Hello fishermen. I’m planning a fly-fishing trip this summer in the Rockies and would appreciate any input on some must-fish waters for late July/early August. I live in the Midwest and only get out to the Rockies once a year if I’m lucky so I like to make the most of it. I don’t mind having to backpack to secluded areas for good fishing (I actually prefer it). I’m pretty much limited to CO, WY, and maybe lower MT. If you have any must hit spots or just good general regions I’d love to hear um.

Hello pjhire89 and welcome to the forum.

What a wonderful sounding trip, especially the part about backpacking to secluded areas.

I'm sure if someone has experience of the Rockies in the US they will be along to give you a few pointers, but you may obtain more extensive information by posting your question on the US sister site (this one is UK based): The North American Fly Fishing Forum. Fly fishing news and views across the USA and Canada

You can log in with the same user name and password that you use here.

Good luck!

---------- Post added at 10:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 AM ----------

...and having said that, I see you have already. All the best.

Hi PJ,
The obvious, Jellystone, especially a hike into Slough Creek.
But spend some time on Rock Creek in SW MT if you can.
Hopefully run off will have finished by then, it went on way too long this year.
I preferred Montana to Colorado.
Cheers
Richard

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Richard Jackson
Fly fishing instruction and guiding in the heart of Devon
www.devonflyfisher.com

Hi PJ,

If you are heading to Montana and I had the choice then I'd base myself in Missoula. It is a great town and there are plenty of rivers on you doorstep that, after a short drive, allow you to hike if you want to. There is lots of variety you have the Clark Fork, Bitteroot,Blackfoot and Rock Creek nearby.

It is a real fishing town with plenty of fly shops and one that we really liked had a coffee shop attached which was the perfect start to the day!

I really like Colorado and there are some great spots to explore. I've fished there in July and Sep and have travelled a fair bit.When I was out there in July and was fishing the South Platte on the 4th. It was the busiest I had seen a river but the Americans like to have a celebratory barbie for lunch on that day and my buddy and I had the river to ourselves from 11am onwards.

If you are a Gierach fan I'd have to say that you need to fish the St Vrain. Some of it is private but it is great above Lyons and fun to fish. There is a cafe in Lyons that serves a great breakfast.

Also Basalt in Co can be a good base with the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork right on your doorstep.

Hope that helps!

Pete

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www.devonschoolofflyfishing.com - Fly Fishing in Devon

Check out the Bow River from Calgary, Alberta downstream. It is truly World class trout fishing. Very large Rainbows and Browns. Leave the Bow and travel to the south west of Alberta and hit the Crowsnest, Oldman and Castle River systems(Rainbow's, Browns, Cutthroat's, Brook's).A few Golden's in the high alpine lakes. If you want fly fish water in peace and solitude it will be over the top for you ! The Elk river is just west into British Columbia and it is a first rate river itself. The time you have picked would suit the area well too. You do not want to plan a trip here prior to the 10th of July as the run-off makes the rivers unfishable. Great dry fly action area. Give Canada a try, your first trip will not be your last. Bring bear spray, a gun or a friend you can outrun !