Royal Gorge Anglers, CO

What is Provided:

Rental equipment is available upon request and is all high-end Orvis gear. Wader and boot rental runs $20 per day, per angler if needed. Rod rental and all terminal tackle is included in the guide fee. Flies used or kept are tallied and submitted by the guide for payment within 24 hours of trip culmination, however, all flies are supplied by the guide. If on a full-day adventure, streamside lunch and refreshments are included. Multi-day trips have various meal plan options.

Gear Recommendations:

If you wish to bring your own gear it is advised that you bring felt-soled (cleaned prior to use), or studded rubber boots and breathable waders. Typically 8-9 ft., 4-6 wt. fast-action fly rods are most conducive to these fisheries. If you are coming between the months of July and September, wet wading is a great option (using a wading sock and wading boots, rather than waders), due to the comfortable water temperature. Every angler is recommended to bring, in addition: Light rain jacket, fleece layers (upper and lower), heavy Smartwool sock, breathable quick-dry undergarment (upper and lower), hat, polarized sunglasses, camera. Depending on the season, some items may not be necessary, so contacting the guide office directly with any gear questions you may have is advised. If wet wading (June-September), please wear a quick-dry sport short/pant and Smartwool socks.

What to Bring:

It would be prudent to bring a change of clothes to change into after a long day on the water along with any refreshments or snacks for the drive home or to your next destination.

Season:

The Royal Gorge Region features a year-around fly-fishing season! Known as the "Climate Capitol" of Colorado, this region features strong options on the Arkansas Tailwater and South Platte River in the months of November through February. The larger freestone rivers including the Arkansas River Freestone and Gunnison River move into Spring Primetime in March and fish very well through October. Trophy stillwater opportunities are best in the mid-April to September window. The high mountain backcountry venues offer the shortest window of productive fishing, and it is best to book those options from July through mid September.

Species:

Brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, carp, wiper, striped bass, tiger musky, pike, and lake trout.

Region/Terrain:

The Royal Gorge Region is home to some of the most scenic views and mountainscapes in all of the Western US. Canon City is located in a high arid climate with rugged freestone watersheds. The Arkansas freestone which runs right by the fly shop can be best termed as a wild gradient river with large boulders and limitless pocket water. Just a stone's throw out the back door at the South Platte River and Arkansas Tailwater, you've got calmer more meandering rivers that work their way through vast high country basins. In the backcountry, you might encounter anything from high desert type terrain to heavily wooded high country forests. An angler can be as remote as they'd like to be, with hundreds of miles of rivers and streams and countless stillwater venues to choose from, this massive landscape truly is a fly fisher's playground!

Typical Weather:

The Royal Gorge Region is the "Climate Capitol" of Colorado, so weather is relatively temperate in the immediate area. The higher elevation one travels to some backcountry venues, high mountain lakes, and the South Platte and Gunnison Rivers, the more variable weather can become. In the prime spring and fall months one can expect temperatures in the 50s through mid 60s F with potential for light rain and snow. During the summer, an angler can expect to see temperatures in the 70s and 80s with monsoon effect rain in August. In the winter months, you can expect to see the widest range of temperatures and precipitation.

Rates start from: $275
You can find all pricing information at: www.royalgorgeanglers.com/guided-fly-fishing/

Other:

Royal Gorge Anglers prides itself in involvement with wounded veteran programs, and can offer ADA opportunity to great fly-fishing venues to those with limited mobility. Royal Gorge Anglers operates an exclusive catch-and-release program on all featured fisheries. Royal Gorge Anglers does also offer an on-site lodging option for groups of four or more, for more information please contact the fly shop.

Additional Activities:

Royal Gorge Anglers has operated as a full-scale concierge for 30 years, and the Royal Gorge Region is littered with incredible activities! World-class mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, golfing, and hiking opportunities are the most exciting features in the area. In addition, the largest tourist attraction in the state of Colorado, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is 10 minutes from the fly shop. Along with the bridge and park, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad runs through the Royal Gorge and is a great activity for families. If you're in the area in the winter/early spring you can fly fish, ski, and golf within an hour of Canon City!