At Colorado Outfitters, we cater our fishing trips to all abilities (beginner to expert, guided and unguided pack-in) and all interest levels. We offer some of the most pristine back country fishing in the state within Colorado Wilderness (access limited to "on-foot" and horseback only) and on National Forest. Our season starts typically in early spring when local lakes and inlets start to thaw. Fishing at ice out can be hot for big rainbows, cutthroat and grayling in local lakes. These trips will be out of our Base Ranch where we will drive and four-wheel to local fisheries. Hiking through snow can be required this time of year but the rewards can be great!

As we move into early summer (late June - early July) with snow receding in the back country, we are able to start reaching our lower elevation back country lakes on horseback. Again, right after ice out fishing can be very productive. During this time, with spring run off small rivers are still too high and fast to fish, but this begins to change in early to mid July.

About mid July is when we can get to some of our most remote waters via horseback and mule strings including getting our remote camps set. These remote lakes offer back country fishing at it's finest for big cutthroat and brookies! We also offer a unique way to fish these lakes using packable, inflatable boats which we pack in on mules. Not only does this take the headache out of fishing tight shorelines with steep banks and trees, but it also allows us to literally fish water that otherwise is not fish-able. This definitely impacts our ability to not only catch more fish but also more consistently hook  bigger fish! It is about the early to mid July timeframe that small river fishing heats up and stays productive most of the summer! If you enjoy fishing light tackle and dry flies for small brookies, this is as good as it gets!

For guided trips, we offer experienced, professional guides who know both the water and the country. In preparation for your trip, we will provide insight on proper gear, tackle and flies needed. For those who are beginners, we also offer fly fishing instruction and thoroughly enjoy introducing folks to the sport! You'd be surprised with a little instruction and time on the water how quickly you can improve and start catching fish! We certainly also understand many youngsters may not yet be ready for fly fishing and want to spin fish. That is not a problem either. We do encourage pinching the barbs on hooks with lures as we actively practice catch and release to preserve the quality of our fisheries. However, this does not exclude keeping a few small brookies for an appetizer here and there!

When you come fish with Colorado Outfitters, you can expect to find a professional, experienced staff as well as excellent stock for all riding abilities. Therefore, if you enjoy riding the back country and want to get away from the crowds on your next fishing adventure, we are a destination you need to experience! We will put together a trip that meets your interests whether it is out of the Base Ranch, Wilderness Pack-in or a taste of both. Lastly, if you have any special requests please ask (including menu), we will do what we can to make your fishing trip with us everything you want it to be and more!