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There Are
No Bad
Days Fishing

The Grand Valley and its surrounding areas truly offer an abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities. With the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, anglers have access to some of the best trout fishing in Western Colorado. In addition to these two iconic rivers, the region boasts numerous smaller streams, creeks, and alpine lakes that are waiting to be explored.

Know Before You Go

Before you set out to bag your trophy fish, please be aware of fishing regulations and requirements.

  • Fishing Dates and Seasons: Be aware of specific opening and closing dates and seasonal regulations.

  • Possession Limits: Understand the maximum number of fish you can legally possess.

  • Gold Medal Waters: Recognize areas with exceptional trout fishing quality and any special regulations.

  • Fishing License: Ensure you have a valid fishing license, available from various retailers, CPW locations, online, or by phone 1-800-244-5613.

Where to
Fish

Whether you prefer wading or floating, conventional angling or fly fishing, the Grand Valley offers a wealth of freshwater fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Our local waters are home to a wide variety of fish species including Rainbows, Browns, Mountain White Fish, Cutbows, Cutthroats, Pike, Carp, Bass, Panfish, and Chubs.

Colorado River

Gunnison River

Uncompahgre River

Vega State Park

Highline State Park

Connected Lakes

Corn Lake

Grand Mesa

Colorado

The Colorado River is renowned for its excellent trout fishing opportunities, particularly for brown trout and rainbow trout. Sections of the river near Glenwood Springs, Rifle, and Parachute offer prime fly fishing waters, with abundant insect hatches and beautiful scenery. Anglers can expect to catch trout using a variety of fly fishing techniques, including dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.

Gunnison

The Gunnison River, especially the Gold Medal waters below the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, is famous for its trophy trout fishing. This section of the river is home to large populations of brown trout and rainbow trout, including some truly impressive specimens. Anglers can float or wade the river, casting dry flies, nymphs, and streamers to entice hungry trout.

Uncompahgre

The Uncompahgre River “Unc” near Ouray offers fantastic fly fishing opportunities in a breathtaking mountain setting. This freestone river is known for its clear water, fast runs, and deep pools, making it an ideal habitat for trout. Anglers can target rainbow trout and brown trout using a variety of fly fishing techniques, including dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers.

Vega State Park

At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park is a high-mountain lake that sits in a beautiful mountain meadow on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado.

Highline State Park

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​An oasis in the desert, Highline Lake is the recreation epicenter for the Grand Valley with two lakes, lush grass, trails and trees.

Connected Lakes

A universally accessible area for day-use recreation on water or land.

Corn Lake

This is a day-use area offering great access to the river or lake, providing warm and cold water fishing opportunities.

Grand Mesa

Remote high mountain lakes and beaver ponds offer scenic views as well as secluded trout fishing. Many of the area’s larger lakes and reservoirs are home to lake trout as well as northern pike.

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Etiquette on the Water

Fishing comes with responsibility.

Respect the water

Understand the Fishing Regulations

Don’t Trespass

Respect other anglers and recreationists on the water

Follow good fishing handling and etiquette

Leave No Trace

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