Glenwood Springs, Co

Known for its Hot Springs, but a Fisherman's Playground

Accomodations

Rental

Camping

Hotel

Species

Brown Trout (12″ – 20+”)

Rainbow Trout (12″ – 20+”

Brook Trout (8″ – 12″)

Cutthroat Trout (8″ – 18″)

Difficulty

2 – Medium

Ideal Trip For

Anglers looking for a fishing adventure with easy access and lots of different types of water to fish

Glenwood Springs, CO

This is a surprisingly great place for a fishing adventure, offering a multitude of great water. The town of Glenwood Springs is a popular destination due to its incredible Hot Springs. But hidden behind the scenes is a plethora of small streams and creeks, bigger water like the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, still water alpine lakes, and the world famous Frying Pan River for those willing to drive just a bit further. Accessibility to water, restaurants, and watering holes make Glenwood Springs a great destination.

Why You Will Love This Trip

Fishing Spots

Windsor Lake

Located near Leadville, CO (we fished this the day before on the way to Glenwood)

This spot was recommended to us by our friends as Ascent Flyfishing. With a one mile hike straight up, it does take some effort to get to. However, the payoff makes every labored breath worth it!

We were a little late in the afternoon when we started the trek in, which didn’t allow us a ton of fishing time. But the time we did have was pretty awesome. Once we got to the lake, we witnessed some BIG cutthroat cruising the banks, true to what we were told. We were able to get into some 16″ cutthroats, while seeing fish bigger than that. Fishing the evening was productive, making it an unforgettable venture.

Note: while this spot isn’t necessarily near Glenwood Springs, a couple of us typically leave a day earlier than the rest. Because of the info we got, we made this an intentional stop and camped nearby before meeting up with the guys in Glenwood Springs the following day.

Fish Species

Cutthroat Trout

Suggested Flies

We fished hopper/dropper rigs, using Stimulators on top and classic nymphs underneath (Prince, Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear, and Black Beauties). Although we didn’t switch rigs a ton due to lack of fishing time, emergers and streamers would have been productive also.

Directions

Google Map

Halfmoon Creek

Near the Halfmoon Creek Campgrounds

This creek is a classic Colorado trout stream. It looks fishy from top to bottom. Access is fantastic and well marked. We camped in a dispersed spot along the creek, which made for a great night’s sleep and fantastic morning fishing session.

It offers fantastic bends, undercut banks, and nice long sections to find feeding fish. The dry fly fishing can be wonderful.

Fish Species

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

Suggested Flies

While the fish aren’t huge, what they lack in size they make up for in heart. We fished early morning for a couple hours and did well on classic dry/dropper rigs. We used Chubby Chernobyls and Stimulators with a pheasant tail, prince nymph, and black beauty droppers. We caught fish consistently all morning.

Directions

Google Map

Upper Roaring Fork River

West side of Independence Pass near Weller CG (Beautiful Drive)

Fished this upper Roaring Fork section on the way down to meet the boys in Glenwood. It was great Brookie fishing, stacked with beautiful fish. Greatest part was not seeing another fisherman. We tend to like the kinds of small waters that involve bush whacking. You know, where there is no discernable tramped down path to get to the water. This is that kind of place!

Fish Species

Brook Trout

Suggested Flies

Dry fly or die on this little section of the river. Sure, other stuff may work too, but why not soak in the top water action. Stimmies, Adams, Caddis, Chubbys, Hoppers all crushed!

Directions

Google Map

Middle Roaring Fork River

Near Snowmass

We stopped here for a couple of hours before meeting the boys. This is the kind of water you imagine when reading about the famous Roaring Fork River. It’s an incredible fishery. Great spot for us. We caught some good sized rainbows and browns, without seeing any other fisherman. Good water, especially if you waded out more in the middle of the river. Challenging wading, but definitely possible to get out.

Fish Species

Rainbows Trout, Brown Trout

Suggested Flies

Directions

Google Map

Lower Roaring Fork River

Just West of Basalt

What looked like phenomenal water turned out to be tough fishing. This spot looks like the classic Roaring Fork water you hear about…fishy! However, we only managed one brown trout to the net. Of course, we were late getting out to the water, so we fished in the heat of the day. Turns out late lunch on the tailgate of the trucks provided the best laughs of the day. That happens.

Fish Species

Rainbows Trout, Brown Trout

Suggested Flies

Directions

Google Map

Avalanche Creek

South of Carbondale, CO

Not gonna lie…this was one of the most epic days fishing we ever had. As we fished big Stimmies, the fish bite was on. And the scenery of this creek was incredible! We bushwhacked, we trail blazed, and we had an absolute BLAST! We caught the Rocky Mountain Grand Slam in the first hour we fished.

There were tons of active fish, and although we ended up way off the hiking trail from the campground, it was well worth the walk back through the woods. We caught some of the most beautiful fish we’ve ever seen. This is one of our favorite hidden gems. Highly recommend!

Fish Species

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout

Suggested Flies

This is a smaller stream packed with fish. We fished dry flies all day…Stimulators, Adams, Hoppers…whatever you can see, so can the fish. Classic dry fly water.

Directions

Google Map

Drive up to the parking lot at the Avalanche Creek Campground and start fishing. It is a bumpy drive, so go slow and you’ll be fine. Having four wheel drive trucks helped, but it wasn’t required.

No Name Creek

Just East of Glenwood Springs

We parked at the No Name Creek trailhead and started up. This little creek is full of fish, and we had a blast exploring it. There were spots where the only option for casting was a roll cast. A couple of really fishy spots required the good ol” Bow and Arrow catch. One even resulted in a nice 14″ rainbow! The fish aren’t huge, but the fishing was. It was the kind of water that was perfect for “leap frog,” fishing then jumping ahead of a couple buddies. We love exploring stuff and this did not disappoint.

Fish Species

Rainbows Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout

Suggested Flies

This is a simple creek where you don’t need to overthink the flies you use. We fished small dries, think parachute whatever. We love Adams. We also fished big Stimmys and Half Chubbys. All produced fish with regularity. I’m sure any typical nymph would work as a dropper, but why do that when dry flies were working?

Directions

Google Map

The parking lot isn’t very big, so if you can get a spot…sweet! Hike up the little dirt road, by the little house, and up to the old mine. We started there and kept going up.

Colorado River

Near the tiny town of No Name

Because we were staying so close by, we decided to park at the CDOT Rest Area, hike down to the Colorado and fish it from there. The Colorado is BIG water. The kind where you stick to the edges and pick up fish in the pocket water and seams just off. There were a couple places where we were able to wade out a bit in slower water and chuck streamers. We caught mostly decent sized brown trout. We never tire from fishing streamers. At least some of us don’t.

Fish Species

Rainbows Trout, Brown Trout

Suggested Flies

We fished dry/dropper rigs with big attractors on top and classic nymphs below. Stimulators and Chubby Chernobyl for high visibility, with a pheasant tail off the bottom. We got consistent hits on both. We also threw streamers like black and Olive Wooly Buggers, Thin Mints, and Meat Whistles. Again, the action was pretty good.

Directions

Google Map

Other Important Fishing Information

Fishing License: Hunting and Fishing Licenses – Colorado Parks and Wildlife IPAWS
Colorado Fishing Info/Regulations: Fishing | Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Gear & Flies

Below are links to the gear and flies we recommend using, as well as any specific successes we have had on this specific trip.

River Wisdom

Gear Head

River Wisdom

Gear Head

This is Colorado Rocky Mountain fishing at its finest. We used the following and had success, but we recommend popping into the below fly shops for up-to-the-minute intel on what is hatching and the patterns that imitate it.

We threw on Stimulator flies in size 16 yellow, green, and orange slayed fish on most of the water we fished. Chubbys and Half Chubbys worked for us as well. The Colorado is way bigger water, but in the summer/fall a Hopper-Dropper (Chubby Chernobyl / Hare’s Ear worked) along the banks all day. Streamers out in the current worked also with takes on the down swing. On Avalanche Creek and No Name Creek, we had success with basically any Rocky Mountain pattern… when in doubt throw a Parachute Adams.

We used 3 weight rods for the smaller creeks and high mountain lake. Super fun, especially when you hook into a bigger fish. We busted out the 5 weight rods for our afternoon on the Colorado. Much easier to throw streamers.

Fly Shops & Guides

Shops

Roaring Fork Anglers - 2205 S Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO

Whether you want to catch a 10 inch Colorado trout or a 150 pound tarpon (not in Colorado), these guys have what you need. They offer a full service fly shop with guided service to anywhere in the surrounding area and then some! From the basic to the exotic, no matter your fishing needs, they got you covered.

Website

Hookers - 719 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO

Is there a better name for a fly shop? Imagine the look on the Mrs’ face when you tell her, “Look what I got from Hookers?” Gold. This fly shop is a must visit when in the Glenwood Springs area. They will “hook” you up with all your fly fishing needs.

Website

Glenwood Springs Outdoors - 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO

No matter what outdoor activity you’re planning, hunting/fishing/guided trip, the folks at Glenwood Springs Outdoors will take care of you. This is a spot loved by the locals and visitors alike.

Website

Places to Stay

Free (Red Markers)

Forest Service Roads are our favorite camping hack. And we typically can find spots on the water we fish.

Avalanche Campground offers first come/first serve sites. Fall asleep to the sounds of Avalanche Creek, as it runs adjacent to the campground. As mentioned above, this creek is one of our all time favorites. (website)

Paid Sites (Green Markers)

These sites vary in what you get and how much it will cost. *Amenities vary.

Weller Campground: This little campground offers 11 sites on a first come first serve basis. It sits on Independence Pass, which is high and pretty steep. However, it is one of the most beautiful passes in the state. And this spot offers access to the upper Roaring Fork river for great brook trout, as well as fishing in Weller Lake (a short hike). $28/night (website)
Ami’s Acres Campground: Campground located in the heart of Glenwood Springs, Ami’s gives you options for trailers, tents, and RVs. Close to give you access to all the great waters to fish. Tent sites are $40/night. (website)

VRBO Rental in No Name

We stayed here! It worked really well for seven grown men on a budget and was a great find for us.

With easy access to the Colorado River and No Name Creek just a short walk/drive from the front steps of the cabin, we were able to fish whenever we wanted. The space gave us all we needed, from a spacious kitchen to a big dining room table, perfect for eating and playing cards. All six of us had our own beds to sleep in, which is always good as most of us snore.

Link to VRBO page

Glenwood Canyon Resort

For a little more than a tent, these small cabins are prolly more like glamping, but they are right in the middle of the town of Glenwood Springs, providing access to the outdoor playground surrounding it.

Website

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge

If you want the full experience of the main attraction to this town, The Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is the place to stay. After long days on the water, soak in the hot springs for the ultimate refresh, making your next day a lot easier to wake up to.

Website

Grub

Disclaimer: Things in small mountain towns like Creede, have off hours or are closed in the winter. Plan accordingly.

Breakfast/Coffee

Bristol Head Bakery

Nothing fancy, except for the incredible goodness of their pastries! Quite possibly the best bakery in mountains of Colorado. A must! (Note: their coffee selection is just drip coffee)

Instagram

Coffee on the Fly

For a great way to get your morning started, what better way than to grab a great cup of coffee, a bagel sandwich, and talk fishing! You get all of the above at this cool little spot in the heart of Creede. (FYI: Located next to the best fly shop in the area)

Website

Lunch/Dinner

Tommyknocker Tavern

For great BBQ and other awesome sandwiches, this spot is a goodie! It won’t break the bank and is a perfect spot to fill your belly. They offer live music, good spirits and a perfect laid back experience after a long day on the water fishing.

Website

Kip's Grill

Loved by locals and visitors alike, Kip’s will make you feel like you belong here. Good grub and relaxed atmosphere, they offer good burgers and classic bar food to satisfy your hunger after a long day on the river. Perfect spot to sit back, chill, and reset.

Website

Grocery/Misc.

Creede Trading Company

This legendary family owned business is a must stop for all things Creede…especially their fudge!! It is one of my all time favorites, as fudge makes for the perfect riverside snack. No one does it better than the Whitehorn family up in Creede (they’re the owners). We love the Creede Trading Company! And if you need any fishing advice, just ask. They will help you out…local knowledge is the best!!!

Website

Kentucky Belle Market (Grocery Store)

The local grocery store should have anything you might have forgotten to bring in the cooler. Support local when you can!

Website

Other Important Food Information

Placeholder for e-book on our favorite camping meals & airbnb recipes

Transportation

Enter in stuff about the best airport to fly into, how long of a drive it is. Details about try type of vehicle you would need (4×4, etc). Any other information you may beed about gear/space requirements, etc.