MIRAMONTE RESERVOIR
EXPERIENCE DRIFT BOAT FLY FISHING
AT MIRAMONTE
Fly Fishing Miramonte Reservoir: Southwest Colorado’s Top Stillwater Destination for Trophy Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown Trout
Nestled in the high country of southwest Colorado, Miramonte Reservoir offers a truly unforgettable fly fishing experience amid stunning alpine scenery. Located within the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area, this 405-acre stillwater gem is framed by expansive meadows, sagebrush slopes, dense pine forests with sweeping views of Lone Cone Peak completing the breathtaking backdrop.
Miramonte is well known for its healthy and diverse trout population, including rainbow trout, brown trout, Snake River cutthroat, and cutbows. Anglers can expect high catch rates, with most fish ranging from 12 to 17 inches—and trophy specimens pushing 20 inches and beyond. These trout thrive on a rich aquatic diet of crayfish, calibaetis, leeches, and chironomids, making them especially responsive to a range of fly presentations.
Fishing here is versatile and productive whether you’re casting from the shore or venturing across the lake in one of our state-of-the-art Boulder Boatworks drift boats. Equipped with quiet, efficient trolling motors, our boats allow for stealthy approaches to feeding fish, while also offering the option to beach and walk-wade sections of the shoreline when conditions call for it. A guided fly fishing trip to Miramonte is more than just a day on the water—it’s an immersion in solitude, beauty, and the thrill of the chase,
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Think About Your Goals
What do you want out of your guided Stillwater Float and Walk fly fishing trip? When booking, communicate with our reservation team and let them know what you’d like to focus on or if you have limitations. Work on improving your still water fishing techniques and fly fishing tactics? As we say, “it’s your trip”, so be sure to convey your goals in advance to maximize the experience. Things to think about – while Miramonte is especially rewarding for intermediate to advanced fly anglers, it is also an excellent training ground for beginners looking to sharpen their skills on a scenic, productive stillwater.
Accessibility
Our access to Miramonte is just over an hour from Ridgway, Ouray, and only a few minutes from Norwood- an easy drive from our shop. The reservoir lies within a designated State Natural Area, celebrated not only for its outstanding fishing but also for its role as critical Gunnison sage-grouse habitat and home to several rare plant species. Float and walk wade are a part of the trip, so let our staff know if you have any limitations. Please be sure to acclimate to our higher elevation to ensure comfort and safety for your trip. Include a Miramonte trip as part of a regional adventure when visiting nearby destinations like Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray or Montrose Colorado.
Expertise – Miramonte Reservoir is a guide favorite
With 20-plus years of outfitting experience in the Telluride, Montrose and Ouray region, including walk wade, float fishing, overnights, and three-day deluxe wilderness trips, RIGS has set the standard for quality on all our trips. Our Fly Shop offers a deep selection of curated fly-fishing gear and tackle, plus the best fly selections for the San Miguel, Miramonte Reservoir, Uncompahgre, Ridgway Reservoir, Cimarrons, Silverjack Reservoir and more.
Timing
Our full day Miramonte Reservoir fly fishing experience is just over an hour from our shop; these are some of our home waters that make you feel you got away from it all in the more crowded seasons. The lake is productive year round, but is best in the spring-early summer and fall when the larger fish are cruising the banks for food. Speak to our reservations staff to find out current conditions and the best time to fish. Techniques at Miramonte include dry flies, stillwater nymphing, and streamer fishing, all of which can yield impressive results. Whether you’re targeting cruising browns along the banks or hunting open water for rainbows and Snake River cutthroats, the potential for landing a trophy-class fish is always within reach.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
All-Inclusive + Lunch
We provide all boats, fishing gear, rod/reel/line, and wade boots as needed. Full Day floats include riverside Charcuterie Lunch (locally sourced meat, cheese, crackers, olives, nuts, fruit, and cookie) and filtered water. Our guides provide access to their personal arsenal of hand-selected tools of the trade, including site-specific flies, nets, leader/tippet, nipper/forceps, flotant, indicators, and more. However, if you prefer to bring any of your gear, please do! *Drift boats have limited space for large personal items, but they have the capacity for multiple rods per angler.
Low Client-to-Guide Ratio
Drift boat max capacity is 2 anglers to 1 Guide, but feel free to fish solo and get all the prime casts to yourself. For your benefit, we exclusively offer a low client-to-guide ratio of two clients per guide, so everyone receives hands-on attention and personalized service – no mixed parties. So you can focus on perfecting your cast, learning more about the resource, or working to catch the fish of the day. Our guides are patient and informative professionals.
Transportation
Trips routinely meet and depart from our Fly Shop in Ridgway, with a detailed check-in process to ensure you are properly outfitted for your day on the boat. From there, your guide provides round-trip transportation and a vehicle shuttle as part of the experience.
Custom Meeting & Pick-Up Locations
Let RIGS bring the experience to you! Coming from Telluride, Placerville or Norwood Colorado, or camping nearby? Save drive time and get on the water faster with RIGS optional Meeting or Pick Up locations. Our advance online waiver process captures guest details in advance of your trip, so our team is informed for easy on-site logistics and your gear needs.
In order to legally fish in the State of Colorado, anyone 16 years or older must possess a valid Colorado State Fishing License. The cost of the fishing license is not included in trip prices. Licenses can be purchased for periods of one day or more. We encourage you to purchase Fishing & Hunting Licenses Online prior to your trip.
