A Beginner's Guide to Colorado Fly Fishing

With an abundance of renowned places to cast and the gorgeous scenery that abounds, Colorado fly fishing is unlike anything else.

If you’re an angler used to a typical rod-and-reel, the concept of fly fishing might seem a little foreign—but once you get the hang of it, fly fishing can bring a whole new world into your tackle box.

Fly Fishing vs. Regular Fishing: What’s the Difference?

While there are many debates about a superior form of fishing, the pros and cons of fly fishing and regular fishing mostly come down to the opinion of the angler. However, there are some key variations in the structure that are worth noting.

In conventional fishing, an angler will typically cast a heavy lure and light line into a mostly-still body of water. With fly fishing, the line is heavier and has a lightweight “fly” attached, typically cast into moving waters and streams. Fly fishing tends to produce fewer bites and catches due to the technique involved, but is considered to be more about the experience than the reward.

Three Types of Fly Fishing

Just as with conventional fishing, fly fishing has its own variations within the broader term:

Dry Fly Fishing
Typically used to catch trout, dry fly-fishing is the term for when an angler casts a buoyant fly that is designed to imitate aquatic insects. The angler strategizes to bring the fly along the current naturally. It is widely considered the best option for beginners, as a bite from a fish is highly visible.

Wet Fly Fishing
Wet fly-fishing is used for trout and other warm-water fish species. The angler utilizes a fly that sinks, either on its own or due to a weight. The angler positions the fly to drift along with subsurface currents or will slowly maneuver it through still waters. It is a bit advanced for beginners but can be mastered with practice.

Streamer Fly Fishing
This technique is used for a large variety of fish, including trout, warm-water species and saltwater fish. The angler uses a sinking fly that imitates a bait fish, swinging it across open currents or navigating it through still waters.

While there is no superior or inferior option, trying fly fishing is a great way to learn a new outdoor skill and develop your own preferences as an angler—and with all the opportunity Colorado has to offer, it is the perfect place to learn.

If you’re interested in your own parcel of Colorado land to fish on, get in touch with us today!