North Park is also home to one of the best fly shops in Colorado, North Park Anglers, recently named Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year, located right on Main Street. We saw a few elk on the way up that didn't seem to be bothered by our presence. The best time to visit is in the summer months, from June to August, when the average temperature is around 85F. Many, When winter drops its icy fingers across the fisheries of the United States, making the water hard in some places or the air just too darn cold in, Make The Most Of The Trout Fishing Opener, Where to go Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing, NPS Junior Ranger Lets Go Fishing Program. Not to be confused with Walden Pond, the Massachusetts body of water made famous by Henry David Thoreau, Walden Reservoir is a picturesque lake full of wildlife outside of Walden, Colorado. Since we live nearby, I fish these two areas a lot, but often struggle for fishing success. Fishing Reports give you the most up-to-date stream information including what flies are producing, stream flow (CFS) and a description of the stream and lake conditions. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. This fishing spot is popular for its largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Feel free to stop by and share your fishing pictures and updates with us. That might be a mistake as this is a productive trout fishery that rarely much traffic. Next time you visit the shop ask to check one out. There are tons of lakes of all shapes and sizes in North Park adding to the incredible diversity this fishery has to offer. Bluegill (limit 20), Rainbow Trout (limit 4), Largemouth Bass (limit 5 over 15). The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. 970-723-8366. So, for the best fishing and the best shopping in Colorado, consider North Park fly fishing. The conditions of your booking with us still allow penalty-free cancellations and FYI: North Platte Flows in North Gate Canyon (Routt Access to Pickeroon), Delaney Buttes, Lake John, and Cowdrey Lake. The other deal is bookable online and is still available when we check. Besides being incredibly knowledgeable and committed to customer service, they run the classiest fishing operation in the county. By doing this, ranchers unknowingly were creating one of the best fisheries in the west. Past town, you will find plenty of spots to stalk browns and rainbows along the highersections of Boulder Creek. There is roughly 20-25 inches of ice on the lakes. East Delany Butte Lake is a artificial flies and lures only lake. Let our guides show you those spots where only the locals know where the heartiest trout live while offering expert instruction thats guaranteed to improve your skills on the water. Here, the fishing opportunities are as endless as the seclusion. This water deficiency required them to implement irrigation, practices that held the water back by flooding the surrounding meadows, which slowly but, steadily fed water back into the system. The lake also provides a marvelous view of Delaney Butte and has earned itself a Gold Medal Water status. Lake Skipper (s): LakeJohnResort Regional Editor: Bill Rottmann RPG Fish Species in Big Creek Lake (lower): North Delaney Butte Lake is an artificial flies and lures only body of water with excellent brown trout fishing. 970-723-4215 info@northparkanglers.com northparkanglers.com 524 Main Street Walden, CO 80480 Travel Insurance The Story This picturesque valley is surrounded by five designated wilderness areas and plentiful National Forest lands that are speckled with high alpine lakes and streams, not footprints. South and east have been producing more consistent numbers of fish, mostly in the 12-18in range. This story could easily be in so many of our showcases: ADVENTURE, BUSINESS and HIDDEN GEM! Lake John, Delaney Buttes and Cowdrey are all State Wildlife Areas managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, at this time they ARE open for camping by the lakes in the free first come first serve areas. These include Delaney Buttes, Lake Cowdrey, and Lake John which are widely known as some of the best still water fisheries for trout in the nation. Seymour is a shallow lake stocked heavily with trout. In State Forest State Park, you start at Agnes Cabin, a historic cabin built in 1925. Check us out on Facebook for live fishing reports and daily photos of the lakes and rivers. (Note: Gross Reservoir is undergoing an expansion project, so you'll want to checkpublic access informationfirst.). Obey all restrictions on public lands and be respectful of private property and any public lands closures. You can learn more about where to get one on Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website. Log in for additional details. The trail is largely downhill for the first couple miles until it levels out and you are headed North. Not only are they the most friendly fly shop you will visit, but they offer guided fishing trips, lodging, and one of the largest fly selections in the country. Early in the summer boaters run rafts through the canyon and when the water gets too low to float, the wade fishing access is wonderful until it freezes in the late fall. If we can't match the rate of the other deal because one of the above conditions is North Delaney has been slower in terms of action, but is putting out a few big fish. The true beginning of the North Platte lies at the confluence of Grizzly and Little Grizzly creeks 10 miles west of the town of Walden. That said, anglers who dote on the area only tend to amongst, themselves, and for good reason. These bodies of water, that range from big enough to paddle to so small you wouldnt think they could even hold fish, are fertile ground for dedicated fly anglers who want to land largemouth bass and carp. Walden, CO 80480. While that old maxim has merit and speaks to the value of fishing just for the fun of it, there are, Autumn is the season of dynamic changes for fishermen, and sort of a mirror image of spring. Despite its proximaty to the Colorado 14, Barnes Meadow is frequently bypassed for other area waters. Two local shops,Rocky Mountain Anglers and Front Range Anglers, sell all the gear you need; can give crack recommendations on flies, waterand recent fish behavior; and offer guides who can help you dial in your game no matter your experience level. The fishing in Boulder is only augmented by great streams just a short drive away. Plus, local hardware legend McGuckin Hardware stocks a full range of fly fishing supplies and specializes in Tenkara rods and reels if you want to try the simple, effective Japanese form of fly fishing that uses no reel. Whether you are a first time visitor to North Park or have been fishing the area your entire life, our staff of friendly, knowledgeable guides can offer you indispensable tips and techniques for landing that trophy trout of youve always dreamed. Entirely surrounded by snowcapped peaks, the headwaters of the famed North Platte River are born, feeding this fertile high mountain valley with trout-rich waters. These waters can provide a fabulous day, or days and weeks, of fly fishing. Start at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead 1126 in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness which is 19 miles south west of Walden, Colorado off Country Road 22A.The 6.4 mile out and back to Slide lake starts out at an . North Park Anglers offer a unique diversity of angling opportunities unlike anywhere else. Brook Trout. It is a one-story, lodge pole pine log cabin. Be sure to stop by our store and we can help you out with whats fishing well and point you in the right direction. Adjacent to the Continental Divide tucked away in the northern-most part of Colorado is the amazing North Park fly fishing shop, North Park Anglers; a shop and outfitter who guides world-renown trips to gold medal trout rivers and streams throughout the area. Lake John Fishing Tips. Big Creek Lake (lower) on FishExplorer has 146 historic conditions reports, 87 historic water temperature updates, 110 historic status updates, 100 historic water level updates, available to subscribers. Some of the top rated are: According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Walden are: Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Walden are: 2023 FishingBooker.com. Walden Ponds is a popular birding area that can be gold for patient anglers seeking largemouth bass and that oddest of quarries on a fly rod big, powerful carp. It is currently high and muddy. The North Platte River system is freestone, meaning there are no dams blocking the waters natural flow, and is completely dependent on winters snowpack as to how much water will be in the system every year. Two reservoirs in and near Boulder offer up two very different environments, and plenty of fishing, especially for paddlers. They also can be the ideal training ground for kids (and adults) to learn how to cast and hook bluegills. This pristine fishing destination is North Park, one of 4 major parks in Colorado, and is home to the headwaters of the famed North Platte River. And if you have teens, they might, Regardless of where they swim, fish dont stop eating just because its winter. Heres how to find the best trout waters plus some simple strategies to up your odds for success on opening day. #NorthPlatteRiver #NorthParkFishing #NorthParkAnglers. If you decide to buy one we will install it for free. Fishing in Walden, Colorado Home My Fins Up Posts My Trip Journal My Fish Log Lake Activity Graph River Activity Graph Register Free Compare Accounts Fishing in Walden, Colorado See fishing near other Colorado towns and cities. Dumont Lake is 22 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs, just minutes off of U.S. Highway 40 (Rabbit Ears Pass). They are committed to helping their community as well by volunteering, being mentors in the NPHS Senior Project and contributing to community programs such as the NPHS Career Fair and the North Park Never Summer Rodeo. Midges dominate the early spring and summer hatches from the banks, with caddis, mayflies, and terrestrials taking over for the summer. Shop for flyfishing tackle; including rods, reels, flies, and accessories. Cowdrey holds promising fishing for some big holdover trout, and should be paid a visit when fishing the other popular North Park lakes. Lake John, which dots the valley floor surrounding the town of Walden. 2013-2017 NP Bullpen Marketing/ Photography by Jamie J Brown Photography. Anglers may only use artificial flies and, lures, possess a maximum of two trout, and anyone 18 or older will need a valid fishing license, Fish the Very Best Walden, Colorado Has to Offer, Walden, Colorado is not the place for anglers who want to immerse themselves in the wildest, parts of Colorado only to return to a Hilton or luxury hotel for the night. CPW is working to improve grayling size through limited stockings of control species fish. The rivers have been starting to open up with the warm weather, but they went from iced up to blown out and muddy pretty quickly. We hope to see some fishable water in the next few weeks. Please call or email with any questions on reservations, fishing reports, conditions, camping, etc. If you do venture out onto the ice, please use extreme caution. If you are looking to get away from the crowds then this is the site for you. Naturally, there was not enough water in the streams and rivers back in the, day for the ranchers to grow hay. The Park is rimmed by 5 mountain ranges and it is those mountains that collect snow each winter and flood the valley with nutrient rich water providing the perfect ingredient for a trout fishing paradise. Artificial and live bait permitted. We hope to see some fishable water in the next few weeks. Dont forget that we started offering boat rentals! Before you cast a line, make sure you have a valid fishing license. Walden, CO Fishing Make The Most Of The Trout Fishing Opener Here's how to find the best trout waters plus some simple strategies to up your odds for success on opening day. Big rainbows, brook trout, gorgeous cutthroat, kokanee salmon, and Lake trout, as well as the occasional grayling, inhabit these alpine waters. On the rivers northward course it enters the rugged Northgate Canyon near the Colorado/Wyoming state line. Find yourself at treeline sight casting to a big cutthroat or on a meadow stream belly-crawling for position on a huge wild brown trout. Big creek is Snowmobile only access from the Hill Ranch (roughly 14 miles each way). Granted, their metabolism slows and they dont, The names of some bass fisheries resonate with anglers on a national scale: Okeechobee, Kentucky Lake, Guntersville, Havasu, Clear Lake, Lake Fork,, The best time to go fishing is whenever you can. Best Tips for Catching Spring Bass Right Now! Welcome to the North Park Colorado Fishing Report. This special-regulations lake is an excellent grayling fishery. North Park is also home to one of the best fly shops in Colorado, North Park Anglers, recently named Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year, located right on Main Street. Cowdrey Lake - north of Walden, a state property. Now, if youre a, fisherman whos up for a rustic cabin along the river, then Walden is exactly the place youll want, When booking a trip to Walden for the first time, check out The Sportsmans Retreat, The, Headwaters Cabin, or the Buffalo Creek Ranch. Through North Park and Walden, the North Platte is a meandering meadow river with wide riffles, slow deep pools, and steep undercut banks. This section runs through the Platte River Wilderness which is managed by Colorado and Wyoming as a Gold Medal/ Blue Ribbon trophy fishery. Click here to buy an Ebook about Trout on Colorado State lands - includes a lot of info about 150 Colorado fishing lakes and streams including North Park. Off the beaten path in a quiet valley along the Continental Divide in northern Colorado lies one of the fishiest destinations in the west. Members-only fishing on private waters in North Park. Round trip will take you along 13.2 beautiful miles of Northern Colorado backcountry. Located in the Routt National Forest, this spot offers everything from a seasonal lake (I went out of season) to free range sheep.Because of all the aspen trees, this place will be glowing with color in the fall. Join NPA on Facebook for more up-to-the-minute reports and updates. Cowdrey: stocked on May 12 with ten-inch catchables so there are fish back in the lake if it did winter kill last season. Here is what first-timers can, expect from fly fishing the North Platte River, the surrounding lakes, and the Platte River. Looking for the best fishing in Walden? Big Creek Lake - on the northwest side of North Park in Routt Nat'l Forest - campground at the lake! Head to the North Fork of the Big Thompson River from just outside of the park in the Comanche Wilderness and head upstream on the trail into the park for a good shot at a greenback. This canyon has not been stocked with fish since the 70s and is full of non-native but wild Brown, Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout. The established ranchers of the area are the ones to thank for, these trout varieties. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Walden. I never see that many people on the trail and I can't figure out why. Welcome to the North Park Anglers fishing report! Fishing pier and restrooms are ADA accessible. These lodging options and the only fly shop youll need will. Located in Roosevelt National Forest. Located near the top of Cameron Pass in Roosevelt National Forest, this high mountain reservoir offers folks a chance to get away from the crowds in their pursuit of Greenback cutthroats. Blue Mesa Reservoir. Ski resorts, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and
Fishing at Wally Toevs Pond Open exclusively to people 65 years and older, people with disabilities, and their youth companions who are 15 years or younger. Luxurious, all-inclusive fishing and hunting vacations. Only a 20-minute drive from the Wyoming border, Walden sits atop a high, glacial plain known as North Park, the moose viewing capital of Colorado., Being such a remote and arid place, a first-timers mind may not quickly register what a fly, fishing gem Walden truly is. East producing smaller 12-13 fish but the most active, South producing 16-20 fish and North producing the larger measurements but slower than the other two. Dry droppers are usually the ticket here, giving you the chance to test the bottom and topwater simultaneously. Great trout lake accessible by trails from the campgrounds at lower Big Creek Lake. These wandering meadow streams wind effortlessly through lush fields providing endless fishing opportunities for anglers. With less than 1 resident per square mile, North Park boasts over 1 million acres of un-crowded beauty assuring visitors an experience where solitude is the cornerstone of your adventure. Luxurious, all-inclusive fishing and hunting vacations. Through this irrigation tactic, the ranchers created one. All rights reserved. Walden Ponds and Sawhill Ponds are two separate, but connected, series of ponds located in Eastern Boulder County that offer mediocre fishing, lots of birdwatching, and dozens of trails. Most anglers already know Colorado has some of the best trout fishing locations in the world. How To Tap Into The Pre-Spawn Bass Bonanza, How To Tap Local Fishing Communities For The Best Angling, Florida Fun: Fish Your Way From Disney World To Tampa, 10 Awesome Vacations Your Fishing Family Will Love. The other deal is subject to the same booking conditions youve opted for with . 970-723-4215Copyright 2013 North Park Anglers All Rights Reserved. Soon after this confluence the remaining tributaries successfully join the Platte, each bringing more nutrient rich water into the system. Please visit our website at lakejohnresort.com for more information. If you want to equip your trout mobile with the industrys best rod carrier visit Riversmith. Fishing Spots Near Walden CO State Forest State Park Walden, CO Steamboat Ski and Resort Steamboat Springs, CO Pearl Lake State Park Clark, CO Sun Valley Ranch 2013-2017 NP Bullpen Marketing/ Photography by Jamie J Brown Photography. Seven Lakes Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Cowdrey, Colorado. Shore fisherman using marshmallows, cheese, garlic, red, pink and green powerbaits, night crawlers and black leech flies. Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with the DIY Fly Fishing Map Open Map Best Places to Fish the North Platte River in Colorado Head out from Walden to the north, following Highway 125. 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