Winter Trips
WINTER FLY FISHING TRIPS
Winter fly fishing can be more rewarding and fun than most people think. Traditionally winter can be mild most days with sun midday (colder mornings and late afternoons). That is why our half days start at 10 am to grab the best part of the fishing. Water temperatures remain static on tailwaters at a constant 40 degrees which makes fish picky but catching them all the more rewarding. While nymphing and some streamer fishing are the norms, on warmer sunny days midge hatches can occur making for fun dry dropper fishing. While the high country is inaccessible, we still have two tailwaters and four amazing locations to pick from.
Access
Temperatures can fluctuate greatly during winter. We can have one day at 10 degrees and the next at 50. This can be frustrating but incredibly rewarding when you catch that large colorful winter rainbow or brown. Ask our reservations what rivers are fishing best during your visit. There is always somewhere to fish in our region. We fish several sections of the Uncompahgre River, Gunnison River: Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon, San Miguel River and the Cimarron River High Country that are all available under RIGS own permits.
Advantages
Winter may reduce the number of fishable waters, but it can also offer the river to yourself during a midge hatch with 50 degrees and sunny. It can be the perfect time to visit and combine three amazing activities the region has to offer; Fly Fishing, Skiing, and Ice Climbing. During breaks with kids and family, explore all the unique activities SW Colorado has to offer.
Approach
In Winter, choose from our half-day and full-day walk-wade fly fishing and float fishing on select rivers. All our guided trips are conducted on rivers within an hour or less from Ridgway. Enjoy exploring Telluride, Ouray, or Montrose, Colorado. *All major airlines service Montrose Regional Airport, located 30 minutes from our Fly Shop.
Passionate Staff
Our guides specialize in helping anglers of all experience levels explore what winter fly fishing can offer via walk-wading or float fishing in a drift boat. They are also here to help each angler learn new techniques and work on improving existing techniques like casting, nymphing, or river etiquette.
Timing
Our regional rivers have a long season for fishing; during winter, there are times when the water is iced over, but we always have a river to fish. Discuss with our reservation staff when the best time to go is.
