Northern Colorado is a Fly Fisherman’s Dream!
Colorado’s Golden Triangle (Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor) is a special area! Breweries, 310 miles of biking trails and nationally-awarded restaurants are some of the reasons people enjoy living in the area.
Now the Golden Triangle is receiving another impressive recognition: the World Fishing Network announced the area as a contender for America’s Ultimate Fishing Towns. Colorado Outdoors Magazine explained why the nearby Big Thompson and Poudre drainages attract fishermen across the nation:
Big Thompson River: Where Rainbow Trout abound!
With roughly 2,000 adult rainbow trout per mile, Big Thompson is one of the best spots to snag this Colorado favorite.
Horsetooth Reservoir is an Angler’s Paradise
When the reservoir is completely filled, anglers can fish up to 25 miles from the shoreline! This is a hotspot for walleye. In fact Horsetooth boasts Colorado’s record for the biggest walleye ever caught (a whopping 19 pounds!).
Poudre River: Colorado’s Only National River
Devout fly fishermen around the world dream of doing the Poudre. With a pristine ecosystem it’s been designated the only National Wild and Scenic River in our state! It is a home to a huge population of brown trout.
Rocky Mountain National Park: The Ultimate Trout Slam!
Brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout can be found within the lakes and streams of Rocky Mountain National. With such convenient camping and gorgeous views, it’s no wonder the park is a favorite for anglers pursuing a “trout slam.”
Suburban Ponds and Lakes for the Family
Fort Collins is surrounded by fishing holes! So for the fly fishing enthusiast, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce kids and newbies to the sport. This list of local waters is filled with an assortment of fish (sunfish, rainbow trout, bass, catfish and carp).
- City Park Pond (Sheldon Lake) in Fort Collins
- Troutman Park Pond in Fort Collins
- North Lake Park Pond in Loveland
- Severance Town Pond in Severance
- Watson Lake in LaPorte
- Windsor Reservoir in Windsor
- Smith Lake