There are many little known fly fishing locations in and around Denver. Spring is the ideal time to pull out your gear and start exploring some of these incredible angling opportunities. Days are getting longer and warmer, many different insect larvae are becoming more active, and rainbow, cutthroat and brown fish are starting to spawn. The South Platte and other nearby waters provide legendary fly fishing opportunities.

Here are 10 little known fly fishing spots that are only minutes away.

1. Try your hand at catching massive carp on the South Platte right in downtown Denver, under the bridge at Florida Avenue. The water here is clear and clean, and it is an almost surreal experience fly fishing this quiet river with the roar of traffic overhead on South Santa Fe Drive.
2. Still in Denver, explore the eddy on the northwest side at the railway trestle. It is easy to get to, by walking past the 6^th Avenue Bridge to the southern end of Phil Milstein Park. Anglers who have used this location report success using weighted flies dropped into the deep holes and whitewaters in the area.
3. Waterton Canyon is a top spot for fishing enthusiasts. This is a super place for family fishing and hiking, with ideal places for fly fishing only a short walk from the parking lot.
4. The Goose Creek Arm tailwaters from the Cheesman Reservoir abound in bluegill, perch, bass and trout. Many anglers consider this spot to be the most unique and picturesque fishery in the Rocky Mountain West.
5. Georgetown Lake is only a few minutes from Denver and is extremely easy to access. It is an ideal spot for family fishing trips and is popular for winter ice fishing as well.
6. Count on catching respectable brown, brook and rainbow trout in Grand Lake, one of the deepest natural lakes in the region. The beach is great for the kids, and the marina offers boats, rafts and even canoe rentals.

Drop in to the Minturn Anglers fly shop in Denver to pick last minute items you might need, and to discuss which waters are showing to be most productive in the last few days. If you are new to the area, invest in a half-day or longer guided fly fishing excursion with one of the professional guides from Minturn Anglers. If you are new to the sport or an experienced angler, you will be sure to gain all the pointers you need to experience a productive day on the water.

Another reason to talk to Minturn Anglers is to explore the private fly fishing waters to which they have exclusive access. Here are only a few of the many leases and ranches they can bring you to this spring.

1. Explore the McLaughlin Ranch for high country stream and stillwater fly fishing.
2. The Rattlesnake Ranch and offers one of the best fly fishing experiences in Colorado.
3. Boxwood Gulch Ranch and the Long Meadow Ranch provide the best angling opportunities in the Denver area.