(970) 319-4866 
Frequently Asked Questions
Fishing FAQ's
Our fishing season begins with ice-out fishing typically in May for large rainbows and grayling in local waters. As we get into June, some of the lower elevation lakes can become accessible and for sure by early July. Small river fishing generally starts to get good in this timeframe too.
Our backcountry fishing camps are generally operational by early July to mid-July but it can vary depending on spring / late season snow. It is generally this time of year before trails are free of snow and cleared from winter’s downed timber and lakes are free of ice. Early season fishing many times offers a great opportunity to catch big fish as they are hungry after ice out and cruising the shorelines in search of food. This time of year nymphs, scuds and streamers are generally what works best depending on the lake.
As we get into midsummer, late July to early August, insect activity picks up and water levels have dropped in small rivers so both lakes and rivers will be fishing well including dry fly activity. Great fishing continues into late summer and early fall.
Our primary fishing season winds down at the end of August with the start of the Archery Season. However, many times we can accommodate a fall fishing trip during the last week of August to early September. Fishing during this time can offer some of the best of the season too. Please check for availability if interested!
Lastly, if you enjoy the cool, crisp days of fall and fall foliage, we can accommodate trips in late September to early October. This time frame is during the break between Colorado Archery and Rifle Hunting Seasons so our camps are open. Scenery (i.e. aspens are typically in full color) and fishing can be superb this time of year and once again offer the opportunity to catch big fish as they look to fatten up before winter.
For Local Waters Expeditions, we fish in the Clark area typically on National or State Forest. For these trips we fish lakes and small rivers. Our Wilderness Expedition Trips are within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Again, here we offer lake fishing and most camps have some small river fishing for brookies too.
We also offer some great small river expeditions in our Summit County location (near Silverthorne, CO) which are a one day trip into the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Typically, this is a long day hitting the trail on horseback early AM and getting back to the trailhead just before dark but if you are looking for a fun day of superb small river fishing for cutthroats and brookies it is worth it! Typically, we do these one day trips starting in mid to late July (after the spring run-off and water levels are fishable) until the Archery Season begins the last week of August.
If guests need fly fishing rods and reels, we do have a limited number for rent at a cost of $30.00 per day. We do not have waders for rent (but we can point guests to some fly shops in the town of Steamboat where they can be rented). Additionally, clients are expected to come with necessary tackle including leaders, tippet and flies. In the event, you would like us to provide any tackle, please bring this up when booking. Especially, in the case of beginners, we are willing to purchase tackle in advance on your behalf. Guests would then be expected to reimburse us for its cost.
As part of your Wilderness Expedition with us, taking a day off and doing some sight-seeing and horseback riding is always an option. Weather permitting, rides along the Continental Divide are an option as is wildlife viewing for deer, elk and moose.
No, our experienced guides thoroughly enjoy introducing those guests who are new to the sport and will work hard to make it a fun, learning experience!
Please reference the “what to bring” and “gear sections” above. Also, a general rule of thumb with a pack trip is bring what you need but no more. We are limited as to what we can pack in on mules. If you have specific questions, please contact us. In terms of how to pack, soft duffle/gear bags are best and better to pack 2 smaller bags of equal weight than one big bag. Pack rods are best (i.e. 4-5 piece) packed in the protective rod tube. Please no glass items. If bringing beer, bring cans. Other adult beverages should be brought along in Nalgene or stainless steel bottles. If possible, we will make arrangements to get your gear and supplies the afternoon before your trip so we can get it weighed and packed into loads prior to meeting at the trailhead. We will discuss the possibility of this when booking your trip.
In general, we strongly encourage catch and release which is why the fishing remains great. However, one evening we are open to keeping a fish or two for an appetizer if guests desire.
Hunting FAQ's
A very common question from hunters is what week offers the best hunting? The answer to that question honestly is, it depends. Weather, hunting pressure and rut activity all play a major role in how the hunting goes. During the archery season, many hunters just assume that from mid-September through end of season is the peak of the rut and hence the best weeks to hunt. While many times this can be true, abnormally warm weather or hunting pressure can and will limit elk activity and bugling. Therefore, don’t rule out hunting the earlier weeks of archery as they can be darn good too! Many times they can require different hunting tactics but our guides are experienced and know how to hunt the entire season depending on the hunting conditions encountered. Additionally, early in the archery season, hunting pressure can be less and elk more responsive (although bulls during this timeframe may come in silent). Another plus of the early season is large bulls tend to be alone vs with large harems of cows which can make it easier to get close to them for a shot.
As for the Rifle Seasons, most years during the 1st rifle elk are still in full rut and still bugling. Therefore, it can offer an excellent time to take a bull. It does generally require hunting at higher elevation. It also is a draw hunt for which you must apply. Many times this tag can be drawn with no preference points and is a high probability to draw with 1 point.
2nd Rifle Season offers the first opportunity to hunt both deer and elk with a rifle during the same time frame where bull elk tags are sold “over the counter”. All deer tags in Colorado are a draw and must be applied for. This is the most popular Colorado rifle season. Given this, there are more hunters in the woods during 2nd rifle and they do move game. Therefore, stand hunting can be very productive if one has patience to sit. Our guides know the country including good vantage points to sit and game escape routes.
3rd and 4th Rifle Seasons can be excellent hunting especially with late season snow that will drive elk and deer down to lower elevations. 3rd Rifle offers “over the counter Bull elk tags” and 4th Rifle is a draw so all elk tags must be applied for. Another plus for 3rd rifle is there is a one week break between 2nd and 3rd rifle which generally does improve the hunting. Lastly, with the colder weather during these seasons and the rut typically over, elk are more active feeding during the day preparing for winter which can make for good hunting all day long!
No, this is not necessarily true. Of course, if elk are being pressured hard, they can become more nocturnal feeding more at night especially during a full moon. It also can mean, elk will bed down earlier in the morning limiting the window of opportunity in the morning. That said, the rut still goes on and elk still must feed. Therefore, assuming cool weather, elk will get up and move earlier in the afternoon during full moon periods in search of cows in estrus and to feed.
Please see our hunting check lists within the “Trip Planning” section of the web site regarding gear including weight of gear for any pack-in hunts. In general, it is better to pack 2 medium sized duffel bags of equal weight than 1 large bag. Also, no glass please in your gear bags for pack-in hunts. Lastly, hunters packing in need to drop their gear off to us by 4:00pm the afternoon prior to pack in so it can be weighed and mantied up for your pack trip the next day.
To best ensure chances for success, we like our archery hunters to be proficient out to 40 yards (50 is even better) and rifle hunters to 300 yards. Accuracy to these distances can easily be achieved with practice. Also, be sure to practice in “real hunting positions” as best you can (i.e. shooting off a bench with sand bags to zero your rifle is great but once this is complete, move on to shooting in real hunting positions).
While you don’t have to be a high performance athlete to kill an elk, we strongly encourage all of our hunters to get into the best possible physical shape you can be. You will enjoy your hunt more and be able to hunt harder potentially resulting in increased opportunity for an elk! For those who are limited in their physical ability, please do call us to discuss. We do offer some easier hunts but need to understand your limitations to best accommodate you.
We do not have a “draw blood” policy at this time. However, we do preach and believe in ethical shot selection. Therefore, please be responsible in your shot selection whether you are hunting with a guide or a drop camp! This means taking only shots that offer a clean, quick kill and within your realistic shooting range.
General FAQ's
No, we do not. It is the guest’s responsibility to secure lodging prior and following your expedition as well as transportation to and from the airport. We have no local guest accommodations beyond our remote camps and don’t have the staff to provide transportation. We can however make recommendations on where to stay prior/following your expedition and for airport transportation. Please see our website for details or contact us.
Lastly, clients will be given specific directions and a time to meet us at the trail head the day of pack in of your hunting or fishing trip.
Colorado Outfitters will provide fully furnished camps and 3 meals per day for all guided trips. Guests should plan to bring their own personal snacks and any special drinks (we will provide coffee, ice tea or lemonade at meals). Adult beverages are permitted in moderation. We also assign guides based on below and stock based on riding ability.
Fishing guests can expect at least one guide for every three people. Additional staff will be provided as needed based on the size of the party (i.e. wranglers, cook, etc.). Guided hunts are 1 guide for every 2 clients. Solo hunters will be paired up with another hunter of equal physical ability or if you are the odd person in camp, you will have a guide to yourself at no additional charge.
No, we have stock for all riding abilities including children. Our experienced staff will go over riding safety prior to leaving the trail head and also work with you to help improve your riding skills as need be on the trail. All stock is assigned based on experience level of the guest. We do have some great kid friendly horses too!
While you don’t have to be a high performance athlete to kill an elk, we strongly encourage all of our hunters to get into the best possible physical shape you can be. You will enjoy your hunt more and be able to hunt harder potentially resulting in increased opportunity for an elk! For those who are limited in their physical ability, please do call us to discuss. We do offer some easier hunts but need to understand your limitations to best accommodate you.
It is always tough to predict who will or won’t get altitude sickness. In general, for our fishing and hunting trips, very few guests experience it. However, if you have any concerns as to how your physical health and condition relates to high altitude, we recommend you discuss it with your Doctor prior to booking a trip. Additionally, there are medications today that do help prevent altitude sickness. For safety reasons, we do require guests to disclose any health conditions as part of the booking process.
Colorado backcountry weather can be unpredictable. Below outlines typical weather by time of year.
During summer months, in general expect cool mornings /evenings and pleasant days. At night, temperatures can dip into the low forties with day time highs in the sixties to seventies.
Once September and October comes, lows can dip into the high twenties and low thirties at night with day time highs generally in the fifties and sixties. Early season snow is not out of the question either, especially at elevations of 10,000 feet and up. During the second half of October, snow is probable and temperatures can be colder with lows in the high teens to low twenties. Day time highs are generally cooler too with highs in the 40s.
In November, weather can turn frigid with stronger snow storms. Full winter clothing is generally required including insulated boots. Lows can be close to zero with day time highs only in the upper teens to twenties. There are years where November can be mild too but it’s best to plan for cold weather.
Given Colorado’s altitude, our sunshine is stronger and brighter than most areas in the country. Adequate protection from the sun is essential including a hat, sunscreen and quality sunglasses. It is also normal for a passing thunderstorm to threaten many afternoons during the summer and fall months so quality rain gear is also a must.
- For all Wilderness Fly Fishing Expeditions and Horseback Pack Trips, we are open to work with you to put together a menu that meets your taste and interests. Please let us know at time of booking if you would like something specific. In general though, breakfast will be hot to include juice and fresh brewed coffee with entrees like bacon, eggs to order and homefries or pancakes and sausage or french toast and sausage. We will also do breakfast burritos from time to time. Lunches will typically be a sack lunch with assorted cold cuts, fresh fruit, chips and cookies. Dinners will consist of entrees like barbecued chicken, grilled bratwurst or kielbasi , spaghetti and meatballs, meatloaf and gravy along with sides of rice pilaf, mashed or baked potatoes, mac and cheese with a vegetable and / or garden salad. Desert is always on the menu too with fresh baked cookies or brownies and of course marshmallows / s'mores over a camp fire. Cold drinks will be served with all meals generally lemonade or gatorade. Hot coffee or hot chocolate is always an option too as is a hot shore lunch like grilled hot dogs or burgers.
- During the hunting seasons, the menu will be very similar to above for all meals. The exception is hunting season we don't have the time to do custom menus. However, if there are things you don't like, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.
- In all cases, if you have strict health or dietary restrictions of any kind, please make us aware at time of booking so we have time to plan and accommodate.
Colorado Outfitters, LLC
19495 County Road 17
Craig, CO 81625
(970) 319-4866
info@co-outfitters.com
What Our Clients Say
Myself, Mike Cigich and Marty Moyer would like to thank you for an awesome experience!
Thanks again for the experience!
Your satisfied client - Adam Walker
I waited 25 years to draw this tag and I can't say enough about how Colorado Outfitters made my dream come true!
Ricky Taaffee
Our wilderness pack in trip with Colorado Outfitters was top notch from beginning to end. The quality of the Guides, horses, meals and accommodations were superb.
The Reid Family
I had the good fortune to choose Outfitters as the professional guide service for my Colorado Moose hunt. I can recommend Colorado Outfitters with the highest confidence.
Mark Sampson
I had a great time fishing at Colorado Outfitters last summer! This was my first time here. Needless to say, I'll be back as fishing, scenery and horses were great!
Paul Winterman
State of Colorado Outfitters Registration #733
Colorado Outfitters, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and provider, authorized by special use permits from the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office to operate on the White River and Routt National Forests.