Uncovering Colorado’s Gold Medal Waters
Definition and Criteria
If you’re into fly fishing, Colorado is your playground, packed with some of the best spots around. The “Gold Medal” waters are like hitting the jackpot for anglers. So, what’s the deal with these waters? To snag the “Gold Medal” badge, a river, stream, or lake must churn out 60 pounds of trout, each over a foot long, per acre. Simple math, but it means you’re in for a fishing bonanza with plenty of trophy-worthy catches lurking beneath.
Colorado flaunts over 9,000 miles of fishable waterways, but only 322 miles make the Gold Medal cut. The choosy folks at Colorado Parks and Wildlife give the thumbs-up only to places that can sustain healthy, vibrant populations of trout. These spots are treasure troves for folks with a fishing rod twitching in their hands.
Remote vs. Urban Designations
Most of these Gold Medal spots are stashed away in the deep, quiet woods where you can zone out surrounded by nature’s finest. But hold your breath—there are some surprises. These remote waters aren’t just fishing hotbeds; they’re peaceful retreats from the clamor of daily life.
| Type of Designation | Examples | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Remote | Yampa River, Fryingpan River | 289 |
| Urban | Animas River (Durango) | 33 |
(Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
The quirky addition to this list is the Animas River in Durango, right in the heart of southern Colorado. Despite running next to busy shopping areas, it’s earned a Gold Medal badge. So guess what? Your killer urban fly fishing expedition is right there, amidst your morning coffee run and errand list, proof that prime fishing doesn’t need to be miles off the beaten path.
When you’re plotting your next fly fishing escapade, think about the smorgasbord offered up by Colorado’s Gold Medal waters. Are you a fan of the serene remote stream or the spur-of-the-moment urban angling sessions? Either way, Colorado is ready to reel you in. Dive into our guides on urban fly fishing spots and mountain lake fly fishing to pinpoint your ideal fishing playground.
Notable Gold Medal Spots in Colorado
For those who can’t get enough of fly fishing, Colorado’s gold medal waters aren’t just on the bucket list—they’re top prize territory for both fish and jaw-dropping views. Here’s a look at some of the top-tier spots you shouldn’t miss.
Steamboat Springs – Yampa River
Steamboat Springs flaunts the Yampa River, a celebrity among Colorado’s gold medal waters since 1997 (Colorado Fishing). Known for its chilly, pure waters, this five-mile stretch is where trout call home, making it a dream come true for anyone with a fishing rod.
| River Stretch | Fish Species | Rules to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Yampa River | Rainbow and Brown Trout | Say goodbye after you reel ’em in, only artificial flies and lures allowed |
Durango – Animas River
Durango is where urban living meets fly fishing heaven on the Animas River. This short but sweet section through town earns its gold medal status, a rare feat for urban rivers (Uncover Colorado). Conveniently close to shops and cafes, yet still home to chunky rainbow and brown trout, this river proves you don’t need to venture far for a solid catch.
| River Stretch | Fish Species | Rules to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Animas River | Rainbow and Brown Trout | Catch, admire, and let go; use only fake flies and lures |
Internal link: Discover more urban fly fishing spots.
The Arkansas River Stretch
Prepare yourself for the grand 204-mile stretch of the Arkansas River, crowned as gold medal territory in 2014 (Uncover Colorado). Starting at Parkdale, just west of the Royal Gorge Bridge, and stretching to Lake Fork south of Leadville, it’s a haven of brown trout. Keep in mind, there’s a rulebook to follow, paving the way for sustainable fishing.
| River Stretch | Fish Species | Rules to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas River | Brown Trout | Catch-and-release, stick to artificial flies, and lures only |
Check out other amazing fly fishing spots in Idaho and explore the eclectic fly fishing spots in Europe for even more adventure.
When you hit these prized gold medal waters, you’re scoring some of Colorado’s finest fishing escapades. Variety among fish types and the state’s commitment to keeping fishing spots pristine turn every trip into a reel good time. For more insider tips, hop over to our guide on planning fly fishing trip.
Experiencing Nature’s Beauty
Get ready to reel in some memories. Colorado’s Gold Medal Waters don’t just hand you fish; they wrap up the whole picturesque package and tie it with a breathtaking bow. Let’s take a wander through two of its finest gems: Black Canyon of the Gunnison and North Delaney Lake. We’ll get to the good parts quicker than a fish can jump.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
This place isn’t your usual spot. The Gunnison River winds through the impressive Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, presenting a fishing thrill you won’t soon forget. This stretch of water is top-notch, starting at the Crystal Reservoir Dam and running to the North Fork. If you’re looking to fish in peace, away from the rest of the world, this is it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park |
| Stretch | From Crystal Reservoir Dam to the North Fork |
| Getting There | Road access is sparse; hiking might be the ticket |
| Best For | Fly fishers who don’t mind earning their solitude |
Getting to the canyon isn’t a walk in the park—expect a bit of a trek. But when your backdrop is like a dream and the fish are biting, it’s game on. It’s like fishing in a painting.
North Delaney Lake
Located a scenic three-hour drive from Denver, North Delaney Lake promises a date with impressive brown trout, some stretching over 25 inches and weighing in at a hefty 8 pounds. Catch-and-release is the golden rule here for the big ones, and you better come packing only artificial flies and lures.
| Feature | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Location | About three hours’ drive from Denver |
| Top Catch | Big ol’ Brown Trout |
| Size Dreams | They can measure over 25 inches and tip the scales at 8 pounds |
| Rules | Use artificial flies and lures only; large browns gotta go back in for another day |
A trip to North Delaney isn’t just about filling your net; it’s about adding a chapter to your fishing storybook. It’s popular with die-hard anglers for a good reason—this place doesn’t disappoint.
Got that fishing itch now? Planning a fishing escapade or curious about more adventurous spots? Dive into planning fly fishing trip and mountain lake fly fishing to keep the inspiration flowing.
Extending the Reach: Colorado’s Stunning Gold Medal Waters
Let’s take a moment to soak in the sheer bounty of fly fishing possibilities in Colorado’s renowned Gold Medal waters. These gems, loved by anglers near and far, stretch across the state, providing an oasis of fishing delights at every turn.
What’s the Big Deal?
To snag the fancy title of “Gold Medal” waters in Colorado, a waterway’s gotta meet some pretty impressive standards. We’re talkin’ ensuring 60 pounds of trout, each one at least 12-14 inches, per acre. With a whopping 9,000 miles of waters up for grabs, only 322 miles have scored the coveted Gold Medal tag (Uncover Colorado).
Gold Medal Waters Checklist:
- Trout weighin’ in at 60 pounds per acre? Check.
- Fish length? Gotta be at least 12-14 inches.
- Open doors for public fishing access.
- Rivers? Need to stretch at least 2 miles.
- Lakes? Need a girthy 50 acres, at least.
Colorado ain’t just showing love to the typical angler—everyone, including folks with disabilities, gets to join in on the fun. Colorado Parks and Wildlife keeps tabs on accessible fishin’ spots, makin’ sure no one misses out on these premium catches (Colorado Parks and Wildlife).
Where to Drop the Line
With 39 incredible Gold Medal waters on the roster, Colorado has a buffet of lakes and streams to explore, all stocked with trout just waitin’ for a nibble. We’re talking about some legendary rivers and lakes claiming roughly 325 miles of prime fishin’ real estate (Colorado Gold Medal Water).
Line Them Up: Colorado’s Gold Medal Waters
- Rivers Consecrated: 11 top-notch rivers
- Lakes Appointed: 3 splashy lakes
- Mileage: Pushing nearly 325 miles
Take the Colorado River, for instance. It’s a major player, luring anglers with its Gold Medal segments. There’s a 20-mile stretch ft. Windy Gap Reservoir to Troublesome Creek or hop on another 20-mile run between Canyon Creek and Rock Creek near McCoy. Plenty of room for casting a line, with boat ramps and public wading access aplenty (Colorado Gold Medal Water).
| Waterbody | Length/Area | Trout Requirement (lbs/acre) | Minimum Trout Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado River (Upper Segment) | 20 miles | 60 lbs | 12-14 |
| Colorado River (Lower Segment) | 20 miles | 60 lbs | 12-14 |
| Animas River | ~13 miles | 60 lbs | 12-14 |
| North Delaney Lake | 50 acres | 60 lbs | 12-14 |
Anglers here get to reel in quality trout while basking in Colorado’s jaw-dropping scenery. Wanna plan your own fishin’ escapade? Take a peek at our planning fly fishing trip guide. Looking for urban spots or hidden river jewels? Colorado’s range of Gold Medal waters is your ticket to fishing bliss. For more fish tales, explore urban fly fishing spots, mountain lake fly fishing, and even winter fly fishing spots to cast a wider net on your angling adventures.
Variety in Colorado’s Gold Medal Waters
If you’ve got a hankering for some stellar fly fishing, Colorado’s got your back. From the crystal-clear mountain ponds to its snake-like rivers, this state has hotspots that’ll make any angler’s heart skip a beat. Two of the best places to cast your line are the Fryingpan River Reserve and the South Platte River Diversions.
Fryingpan River Reserve
The Fryingpan River is every fly fisherman’s dream come true. Nestled in the heart of Colorado, it’s got around 14 miles of water that’s perfect for snagging a big catch. The bit right below the Ruedi Reservoir Dam is especially famous, drawing folks in for those hefty rainbow and brown trout.
What makes the Fryingpan River stand out is its catch-and-release rule for rainbow trout. This keeps the fish population healthy and thriving. If you’re into brown trout instead, you can keep two, but don’t get greedy—they can’t be over 14 inches long.
For the ins and outs of organizing your perfect trip, check out our fly fishing guide.
| Fish Species | Catch Limit | Average Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Catch & Release Only | 16-18 |
| Brown Trout | 2 (max 14 inches each) | 14-16 |
South Platte River Diversions
The South Platte River throws a smorgasbord of spots at fly fishers, with a solid 37 miles of Gold Medal water slicing through it like butter. One noteworthy chunk flows from the CO Hwy. 9 bridge and keeps going for about 20 miles right up to Spinney Mountain Reservoir.
On your way, you’ll come across the iconic “Dream Stream” under the Cheesman Reservoir Dam. Known for having some of the biggest rainbow and brown trout around, it gets particularly exciting during fish spawning seasons.
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| Section | Length (miles) | Key Fish Species | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO Hwy. 9 to South Fork Confluence | 20 | Rainbow & Brown Trout | Lots of Fishing Spots |
| “Dream Stream” | Variable | Rainbow & Brown Trout | Big Spawning Fish |
With all these Gold Medal waters in Colorado, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure. Whether hunting for a prize catch or just taking in the killer views, the Fryingpan River Reserve and South Platte River Diversions promise an escape like no other in the world of fly fishing.