Positioned off of Cottonwood Pass a few miles west of the quaint Cottonwood Hot Springs, this lake is surrounded on all sides by the Collegiate Peaks and a wind-chime-like chorus of rustling aspen leaves. “I caught a 12½-inch one last year!” Bonus: It is also a popular beach and swimming hole. There’s also a lot of yellow perch,” he said. It’s where Kesler guides out of Elk Creek Marina, and he is eager to brag about it: “Blue Mesa reservoir is an absolutely phenomenal brown trout fishery. Blue Mesa ReservoirĬolorado’s largest body of water is located near Gunnison in the Curecanti National Recreation Area and is so named because of its luminous blue water.

While he once considered his home river overlooked, it is steadily gaining a reputation for solid and reliable fly-fishing.

He credits the collaborations between CPW and local businesses spanning from 2004 to 2015, which added structures along the river to protect feeding and reproduction. Multiple upgrades over the years have substantially revamped this stream, according to O’Grady. One of the benefits to this particular southern Colorado tailwater is the ease and accessibility of two major highways bringing you right to Pueblo’s stretch of the Arkansas. “Cheesman Canyon is arguably the most beautiful canyon you are going to hike, much less fish,” said Ross Guillen, 57, owner of the Denver Fly Shop on Colorado Boulevard. ”It is incredibly beautiful.” Arkansas River Granite boulders provide in-stream structure in the shadow of spruce trees from the upper banks. The South Platte at Cheeseman Canyon in Sedalia is easily the most Instagram-worthy spot on this list. “The South Platte is impounded six or seven times from its headwaters and each one of those tailwaters below fishes a little different,” said Rick Davis, a 41-year-old military veteran who has spent the last 10 years guiding out of the South Platte Fly Shop in Woodland Park.

The South Platte is full of possibilities. And if you’re lucky, you may spot pronghorns, elk and more. Friday, July 28th 2023 Home Page Close MenuĮleven Mile also has RV hookups, non-electric camping sites, and backcountry walk-in tent-only camping.

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