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Flyfishing
Experience Telluride Flyfishing with
Telluride Outside Flyfishing Guide Service »
Lakes and reservoirs in the Telluride region appeal to the avid fisherman as well as the unschooled novice who wants to try his luck. Only 5% of the rivers in the U.S. are free-flowing, and the San Miguel qualifies as one of these. Please be knowledgeable about regulations, especially "catch and release" sections of the rivers.
FISH ON!
Trout fishing at its best! Gold Medal waters, freestone rivers, small alpine creeks, technical tailwater fishing and high mountain lakes- the fly fisher visiting the Telluride region can find it all. The SanMiguel River, the Dolores River, the Gunnison River and numerous lakes are all within easy reach of Telluride.
THE RIVERS
San Miguel: Telluride and San Miguel Valley
The San Miguel is one of two free flowing rivers left in Colorado. This freestone stream originates in the basins surrounding Telluride and has miles of accessible fishing.While the main river holds predominately Rainbow and Brown Trout, the headwaters and side creeks are home to Brookies and Cutthroats. The summer and fall months provide wonderful dry fly fishing. However, the river is accessible year-round, with often the largest fish being caught in the spring, prior to runoff. Beginning anglers will find the San Miguel an excellent location to improve their skills on this somewhat "non-technical" river. The seasoned fisher will also find many challenging situations, as well as fish of surprising size and strength. We are truly blessed to have this treasure right in our back yard. The South Fork of the San Miguel is found west of town in the Ilium Valley.
The Gunnison: Black Canyon, Montrose and Delta
The lower fourteen miles of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River (The Gunnison Gorge) is a Gold Medal fishery holding large Browns and Rainbows. This section of river is a designated Wilderness Study Area where access is difficult and commercial use is very limited. Few locations provide the combination of excellent fishing, wildlife and scenery which you will find in the Black Canyon. It is one of the premier trips of the lower forty-eight! Float trips up to three days are available through Telluride Outside, as well as walk-and-wade trips for the physically fit angler. The Black Canyon is a Fee-Use area and special regulations apply - please stop by the Telluride Angler to obtain a copy of the BLM regulations. All trips into the Gorge are pack-in, pack-out; please follow all regulations and help us keep this incredible resource in its pristine condition!
The Dolores: Hwy. 145 below McPhee Dam outside Cortez
South of Telluride, the Dolores River begins its journey from the high mountains above Lizard Head Pass. The "Upper Dolores" (Lizard Head Pass to the town of Dolores) is a freestone stream similar to the San Miguel. Below McPhee Reservoir lies an eleven mile stretch of Quality Waters home to big Cutthroats, Browns and Rainbows. This catch-and-release tailwater characteristically contains selective, picky trout that can only be fooled by small flies and delicate presentations. These spring-creek like conditions can challenge the finest of anglers.
LAKES AND PONDS
The Telluride area also contains numerous Alpine Lakes open to fishing. Stocked lakes can be great learning grounds for the beginning angler. In many lakes where regular stocking has not occurred, the trout have grown large, wild, wary and tough to fool.
Kids' Fishin' Pond: Telluride Town Park for ages 12 and under.
Alta Lakes: 9 mi. SW on Hwy. 145, left at Alta Lakes access road, then 5 mi. up.
Priest Lake: 12 mi. S on Hwy. 145, below Trout Lake.
Silver Lake: Bridal Veil Basin.
Trout Lake: 12 mi. S on Hwy. 145.
Woods Lake: 12 mi. W on Hwy. 145, left at Fall Creek Road, then 8 mi. up.
As of 1998, limits on the Western Slope of Colorado have been reduced,which should improve all of our local resources. All guided trips through Telluride Outside are on a catch-and release basis.
Telluride Outside/Telluride Angler
Telluride's premier guide service
since 1984. They offer four
major guided activities: fly
fishing,
4x4 tours, whitewater rafting
and mountain bike tours. Join
them for an unforgettable high
country adventure! Phone: (800)831-6230
Telluride Town Park
Parks Dept. The Telluride Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of year round programs for youth and adults in Town Park, at the school gyms, up in the Bear Creek Preserve, and at the Youth Center. Our staff provides assistance to the Commission for Arts and Special Events ( CASE ) and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Our department also manages and approves the applications for Town Park core area reservations, banners, street closures, and pocket park reservations. Phone: (970)728-2173
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