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.
