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…
The Gunnison Gorge
The Gunnison Gorge is an iconic fly fishing destination, and it’s in our own backyard! Our favorite way to see the canyon is on a 3-day, 2-night camp float.
Anglers begin the trip by making a short hike into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. From there, you’ll hop on rafts and float down 16 miles of wilderness canyon. Anglers get to spend two nights under the stars and three days fishing down the river.
While the Gunnison is known for its salmonfly hatch early in the summer, the late summer hopper fishing is among our favorites. Fishing in this remote canyon can be epic.
We work with Gunnison River Expeditions for this destination trip. Their guides are extremely experienced and they have launch dates throughout the summer. The 3-day, 2-night float trip includes all riverside meals and camping accommodations. The trip runs $2,000 per angler. This could make a fantastic gift for an upcoming graduation, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day!
For details on this destination visit ourGunnison Gorge travel page.
The Flat Tops Wilderness Trips & a Special Hosted Trip with Ben Baxter
Speaking of great hopper fishing. From August 24-27, Ben Baxter will lead a hosted trip to the Flat Tops Wilderness, combining tying flies, fishing and exploring the headwaters of the White River with the folks at Budge’s Wilderness Lodge.
We have space for up to five anglers on this special hosted trip that includes 3 nights and 2 days of fishing. In addition to the spectacular wilderness fishing, we will spend time in the evenings tying flies with Ben. The trip includes a Dream Stream+ tying tool kit from our friends at Umpqua Feather Merchants, and a custom Bearded Baetis tying material kit from Anglers All. You will put these new tools and tying materials to good use as Ben shows the group how to tie his new Umpqua Signature Pattern, the Bearded Baetis. Bring your own vise and other materials and take this opportunity to ask questions and learn new techniques in a small group setting.
On our two days of fishing, we will saddle up and ride on horseback to remote stretches of the upper White River, where we will put those new flies to the test on rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brook trout. In the evenings, we’ll return to the lodge for some fly tying over appetizers and then dinner.
The trip includes meals, three nights of log cabin accommodations, tools and materials for fly tying with Ben, and two days of Wilderness fishing via horseback and on foot. The trip runs $1,400 per person. Again, we have space for up to five anglers on this trip, August 24-27. If you’re interested, give us a call at 303-794-1104 or send an email to travel@anglersall.com. You can learn more about this destination on our Flat Tops Travel Page.
If the dates of this hosted trip don’t work for you, we can customize trips throughout the summer season for you and your friends or family. Options include trips based out of the main lodge, or packing in to an even more remote wilderness camp.
Stop by the fly shop in Littleton or give us a call to start planning your summer adventures. See you on the water this summer!