The Vail Valley is home to some of the best fly fishing in Colorado — from high-mountain lakes to small alpine streams and Gold Medal Waters like Gore Creek.
Learn how to get the most out of your Vail fly-fishing trip with expert insights from Colorado Angling Company’s Justin Carr. A passionate local angler and fly-fishing guide, Carr has years of experience fishing in the area’s rich waterways. Discover Vail spoke with Carr for tips on prime fly-fishing spots, the best times to fly fish in Colorado, the advantages of using a guide and more.
For total newbies who are interested in fly fishing in Vail, why should they start off with a guided service?
Carr: Guides and guided services are here to show you the way. We are passionate teachers, entertainers, therapists and friends all rolled into one — and we want to show you what we love to do.
When is the best time to fly fish in the Vail Valley?
Carr: As far as fishing in the Vail Valley, there are four distinct seasons with their own great attributes. Winter has excellent nymphing and dry-fly fishing on a river covered in a blanket of snow. Spring has the first blue-wing hatches, and the water opens up as fish begin to feed heavily after their more dormant cold months. Summer has the big water from mountain runoff, epic caddis and mayfly hatches, float fishing and wet wading. Fall has the changing colors, streamer fishing and perfect weather.
Where is your favorite river to fish?
Carr: I am absolutely head over heels in love with the Eagle River. It checks all of my boxes: beautiful fish, incredible scenery and challenging and exciting types of fishing. We also have many world-class fisheries within Vail and surrounding areas, like the Gore Creek, Colorado River and Roaring Fork River just to name a few, and we guide every one of these watersheds.
Which is the most exciting fish to catch in the waters near Vail?
Carr: The most exciting fish for me is the next one I’m headed out to catch. I’m always looking forward to the newest challenge and chasing the next fish.
What makes fly fishing in Colorado, especially around Vail, so unique and exciting?
Carr: I love to fish fast, cold, boulder-strewn creeks and rivers, and there is a ton of access here in the valley.
What are the advantages of hiring a local fly-fishing guide? What does a guide do?
Carr: Hiring a local fishing guide is the fastest way to create a base of knowledge that you can build off to catch more fish and become a better angler. It’s a way to skip the line and help ensure your time on the water is a successful one with fewer frustrations and more fishing and fun.
How can more experienced anglers benefit from working with a guide?
Carr: I guide many experienced anglers in the Vail area. We tend to focus more on particular types of fishing once an angler’s skill level increases. For example, we like to target fish using only dry flies or only streamers; to concentrate on finding larger fish; or to focus on a specific type of water, like a lake, a small, fast creek or a large, open river.
If people are interested in using a fly-fishing guide service, how far ahead should they schedule their trip? What types of trips are offered in the Vail area?
Carr: I try to tell my clients who come for fishing in Vail that if they have a very specific date range they would like to fish, to please book as far in advance as possible. However, if you have a little flexibility, we can find a way to get you on the water 100 percent of the time. We also book lots of same-day trips and last-minute sessions as we are always ready to go.
What should anglers that are new to the sport look for when it comes to hiring a guide?
Carr: Reputation means everything in the guiding and outfitting world. A personal recommendation goes a long way, and I’d try to focus on outfitters who are actually located in the area where you plan to fish.
What type of registration or license do non-Colorado visitors need to go fishing near Vail?
Carr: All anglers are required to have a fishing license in the state of Colorado. They are available for purchase online.
What gear should anglers wear/bring to make sure they have a great time out on the water?
Carr: I recommend wearing comfortable, quick-drying clothing and layers. Colorado weather can change rapidly, so be prepared.
What are some fly-fishing best practices anglers should be sure to follow when they’re out?
Carr: We follow catch and release, and Keep Fish Wet Principles.
What important restrictions or rules do anglers need to know?
Carr: Each river and fishing area has its own specific rules and regulations that can be found online or through the governing agencies. There are also some unwritten rules of fly fishing: respect the river, respect the fish, respect the other anglers and have fun.
Vail Valley Fly-Fishing Outfitters
- Colorado Angling Company
- Gore Creek Fly Fisherman
- Minturn Anglers
- Paragon Guides
- Sage Outdoor Adventures
- Trout Trickers
- Vail Valley Anglers