Colorado Beckons - 2024

As summer reaches its peak in Colorado, we are presented with a plethora of opportunities for fly fishing in the Centennial State. With abundant rivers, streams, and high alpine lakes, Colorado is a fly fishing paradise, offering something for every angler. In July, as the weather warms up, certain areas become especially attractive for fly fishing.

We set out on a trip to fish and camp in the southern part of Colorado for our extended vacation this year. Salida, Colorado, is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its stunning mountain views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts scene, Salida is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Arkansas River, which runs through the town, offers fantastic opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The charming downtown area is lined with historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants serving up delicious cuisine. This is where we based our vacation activities. The accessibility to the Arkansas River valley and the awesome food in town made this the perfect place to come back to when we needed to refuel or restock on supplies.

Along this adventure we stopped and camped at beautiful places. Night one was at 10,000+ feet above sea level at a miner's camp we rented on recreation.gov. The 17 1/2 hour drive to get there wasn't my favorite, but this awesome site had a pit toilet and fire ring along with a few buildings to make camp in for the night.

The next day, we hit the water and visited one of my favorite stores. We fished momentarily at Clear Creek Reservoir near Leadville, CO. We didn't fish long as I was excited to visit Melanzana to get Ross his long-awaited Mellie. I have had my Mellie since August 2019 and it has some history to it now. In case you haven't heard of Melanzana, Melanzana is a store that hand crafts microgrid material clothes in Leadville, CO. You have to have an appointment to shop in the store and they do not do any online orders. You have to be IN Leadville to get any of their merchandise. I randomly got the appointment to shop the night before we went. I am still so stoked that I was able to get Ross the Melanzana he had wanted since 2019.

After an eventful day in Leadville, we found a campsite near Poncha Springs and made camp for the night. This camp was situated along a small creek where I caught some fo my favorite fish of the trip. I love fishing these small creeks. These intimate waters are often teeming with trout but require a stealthy approach and precise casting due to the dense vegetation and narrow waterways. Navigating these small streams in July can be immensely rewarding as anglers test their skills against wily trout in picturesque surroundings. The highlights for me on this trip were among these small streams.

We camped and fished until we decided to hike up to an alpine lake near St. Elmo. I thought I had been in the alpine environment before, but not before this trip. It was vastly different from anything I had ever experienced. The lakes were beautifully situated among steep mountain peaks and stocked with beautiful lake trout. I was in awe of this place.

High alpine lakes provide a truly unique fly fishing experience in July. These remote, pristine locations offer the chance to catch hard-fighting trout amidst stunning mountain scenery. However, the challenges of fishing at high altitudes should not be underestimated. Thinner air, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain can make reaching these lakes an adventure in itself. Anglers need to come prepared with essential gear and be ready for the unexpected. We were ready for the unexpected and adapted plans quickly when needed.

July in Colorado offers prime conditions for rooftop tent camping, providing fly fishermen with the ultimate in convenience and comfort. With a rooftop tent, anglers can easily set up camp near their chosen fishing spots, maximizing their time on the water. This flexibility allows anglers to explore various fishing locations while having a comfortable and secure place to rest at the end of an exciting day on the water.

Ross and I spent lots of time after the alpine lake excursion trotting around downtown Salida, fishing the Arkansas River, and fishing other small streams in the area. We took a brief break from rooftop tent camping and stayed at the Salida Inn. It was a lovely stay at a great price.

July in Colorado is an excellent time for fly fishing enthusiasts to explore the diverse and abundant fishing opportunities that the state has to offer. Whether it's the high alpine lakes, small streams in the national forest, or the convenience of rooftop tent camping, there's something for every angler to enjoy. So pack your gear, head to Colorado, and experience the thrill of fly fishing in this beautiful summer month. Lord knows I'd be back already if I could!

Enjoy the thrill of adventure and find solace among the rivers and streams.

Be inspired + go!