Fly-Fishing in Grand County, Colorado

Winter Park & Fraser Chamber Offers 5 Tips for Beginning Fly-Fishermen

Explore  fishable water than any other county in the state – Winter Park, Colo. – Winter Park and the surrounding valley are situated in the center of Colorado trout fishing country. In fact, Grand County, where Winter Park is located, is home to more fishable waters than any other county in Colorado. President Eisenhower loved fly-fishing this area so much that it earned the nickname “the Western White House.” Fly-fishing is different from conventional fishing, so it can be a little overwhelming for those new to the sport. Jeff Ehlert, owner and head guide at Winter Park Flyfisher in Fraser, offers these tips to help visitors bellow out “fish on!”

1. Plan ahead. “There are lots of good books and videos on fly-fishing, so you can learn the basics about tying and casting before you even get to Winter Park,” says Ehlert. Taking time to do a little homework before arriving helps ensure less frustration and more time fishing.
2. Go with a guide. The time visitors have to fish is often limited, so hiring a guide can help maximize time on the water and avoid the confusion of picking the right stretch of river or choosing the perfect fly. “A guide is your fast track to a frustration-free fishing experience. No matter how good you are, after spending time with a knowledgeable guide, you will walk away a better fisherman,” notes Ehlert. Guided trips start at about $200 for four hours.
3. Don’t be a “gear head.” The amount of equipment available for fly-fishing – as with any sport – can be intimidating for novices. But Ehlert says it is possible to get into fly-fishing for about $120. “That’s not a bad investment even if you grow out of that beginner gear right away,” explains Ehlert. “You can always pass that initial equipment on to your kids, or keep it for when friends or other family members want to fish with you.”
4. Women, wade in! Ehlert says women shouldn’t be afraid to try the sport of fly-fishing. In fact, he notes that women often pick up the art and rhythm of fly casting more quickly than their male counterparts. “Women just have a gentler touch that works well in this sport.”
5. Time the trip. “I always say the best time to fly-fish is whenever you can,” Ehlert jokes, “but there are some things to consider.” Ehlert says early spring can be very exciting with the mountain snowmelt, but that it can be hard to “hit” the fish. Late spring is salmon fly hatch season, which means very active trout. In September and October the crowds clear out, the mountains come alive with fall colors and the waters are crystal clear.