Every year we plan a mid-winter get together for family and friends to help break up the tedium of a long season. While most have not tried it, I know that winter is an amazing time for fly fishing for trout. There are few crowds and the all-white backdrop of snow provides a serene, almost surreal experience and the ideal place for a Colorado winter fly fishing experience.

Tailwaters in Colorado’s Denver Front Range and  Vail Valley offer a number of winter waters renowned for big trout. All it takes for a memorable day of fly fishing is warm clothing, favorite nymphs and flies, and a steady supply of hot coffee. With so many options available it is a challenge to decide where to go. Some of the areas I usually consider for a Colorado winter fly fishing trip include:

• The South Park section of the South Platte – Dream Stream, even though it tends to be windy and cold
• The Waterton Canyon section of the South Platte close to Denver, Colorado
• The Cheesman/Deckers portion of the South Platte, always an unforgettable water to fish
• The Blue River tailwater from the Dillon Dam, with its good fishing and, as a bonus, easy access to the outlet stores in Silverthorne
• Eleven Mile Canyon, a winter fisherman’s paradise just below the Eleven Mile Reservoir
• Larger rivers such as the Roaring Fork, or the lower Colorado

I know sections of the North Fork of the South Platte River also offer very good winter fly fishing opportunities, but much of this stretch is on private property. I would have to connect with my favorite fly fishing shop, Minturn Angers, to access these waters. As I think of this, I also remember one of my work colleagues telling me about a corporate fishing event he enjoyed, arranged by the professional fly fishing guides at Minturn Angers.

About two-thirds of their group went wade fly fishing, with the other third trying their hand at ice fishing. The guides were super friendly, and were able to provide one-on-one guidance to everyone, regardless of their level of expertise. Best of all, Minturn Anglers arranged for everything, from super equipment, food and transportation to productive waters. As I sit here writing about fishing I’m starting to feel restless. It’s definitely time to call Minturn Angers in Denver, or in Minturn and in Vail, Colorado to discuss this year’s Colorado winter fly fishing get away.