What First Timers Can Expect From The Walden, Colorado Fly Fishing

What First Timers Can Expect From The

Walden, Colorado Fly Fishing

Located 100 miles west of Fort Collins and 100 miles east of Craig rests the tiny town of

Walden, Colorado. 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-timer’s mind may not quickly register what a fly

fishing gem Walden truly is. That said, anglers who dote on the area only tend to amongst

themselves, and for good reason. Walden, Colorado is home to some of the best fly-fishing a

man, his fly rod, and his fishing pole carrier will ever come by. Here is what first-timers can

expect from fly fishing the North Platte River, the surrounding lakes, and the Platte River

Wilderness, all within 100 miles of Walden!

The North Platte River Freestone and Its Legendary Brown Trout

Home to the North Platte River’s headwaters, this freestone river is the confluence of Grizzly

Creek and Little Grizzly Creek, in Jackson County, Colorado. 20 miles north of the flowing

tributary is where the river enters Walden territory. Once a place where Native Americans

frequented to hunt buffalo along its shores, the North Platte is a top-notch wade fishing

destination.

The North Park section of the river is highly notorious for having hearty, wild brown trout, as well

as brooks and rainbows. The established ranchers of the area are the ones to thank for

these trout varieties. Naturally, there was not enough water in the streams and rivers back in the

day for the ranchers to grow hay. 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. Through this irrigation tactic, the ranchers created one

of the best fisheries in the west, completely unintentionally. Rumor (or legend) has it that trout can be caught from the North Platte year-round. That said, the locals and native anglers are definitive that prime trout season takes place from the beginning of April until the middle of November. When fly fishing in the area this time of year, make sure you’ve got Blue-Winged Olives, Elk Wing Caddis, Midges, and Stoneflies in your pack.

Fishing the North Park Valley Floor Lakes

For anglers that want a lot of diversity all within a 100-mile radius, North Park is a one-stop-shop

valley, often dubbed “the smaller Alaska.” While the North Platte River is the reason most

anglers are drawn to Walden initially, the 35 surrounding high country lakes have fly fishing

reputations all of their own. More specifically, the North Delaney Butte Lake, Lake Cowdrey, and

Lake John, which dots the valley floor surrounding the town of Walden.  Known as some of the best still water fisheries in the nation, these three lakes are loaded with hard-fighting Rainbow and Brown Trout. While the North Delaney Butte Lake is a highly exposed landscape with no surrounding trees, the entire shoreline of the lake is easily accessible. The lake also provides a marvelous view of Delaney Butte and has earned itself a Gold Medal Water status.  When fly fishing North Delaney Butte Lake, keep in mind that you may only use artificial flies and lures, two trout is the bag limit, and any brown trout caught between 14-20 inches must be released back into the water immediately.

Platte River Wilderness, A Gold Medal/Blue Ribbon Fishery

About 20 miles north of Walden, entering the state of Wyoming, the North Platte River winds its

way through North Gate Canyon. This section of the North Platte, managed by both Wyoming

and Colorado State, has been awarded both a Gold Medal Water status and a Blue Ribbon

trophy. Why? The river has not been stocked with trout since 1973.  The wild rainbows and brown trout live a hearty and healthy life in this amazing river system. And an abundance of hatches for the fish to snack on can be found at every trailhead throughout the canyon.

Because of its decorated reputation, this section of the river attracts many anglers, which comes

with its own set of regulations you’ll want to abide by. 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

to fish on State Wildlife Area property.

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. Now, if you’re a

fisherman who’s up for a rustic cabin along the river, then Walden is exactly the place you’ll want

to be!

When booking a trip to Walden for the first time, check out The Sportsman’s Retreat, The

Headwaters Cabin, or the Buffalo Creek Ranch. When you’ve arrived and need to stock up on

your fly fishing essentials that didn’t make their way into your pack, pay a visit to the local’s

favorite fly shop, North Park Anglers. These lodging options and the only fly shop you’ll need will

ensure that your first time to Walden, Colorado, is the best.

This blog was written by Kyle Rutten of Riversmith Fly Rod Carriers.  If you want to equip your trout mobile with the industry’s best rod carrier visit Riversmith

We use these rod carriers on all of our guide rigs and we carry them here in our shop.  Next time you visit the shop ask to check one out.  If you decide to buy one we will install it for free. 

NPA 2021 Employment Opportunities

NPA Employment Opportunities 2021

The fly fishing industry is an incredible field to be in, and working for North Park Anglers is no exception to that rule.  NPA, however, is far different than other Fly Shops and Guide services in the industry.  We also own multiple private ranches and lease over 100,000 acres in our valley, which contribute to the offerings we sell to our fishing public.  Here at NPA, we run a full-service fly shop/ guide service, a private fly fishing club, and an all-inclusive fly fishing lodge.  During the summer months, we are flying on all cylinders and operate with a small staff.  We expect our team members to contribute to all aspects of the business, not just on the water. 

We are looking for a couple of individuals to join our team in 2021.  The positions we are seeking are NOT full time guiding jobs. The job tasks include guiding trips, working in our fly shop, guiding at our fly fishing lodge, and working the different ranches for our private fishing club.  This job is a full-time, seasonal position that starts May 1^st and ends October 31^st.  This position is salaried, and compensation is dependent on experience.  If you are looking for a “Guide Only” Position, this one is NOT for you.    

If interested, please send a resume to northparkanglers@gmail.com

Experience preferred, not demanded

• Previous Guiding (Walk Wade and Float)
• Rowing and Guiding out of a drift boat or raft
• Retail experience
• Writing (Fishing Reports)
• Computer (POS, GMAIL, Excel, Office, Powerpoint, WordPress)
• Social Media Marketing (not just $%#^ off)
• Clean Driving Record
• Previous working experience in a lodge setting
• Previous Outfitter experience

North Park Anglers Covid-19 Update

North Park Anglers April 27, 2020 

Below is how we operated during the heat of the pandemic.  We are Now OPEN and customers are allowed in our store.  We are frequently cleaning the store and taking as many precautions as possible to be safe.

NPA Hours

Mon-Sat 7-5

Sunday 7-2

Please read below for shop updates and how we plan to operate over the coming month

Our Shop will be OPEN starting May 1st.  Unfortunately, customers will not be allowed to come into the store.  However, we will be offering curbside pickup and a widow service for customers to walk up and get information, advice, and products from.  We are confident that we will get through these times and are taking strict precautions along the way.  Below is how we plan to operate in the near future.  Thanks for your support and understanding.  We are looking forward to another great season in North Park!

• Curbside Pickup: Call (970) 723-4215 or visit NPA ONLINE STORE to place an order.  Then you can pick it up at our shop during business hours (listed below). 
• Window Service:  Starting May 1st, we will provide a window along the North side of our building where consumers can walk up and purchase products we carry here in the shop.
• Guide Service: Suspended until further notice
• We will not be offering any Rentals of Rods, Reels, Waders, & Boots.
• We will not have a bathroom for public use
• We will offer private shopping by appointment only for 1 person at a time with strict guidelines, please call (970) 723-4215 to schedule.
• We are not selling fishing licenses, please visit: CO FISHING LICENSE, and  WYOMING FISHING LICENSE
• In-store services on outside gear are not available at this time
• Warranty Service is not available at this time
• Fly Shop Hours May: Monday- Saturday: 7 am-5 pm, Sunday- 7 am-2 pm

Thank you for your support and understanding, North Park Anglers Staff, Guides, and Management.

Fly Fishing ICE OFF at Delaney Butte Lakes

April is an epic month in Colorado for anglers.  For us at North Park Anglers, April 1^st is our opening day, and usually, we have stretches of open streams to keep us busy as we await the Ice coming off the local still-waters.  Yes, we are well known for the famed Delaney Buttes, and the anticipation of the Ice coming off these fisheries is extreme.  Here at the fly shop, I know we’ll be fielding many phone calls, all asking the same question.  Are the Buttes Open?  One after one, we knock them down with the same answer.  No, but we will keep checking and trust me, we will let you know when they are.  I realize the anticipation is real, heck we’re awaiting the same darn thing.  Day after day, someone from the shop will drive out to the lakes and cruise the shorelines like a hawk flying over a hayfield, searching for the first spot to crack.  Anglers are getting excited for the Ice to recede, especially those who favor still-water fisheries. So we must ask why, why is Ice off so anticipated and, why do anglers go crazy for it?

Ice off is an excellent time of year to break the cabin fever, but more importantly, for diehard anglers, it’s one of the best time-frames of year to catch Big Fish.  Ice off shifts the advantage to the fisherman because trout will be congregating to shallow water to feed.  The shallow water, usually 12 feet and less, is where most of the fish will be cruising.  This zone is where the foods, which include scuds, leeches, damsel nymphs, water boatman, chironomid larvae, and crayfish, will be living in the aquatic vegetation.  Because there is not warm enough water for any prolonged insect hatches, the fish need to feed in this zone.  A patient angler can sit and watch as fish periodically cruise the shorelines in search of one of these food items. 

Anglers can do best with a variety of methods.  The first would be using a floating line and Indicator fishing, suspending a two or three fly rig equipped with scuds, water boatman, or chironomids.   Second would be using an intermediate sink line or WF floating line and stripping (retrieving) leeches, scuds, water boatman, and damsel nymphs.  Lastly, using a full sink line and stripping leeches or crayfish along the bottom.  All three methods will be deadly and will have their time to shine.  This time-frame is not an all-out fish-catching extravaganza; in fact, the feeding windows will be short and periodic.  Anglers might spend a long day at the lake with intermittent periods of action.  This action will be good and might provide shots at some of the biggest fish in the given lake. 

My favorite time to fish during ice-off is during twilight hours, both am and pm.  These time-frames have always been very productive, and it’s also when the wind is down.  With the light wind, I can see into the water better.  I look for cruising fish, and if I can identify the direction they’re heading, I will try to lead them by 3-4 feet with a cast.  My preference is a floating line with a 9 foot 0X leader equipped with an un-weighted black leech.  Once the fish is within a foot or two of my fly, I will move the fly 6-10 inches.  If all goes well, the fish will ambush the fly the second they see it.  The other thing I look for is “nervous water.”  This “nervous water” is represented by a boil or push of water, which usually indicates an ambush or cruising fish.  Either way, if I can spot the fish before it spots me, I can generally catch them, given I don’t blow the cast. 

This Ice off window will last until the lake turns over.  Turn over is when the lakes water columns mix and revitalizes the lake with oxygen.  Turn over usually happens within two-three weeks after the Ice is entirely off.  During turn over the lake will look muddy and fishing is generally very poor.  It can take 3-5 days for the lake to re-stabilize and for the fish to begin feeding again.  After the turnover, the start of the years’ prolific insect hatches will begin, usually starting with chironomids.

The Author with a beauty from North Delaney Butte

Mind The Redd

October 2019

Fall fishing is here, and that means spawning browns are too. While brown trout fishing can be phenomenal and beautiful this time of year due to their high activity and colored up bodies, it’s important to understand their spawning habits and recognize where their redds are. By being a conscious angler we can improve the longevity of this highly sought-after species and be/raise  stewards for conservation for years to come.

There is a fly fishing conservation group created specifically for educating and raising awareness about redds, called Mind The Redd. We encourage you to visit their website using the link below to find out more. We have included a short excerpt from their website explaining what a redd is and how spawning fish can be more vulnerable during this season.

“Redds are the nests fish make to provide safety for their eggs & alevins. By learning to spot and avoid walking on or among areas ripe with redds, anglers can dramatically reduce mortality percentages. Creating gravel nests amid current, laying eggs, competing with other would-be suitors, fertilizing eggs, and remaining wary of predators are each and all a taxing set of tasks. Both male and female fish expend tremendous amounts of energy during the spawn. These fish are also likely to take flies, lures, and bait to defend their nest – making them especially vulnerable to being caught. By choosing to hold our casts and leave fish be in these situations, anglers can dramatically reduce negative impacts on wild fish reproduction.”

– Mind The Redd Organization

Home

Fly Fishing Advice from YOU

September 2019

We recently reached out to our followers on social media to give us the best piece of fly fishing advice they had ever given or received. Take a look at some of our favorites below!

• “Unless I have good advice from a reliable source, I don’t even string up my rod until I get close enough to the water to see what’s happening.”
  • Kathy
• “When fishing is slow try downsizing fly sizes/patterns and tippet size.”
  • Andrew
• “Listen to your guide!”
  • Brian
• “Foam is home!”
  • Craig
• “The difference between occasionally catching fish and consistently catching fish is one split shot. Change your weight, change your depth.”
  • Chris
• “I always have trash bags. It’s hard to find a spot anymore that doesn’t have someones thoughtless trash along the parking spot or soda bottles left right on the bank. A trash before cast mentality has proven to provide good karma! Tip: give that little nymph a gentle tug once in a while, just enough to dunk your indicator, and hold on!”
  • Eric
• “The more time you spend on the water the better fisherman you will be.”
  • Cole
• “Always walk at least 20 minutes from a parking spot to start fishing.”
  • @2ndrodstamp

Tips For Fishing With Kids

One of our club members and his son with a North Park beauty of a ‘bow!

August 2019

We have lots of staff members, customers, and club members who often take their kids fishing and we’ve gathered some of their tips on how to get the youngsters on the water!

1.) Go somewhere with lots of fish. There are kids fishing ponds loaded with fish all over the state. It’s no secret that everyone has just a little bit more fun when they’re catching fish, including kids!

2.) Keep it simple. If your kiddo doesn’t know how to fly fish, bring a spin rod! If you’re trying to teach them to fly fish, fish with an indicator or a big terrestrial that they can see and don’t have to do much with.

3.) Don’t be afraid to keep what you catch. Taking kids through the whole process of catching, keeping, cleaning and eating a fish will extend the fun all the way home and help show the big picture to them.

4.) Make it all about them! This is not your time to hike across the country or push through tough conditions. Make sure they’re comfortable in their clothes, carry lots of water and snacks, and stop when they’re ready to stop.

5.) Celebrate every fish! It doesn’t matter if it’s the fish of a lifetime or an 8 inch stocker, treat every fish they catch as if it’s the greatest fish you’ve ever seen! This will help kids get more excited and feel good about their accomplishments, and hopefully want to go back out and do it again!

A Typical Day On a Guide Trip

July 2019

On one of the most frequently asked questions when customers book a guide trip with is, is what is the typical day going to look like? A typical day can differ from shop to shop and depending on what kind of trip you are doing, as well as experience level. This is a short snippet of what a typical guide trip looks like with North Park Anglers.

Note: All of this information is subject to change based on temperatures, trip type, and trip location, but this is just a basic outline.

Walk/Wade Trip

Morning: We typically have clients meet at the shop around 7:30 in the morning. From the shop clients will pay for their trip, sign waivers if needed, meet their guide, transfer gear and get on the way for the day. We prefer to have clients ride in the guide’s vehicle to really enhance the experience and give clients the opportunity to ask questions about the day or the area before the trip begins. Once you have arrived at your location for the morning, you and your guide will will get dressed with waders and boots, and the guide will rig the fly rods for the day. Depending on your skill and experience level, your guide may teach you the fundamentals, such as how to cast, read water, and fight fish in the morning, or if you’re more experienced you may just jump right into normal fishing for the day.

Lunch: The guide will have riverside lunches for everyone in your party. We provide a healthy and hearty sack lunch that consists of either a sandwich or wrap, veggies, chips, cookies, and fruit. The guide will also supply water for the day, but if you are wanting to bring any other sort of beverage, please feel free to do so. We do not provide beer or alcohol, but we encourage you to bring some if you would like it.

Afternoon: After lunch, your guide may decide to move locations or you may stay in the same location, but fish a different section of the water.  Once fishing is over, you will head off the water by 3:30-4 and be back at the fly shop by 4-4:30. At the fly shop you will transfer gear back into your vehicle (if needed), exchange photos and part ways for the day.

Float Trip

Morning: Depending on where you are floating for the day, you may meet your guide at the fly shop or at the put-in at the river. Times for this can vary, but typically this will be around 8:30 in the morning. Your guide will go over safety precautions, fit you for life jackets and get you guys on the river. We don’t typically get out and wade much on our float trips, but occasionally when the flows and time allow we will anchor the boats and jump out to wade fish for a bit. 

Lunch spot on our North Gate Canyon float.

Lunch: Again, guides will have riverside lunches available that consist of the same food for walk/wade trips. We have designated lunch pull off spots on our float trips to get out, use the bushes, stretch your legs, and enjoy your lunch.

Afternoon: After lunch you will continue floating until you reach the take out. From there the guides will load the boats onto the truck and trailer and shuttle you back to wherever your vehicle is located, whether that be at the put in or the shop. There you will again shuttle gear, exchange photos and part ways for the day.

This is a standard outline for a typical guided trip with North Park Anglers. If you have any further questions or specifics that were not answered, please feel free to give us a call. We also like to call our clients a day or two before their trip to go over specifics as well as answer any last-minute questions.

Public vs Private…Is There Really a Difference?

July 2019

A client releasing a fish caught on a private water guide trip.

When looking to book a walk/wade guide trip with North Park Anglers, you have the option of fishing public water or private water. We often get the question of whether or not there is actually a difference between the waters and what that difference is. Below are the top three key differences between public and private water trips.

1.) Fishing Quality

We look after and manage our private water fisheries very closely, which in turn promotes greater fishing quality than public waters. Although we have great access on some of the same rivers as our private water, we have no way of managing the amount of pressure that is put on the public water.

2.) Seclusion

When you go on a private water trip, your group will be the only people on the water all day. You won’t have to worry about someone getting to the water before you or marching in after you. Every single hole will be available to you and your group and you’ll be able to move about freely on the river without having to worry about other groups. 

3.) Access 

Although we do have private water stretches on many of the same rivers that public water stretches are available, we also have private water access to rivers in which there is no public access here in the valley. This is great for anglers who are looking for a truly unique experience on a river that you otherwise would not be able to experience on your own.

If you’ve fished a lot of public water and are looking for extreme seclusion, or are just looking for an incredible experience on well-managed waters, a private water guide trip with North Park Anglers is for you. If you have questions about our guided trips or would like to check for availability, call the shop at 970-723-4215. 

Trying To Book Online? Why We Don’t Offer Online Bookings.

June 2019

NPA guide and client celebrating an exciting moment on a guide trip.

Are you wanting to book a guide trip with North Park Anglers, but can’t seem to find a “Book Now” button anywhere on our website? There’s a reason for that. Now, you may be thinking “Seriously? It’s the 21st century and we can’t book guide trips online?”, and the answer is no, you cannot. When you book a guide trip with North Park Anglers, we only offer creating bookings over the phone, and that is for a multitude of reasons. Read on to find out why we want to speak with you over the phone to book your guide trip.

1.)  Type of Trip/Time of Year

Depending on what time of year you are looking to book a trip, we will be able to provide you with different options that are available that time of year. On the reverse side of that, if you were looking to book a specific type of trip (river float, walk/wade, lake, public water, private water) or experience a specific type of fishing (dry flies, streamers, nymphing) , we would be able to provide you with the best time of year to book. 

2.) Experience Level

Are you a seasoned pro? Are you a beginner? Have you ever touched a fly rod before? Have you ever fished with a guide before? Are you bringing your own equipment? Do you need equipment provided for you? By getting a feel for your level of experience, we can make decisions about what types of water would provide the most enjoyable experience for you and what sort of fishing/gear would work out best for you. 

3.) Expectations

What are your expectations for the trip? Are you wanting the potential for big fish even if it means you only catch a few? Are you looking for high numbers, no matter the size? Are you wanting to learn to fish a certain technique more, like how to fish a lake/river or how to fish streamers more effectively? By knowing what kind of expectations you have for the trip, we will better be able to tailor your trip 

4.) Health Quality

Understanding your health quality plays an important role in determining what type of guide trip is best for you. If you’re in great shape and willing to hike, we may opt to take you to water that requires a bit more physical exertion to get there. If you or your accompanying guest are a bit older or not in the best of shape, we will opt to take you to water that is a bit easier to navigate and reach on foot, or even offer some sort of trip on a boat, such as a lake trip.

5.) Answering Questions

We try to put as much information on our website as possible, but sometimes customers have questions that they cannot find answers to. By speaking to a real person who directly works for the company when you book your trip, you will be able to get your questions answered in real time without having to scour the website or get frustrated trying to navigate a machine. 

6.) Pairing You With A Guide 

NPA guide sharing information with a client.

Once we have spoken with you about your trip, we will be able to determine which of our professional guides will be the best fit for you and your group. We have guides with different backgrounds and different specialties, so once we get to know you we will be able to determine who the best guide for you is. It’s almost like speed dating for fishing guides. 

As you can see, it is very important for us to book our guided trips over the phone for a multitude of reasons, but the overarching reason is we want to get to know you and customize your trip. By speaking in person over the phone to you, our valued customer, we are able to provide a better and more customized experience. If you’re interested in learning more about our guide trips or are wanting to book a trip with us, give us a call at 970-723-4215.