Fishing The Fraser River
The Fraser River is the first main tributary of the Colorado River running north 32 miles from Berthoud Pass to its confluence with the Colorado River west of Granby. Fairly flat, meandering with riffles, runs, and tailouts connected to deep pools. This is a wild fishery with fish averaging 12”-15” but some in the 20” range.
Colorado State Fishing Rules & Regulations
Always refer to the annual Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Brochure for the most-up-to-date rules and regulations. It is available online, at the Winter Park Information Center, and typically at retail outlets that sell fishing licenses. Always respect private property near fishing access points.
HEADWATERS TO SAFEWAY
ACCESS: From the bottom of Berthoud Pass to the Winter Park Resort the river runs through United States Forest Service land and is accessible to the public from Midland and Robbers Roost Campgrounds. From Winter Park Resort to County Road 8 in Fraser, the river can be accessed from the Fraser River Trail, Idlewild Campground, and road turnouts. The Fraser River Trail and the river go through Cozens Ranch Open Space between the Towns of Winter Park and Fraser.
SPECIES: Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Cutthroat Trout
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide), fly/lure only-all Rainbow Trout must be released
TIPS: Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Best fishing in May before runoff and June-July after runoff and mid-September to mid-October.
FRASER RIVER AT FRASER CANYON-SOUTH
ACCESS: From the Winter Park Information Center follow HWY 40 5.6 miles to Co. RD. 83. Turn right for .4 miles then left on CO. RD. 84. Continue 3/4 miles to CO. RD. 844 (BLM 2751), the Strawberry Rd., on the left. Follow this road 1.4 miles to the parking area on the left. The trail is downhill to the river and canyon about .55 miles. Public water along the canyon and upstream a short distance.
SPECIES: Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout.
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide), 2 trout limit.
TIPS: Avoid the canyon during high runoff. Respect private property and stay off railroad tracks.
FRASER RIVER AT FRASER CANYON-NORTH
This is a 3 mile Gold Medal stretch of the Fraser River just to the north of the Fraser Canyon on Granby Ranch property. Guided only fishing is available.
SPECIES: Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout.
REGULATIONS: Fly/lure only-catch & release
KAIBAB PARK, GRANBY
ACCESS: From the Winter Park Information Center follow HWY 40 west 15.5 miles and turn left into Kaibab Park on the east side of the bridge into Granby. Restrooms, Pavilion, Picnic tables, Playground, disabled accessible, trail-to-river. Take the trail over the pedestrian bridge from the parking area. ¼ mile of the Fraser River, kid’s pond for 15 and under.
SPECIES: Brown and Rainbow Trout
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide), 2 fish of any species from the pond.
