Whether it’s a single-day trip or a multi-day adventure, chat with any associate here at the fly shop and you’ll learn about the most productive water for what you want to accomplish, and the best guides to help you along the way,” said Anglers All travel coordinator, Andrew Pulford. “We’ll help you get the most out of your valuable time on the water.”
Summer Fly Fishing Classes at Anglers All
After a wet and snowy spring, we’re glad that summer weather has finally arrived here in Colorado and along the Front Range. As we look forward to all the fishing opportunities over the next few months, we wanted to highlight our upcoming summer classes here at the fly shop.
4 Places to find Great Fishing During Peak Runoff
It’s high water season, but we’re not staying home. In fact this time of year offers some outstanding fly fishing opportunities. While tailwaters are the obvious choice during high water conditions, there’s a lot more out there.
Five-Minute Flies: The Mile High 25 Edition
To help us celebrate a new year of the Mile High 25 tournament, Alec Gerbec from Umpqua Feather Merchants stopped by our fly tying studio to tie up a Simi Seal Leech. This is a very simple, but very effective stillwater pattern.
2020 Dates Available for Cinco Rios Lodge in Patagonia
We first experienced the fishing at Cinco Rios Lodge in 2015. Since then, we have enjoyed sharing the adventure with many of our friends and customers. 2019 marked the fifth consecutive year of sold-out trips to Cinco Rios. It has quickly become one of our most popular travel destinations. The two trips in 2019 are barely behind us, but we’re already looking forward to our return to Chile in 2020!
There's something for everyone in Belize
There’s a reason that Belize has been a top saltwater fly fishing destination for so many years. It’s accessible. It’s affordable. And the fishing can be incredible.
When planning travel for our customers and for ourselves, there’s another big reason we love to recommend Belize. In Belize, there is something for everyone.
Close to home and a world away with eleven angling
The Taylor River Lodge has it all. Beneath a canopy of spruce trees and the steep granite cliffs of the Taylor River Canyon, the lodge is fronted by a mile stretch of the Taylor River. It’s a private oasis where adventure meets pure bliss. The Taylor River Lodge might be as far away as we could get – without actually leaving Colorado.
The Taylor River Lodge is an exclusive...
Angling Adventures in Argentina and the Andes
“Rio Manso is a place that has stuck with me since I first arrived,” Anglers All travel coordinator, Andrew Pulford recently told us. “I think I’m pretty sentimental about it. But it really is, my absolute favorite fishery I’ve ever had the chance to visit.”
You’ll find Rio Manso Lodge in the heart of Patagonia. It’s where Argentina’s world-class hospitality meets some...