Telluride Flyfishing Guide

On wade-fishing trips, guests have an exceptional opportunity to receive hands-on instruction. Whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or have fly fished all your life, you'll come away a better angler.

San Miguel River
~ ½ day and full day trips flyfishing trips from Telluride
The San Miguel offers superb flyfishing just minutes from Telluride. Home to four species -- rainbows, cutthroat, brown trout and brook trout -- the San Miguel is one of the last undammed rivers in the Rocky Mountains. Classic pocketwater and abundant trout make the San Miguel a beginner-friendly river and a great choice for both half and full day trips.

Uncompahgre River
~ full day trips flyfishing trips from Telluride
Large trout may be caught using a variety of techniques on the Uncompahgre. This special river offers outstanding match-the-hatch dry fly fishing in summer and fall months and some of our best winter flyfishing from November-April. In every season, the Uncompahgre is one of our favorite trout streams.

Upper Dolores River
~ ½ day and full day flyfishing trips from Telluride
The Upper Dolores watershed is fed by a dozen cutthroat and brook trout streams descending from alpine basins. The Main Fork and West Fork offer more than 75 miles of trout water. Willing fish and magnificent scenery make the Dolores a Colorado flyfishing classic.

Lower Dolores River
~ full day flyfishing trips from Telluride
Below the McPhee Reservoir, the Dolores winds like a spring creek through a lush, low gradient valley. This is our most challenging dry fly water - a place for advanced anglers to test their skill and nerves.

Gunnison River
~ Full day flyfishing trips from Telluride, or 2-day/1-night trips lodging at Gunnison River Farms
Telluride Angler offers wade and float fishing trips on two sections of the Gunnison River through our friends at Black Canyon Anglers (CO#618). The mighty Gunnison is one of Colorado's legendary trout streams, famous for voracious browns and rainbows that can reach two feet in length. We wade the Gunnison from several trail access points in the Black Canyon, including the Chukar, Bobcat, Duncan and Ute trails, as well as the lower river from the Gunnison forks. 1-day float fishing trips are also available on the lower stretch, beginning at the forks and fishing six miles downstream to Gunnison River Farms.

Cascabel Club
~ ½ day and full day flyfishing trips available week days only, 2 anglers maximum
~ inquire about availability and private water fees
Crown jewel of the San Miguel, the fabulous Cascabel Club offers pristine flyfishing in the beautiful Norwood Canyon, just 40 minutes downstream from Telluride.

Lightenburger Ranch
~ full day flyfishing trips recommended from Telluride
What could be more luxurious than having four miles of the Dolores River all to yourself? Lightenburger Ranch, the "Line Camp" and our "Roaring Fork" leases provide the opportunity to flyfish for days without seeing another angler.

Dunton Hot Springs
~ full day flyfishing trips available April-October
Just west and south from Telluride, the West Fork of the Dolores River meanders through the historic mining camp at Dunton. Dunton Hot Springs has been restored as a low-profile but magnificently appointed resort with more than a half mile of private flyfishing water. The West Fork slows and braids across this broad dell. Beavers have deepened many of the channels, creating glassy pools where trout rise. Cutthroat, rainbows, brown trout and brook trout are all present. These are wild trout, and many have grown stout in their pristine habitat.

Here's the big news from Dunton: Dunton's owners have recently acquired 2 1/2 additional miles of exclusive private water, just downstream from the Dunton resort. This is the best trout water on the West Fork Dolores, featuring both winding mule shoe bends and forested canyon sections. Telluride Outside will begin guiding this special new water in late July this year. Lunch/soak packages as well as pure fishing packages will be offered, with meals catered by Dunton's fabulous kitchen. We expect this to become some of the best private water in Colorado. (see picture, below)

Rest and soak between fly fishing beats. If we can give the fish a break, we are welcome to join Dunton's acclaimed chef for a gourmet lunch and relax in their natural hot spring pools. Access to the resort is also available on special mountain bike and 4-WD tours. Please inquire for availability and rates.

"Jackson Hole," Uncompahgre River
~ full day flyfishing trips available 12 months a year, inquire for schedule and fees
Our favorite winter flyfishing water, "Jackson Hole" on the Uncompahgre River holds abundant fish right through the season. The river here is characterized by low gradient runs, pools and cut banks, perfect habitat for heavy trout.

Gurley Reservoir and Creek
~ full day flyfishing trips available daily May 15 - Nov. 15
~ inquire for trip schedule and private water rod fees
Big fish, anyone? "The Gurley" is among Colorado's richest lakes. Feeding on crayfish and abundant insect life, its trout grow to great size. In the lake, cruising fish explode on dry flies and streamers. We also flyfish Gurley's fabulous inlet creek.

To enhance the Gurley fishing experience, we've just purchased a brand new ClackCraft driftboat. Now, you can chase Gurley's huge trout while riding in the lap of luxury. The boat offers all kinds of fishing advantages. It rows quickly and quietly, allowing the guide to scoot to the lee corner of the lake and sneak up on big, rising fish. Comfortable seats and leg braces allow the angler to rest between fish and stand safely while casting. The boat is also equipped with an anchor, so your guide may station the boat to cast at specific fish or assist with technique. Book a float trip on Gurley this summer and find out why this is one of our best-kept secrets!