Colorado Fly Fishing Waters

Freestone River

A Freestone River is a large river without a dam, or a wild river. These waters are among some of the most 'sporting' of the Colorado fly fishing waters. The Arkansas River has two dams but they are about 120 miles apart, therefore above Pueblo Reservoir upstream to Twin Lakes would be considered a freestone river. They usually don't produce as large of a population of fish nor do the fish grow as large.

Tail Waters

Below Pueblo Reservoir the water coming out of the dam creates what is called a Tail Water. In general there are two basic kinds of tail waters; one where the water is released from the bottom of the dam and one where the water is released from the top. The bottom released dams generally have a more consistent water temperature, and sometimes grow huge fish. The top released often have many of the same characteristics as the freestone river with changing temperature.

Small Streams

Small Streams are usually mountainous and don't contain huge fish, however because of the remoteness of many of them the wildlife and beautiful surroundings cause many Colorado fly fisherman to prefer them.

Cold Water Fisheries

Most all of these are considered Cold Water Fisheries. A cold water fishery will normally contain trout, greyling and salmon. Many fishing destinations in Colorado are famous for being quality cold water fisheries.

Warm Water Fisheries

Colorado also boasts multiple lakes that are not only cold water fisheries, but also Warm Water Fisheries as well. Containing not only the fish mentioned above but wipers, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, tiger muskie, carp, crappie, bluegill, and perch.

For more information about how to fish the above, as well as lakes and ponds, please see our Tips & Techniques about fly fishing waters