Fly Fishing Southern Colorado

From the majestic San Juan Mountains to the wide-open expanses of the San Luis Valley, few fishing areas rival the pristine beauty, diversity, and solitude of southern Colorado's rivers and trout streams. This guide thoroughly explores the region's watersheds: the Conejos, Rio Grande, San Juan, Piedra, Los Piños, Animas, and Dolores, as well as the still waters of high mountain areas. Included are detailed maps of the region and each watershed; area regulations and conservation policies; safety precautions, weather, and wildlife information; and a list of the region's important aquatic insects. For those willing to hoof it, southern Colorado's streams and rivers offer old fashioned, have-the-river-to-yourself fly fishing. But with this guide, even the roadside angler can find idyllic spots to cast a fly, making Fly Fishing Southern Colorado an essential guide for any angler interested in knowing and fishing ""the Little Switzerland of Colorado.""

Anyone planning a fishing trip to beautiful southern Colorado needs this book to locate the best fly-fishing streams. Most guidebooks focus on large, well-known drainages. Williams and McPhail identify many locations not included in other books. They also recommend appropriate flies for each stream in entries that bring out the unique character of every fishing spot. In alphabetical order, the authors describe fishing waters from the Animas River to Willow Creek. They have intentionally omitted some lesser-known highcountry streams to avoid traffic and overfishing. They have also been selective in assigning flies, picking patterns that have worked for them rather than the obvious ones that local fly shops might recommend.

This all-new third edition of this best-selling flyfishing guide to Colorado's waters includes an 8.5x11-inch layout, full-color photos and maps, and many brand-new redesigned highly detailed river and lake maps with GPS coordinates for all access points. Breaking the state into six sections, Bartholomew, a Colorado native and guide, blends his personal knowledge with the experience of state biologists and regional shop owners to offer the most complete flyfishing guide ever offered on Colorado. Also includes a warm-water section.

An overview of the streams of Southern New Mexico that support trout, the natural history of the streams, and the habitats of the trout that live there.

A complete, all-seasons guide to the Colorado River and tributaries including Roaring Fork, Eagle, Frasier, and Fryingpan. Includes breathtaking images, fly patterns, hatch information, and more.

Fishing small streams in the southern Rocky Mountains. Discover the tiny streams tucked in among the famous rivers you read about. Paul takes you to his favorite special places, offering detailed instructions on where/when to go and how to fish them. Handbook of Western Fly Fishing and Rocky Mountain Regional Editor of Fly Fish America, has spent the last 23 years fishing extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains. A Lifetime Member of Trout Unlimited, he fell in love with the small streams he encountered while exploring the nooks and crannies of the Rockies. Noted for his clear, concise writing, he shares his experiences, secret locations, love of the West and the fish that live there. Join Paul as he carefully directs you to his "special places" in COLORADO, NEW MEXICO and WYOMING. Fish for rainbows, browns, brookies and cutthroats. Not only will you catch fish, but you will be in some of the most beautiful country in the West. Reviews: "Your attention to detail is admirable. Without your reassurance there are good spots to fish at the end of your long dirt roads, most anglers would turn around early." Les and Kimball Beery, Authors Angler's Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park. ..".like a treasure hunt for fly fishers who enjoy out-of-the-way spots." Jim Othrow, Avid Fly Fisher. "Made me want to grab a pole and go fishing." Carol Cunningham, Wildlife Artist.

"The most comprehensive angling maps ever created for Colodado's rivers and lakes"--Page 4 of cover

The South Platte River begins high atop the frozen Continental Divide, home to a chain of rugged 13,000-foot, snow-capped peaks. This region comprises lush valleys, meandering meadow streams, and rose-colored, boulder-filled canyons. For generations this area has been a recreation mecca and a fly fisher’s paradise in its purest form. Out of all the trout fisheries in America that are within an hour’s drive of a major metropolitan area, the South Platte River is clearly one of the best. It has become a river shrine to thousands of anglers on an annual basis and for good reason. Throughout the river’s entirety, the South Platte creates a series of reservoirs (Antero, Spinney, Eleven Mile, Cheesman, Strontia Springs, and Chatfield) that provide major metropolitan water storage systems for Denver Water and the City of Aurora. The by-products of these storage facilities are world-class tailwaters that provide anglers with year-round fishing opportunities. Against all odds, the South Platte River remains a world-class trout fishery abundant with some of the most finicky and challenging trout in the world. There’s a common belief among South Platte regulars—if you can catch trout on the South Platte; you can catch trout anywhere in the world. * Completely new maps and updated river, access, and fishing information * Regional experts like Landon Mayer, Greg Blessing, Jeremy Hyatt, Chris Wells, Richard Pilatzke and John Perizzolo, Rick Mikesell and many more, share insider information * New line up of cutting-edge fly patterns * Additional chapters on stillwaters and the Denver Metro Area