Whether you’re a local resident or an out-of-stater, it’s time to start thinking about spring fishing in Colorado. Colorado’s fishing industry is worth nearly $2 billion thanks to our state Parks and Wildlife department.
No matter your experience level, there’s no better way to get back into the swing of things than by taking guided trips through Colorado’s many rivers. Minturn Anglers are here to give you the fishing excursion of your dreams this spring.
First, we want to provide you with a spring season update so that you know what to expect heading into the heart of fishing season.
Read on to learn more about what’s going on in Colorado’s fishing opportunities and waterways this spring.
Leaving Winter Behind
After a very snowy and long Winter here in Eagle County, Mother Nature has finally released her grip a little as we make our way into late winter and early spring. During the dead of winter, fishing can offer many challenges for the anglers and for the fish. This time of year, the long awaited spring season, is a annual blessing of sorts.
Waking Fish
As the daily air temperatures warm and snow melts, the rivers start to open up a little bit more. River temperatures get a tiny bit warmer, daylight sticks around a few hours longer, and the fish are waking up from being lethargic all winter. As the fish increase their activity and the mayfly larva and other insects become available, the fish also feed on a more regular basis.
Strong Winter Snowfall
All of this coupled with the fact that we’ve seen significant snow this Winter—we are at 118% of the norm in the Upper Colorado River Basin—means things are staging up to be a Summer with lots of water for fishing. Keep in mind though, no matter how much snow we have, if temperatures heat up too quickly and stay hot, the result is less than optimum. A sudden and prolonged increase in temperature will cause all of that snow to melt at once.
High River Levels and Low Water Temperatures
We hope for a drawn-out runoff, meaning the snow will melt slowly. A slower melt prolongs the higher flows, holding us at higher river levels and lower water temperatures further into the Summer. This is the perfect equation for good fishing and safe fishing all Summer.
Then hopefully, we’ll get some moisture on and off throughout the summertime. Rain here and there will keep the river levels up and the water temperatures down.
Regarding Spring Fishing
Now you know more about the fishing conditions to expect in Colorado this spring. We hope to see strong river levels and great water temperatures to keep the fish biting all season. Now, let’s talk about some of the fishing trips to consider in the coming months.
Wade Fishing Trips
Wade fishing trips are producing lots of big fish. You can do a 1/2 or 3/4-day wade fishing trip locally to get the cobwebs off and experience some great fly fishing. Wade fishing allows your guide to provide more hands-on guidance since they don’t have to simultaneously row a boat.
Wade fishing trips take place in Vail Valley. Target species include Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Cutthroat trout, and Brook trout.
Float Fishing Trips
Right around the corner, we start gearing up for the float fishing season and the ever-so-productive half-day float trip. The half-day float trip provides 4-plus hours of time on the water. Your guide will lead you in exploring stretches on the lower Eagle and the upper Colorado Rivers.
This trip is the best way to cover lots of water, never fishing the same spot or fish twice. The goal is providing anglers ample opportunities to catch some feisty Rainbows and aggressive Browns.
Tips to Prepare for Your Spring Fishing Guided Trips
Before we leave you to select your next Colorado guided trips, let’s cover some FAQs. When should you book your trip, how can you get your fishing license, and what should you bring on the trip? Let’s take a closer look.
Book Your Trip in Advance
As the fishing season heats up, our wade fishing trips and float fishing trips book up quickly. We recommend booking your fishing trip at least a few weeks in advance. We make it easy to book trips online, whether you’re looking for a half-day trip or a 3/4-day trip.
Check Your License Status
If you want to get to fishing in Colorado, you’ll need to start with a fishing license. If you previously purchased an annual license, you will need to renew it if it’s been over 13 months. You can do so through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department.
In addition to annual fishing licenses, you can also purchase one-day and five-day licenses. This is ideal for out-of-state anglers or new anglers that are giving fishing a shot for the first time.
What to Bring
If you realize that you don’t have your fishing license, you can also bring your state ID or driver’s license to purchase your fishing license the day of your trip. Depending on the length of your trip, we will provide food. We also recommend bringing drinking water and ample sunscreen to protect your skin while we’re on the water.
Contact Minturn Anglers for Eagle County Fishing
Spring fishing in Colorado is here and we couldn’t be more excited about it. As long as temperatures don’t heat up too fast, we’re looking at great conditions through the spring and summer months.
To find out more about our guided trips, contact us today. We are leaders in Eagle County outdoor recreation and we can’t wait to make your spring fishing goals a reality.