Colorado is one of the most iconic fly fishing destinations in the West. Towering mountain ranges, cold freestone rivers, high-country lakes, and endless public access have made the state a bucket-list destination for trout anglers from around the world. Whether hiking into an alpine stream or floating a famous tailwater, Colorado offers incredible scenery and outstanding fishing at every turn.

Trout are the main attraction, with healthy populations of rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout spread across hundreds of rivers and thousands of miles of fishable water. Legendary fisheries like the South Platte, Arkansas, Gunnison, Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, and Colorado Rivers have earned worldwide reputations, while countless smaller creeks reward anglers willing to venture off the beaten path. Colorado is also home to some excellent stillwater fishing, producing trophy trout in reservoirs and alpine lakes.

While trout dominate the conversation, Colorado offers much more for adventurous anglers. Warmwater fisheries hold quality smallmouth bass, northern pike, carp, and walleye, providing exciting opportunities when mountain rivers warm or runoff is at its peak. No matter the season or preferred style of fishing, Colorado offers enough diverse water to keep fly anglers exploring for a lifetime.