Colorado boasts over 9,000 miles of trout streams and 2,000 lakes, including some of the finest fly fishing in North America. The state's "Gold Medal" designation identifies waters with exceptional trout populations - and Colorado has more Gold Medal waters than anywhere else.
Summer brings prime conditions after spring runoff subsides. Rivers clear, flows stabilize, and prolific insect hatches bring trout to the surface. Morning and evening are magic hours - PMDs, caddis, and stoneflies trigger aggressive feeding. Midday dry fly fishing with hoppers and other terrestrials can be equally productive.
From technical tailwaters requiring tiny flies and light tippets to freestone streams where aggressive fish take big dries, Colorado offers every type of fly fishing experience. Many anglers plan entire vacations around the state's legendary waters.