Vail Colorado Fishing

The Vail Colorado is one of the world's premier winter destinations and boast some of the best fishing in all of Colorado. If you're just looking for a place to let your kids get their lines wet Avon's Nottingham Lake would be perfect. Nottingham Lake is located on the west end of Avon and is surrounded by a huge park. The Lake is stocked by the DOW and even has some large 6-8 lb. Rainbows. The park has a recreational bike/ roller blade/jogging path, volleyball courts playgrounds and a large field where kites are often flown.

Abundant opportunities exist for novice and experienced fishermen in the Vail Valley, Rainbow, brown, brook, and Cut-throat trout provide exciting action.

The Eagle River extends 40, miles and public access points may be located by following Route 6 west from Vail and observing access signs posted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management.

Aquatic life forms which dominate local fisheries are Caddis (sizes #20-10), Pale Morning Duns (sizes #20-16), Blue Wing Olives (sizes #22-16), and Yellow and Black Stone-flies (sizes #14-18), and a variety of Chronomid ( Midges are the common name, sizes #28-16). All fish may be taken with dry-flies, a variety of Nymphing Techniques, and speciality Streamer Patterns.

For the adventurous spirit, the White River National Forest offers numerous high mountain lakes, and small creek fishing. Fun for the entire family, perhaps combine a camping and fishing vacation. Access may be difficult, so be sure to have a topographic map, and trail-head information. All this may be obtained at The Holy Cross Ranger District Ranger Station at exit #171, I-70, 3 miles west of Vail .

From about the middle of May until about the first of July, the heavy Spring Runoff makes fishing, in the mountain streams and rivers, more difficult and less productive. While expert casting techniques will meet with some success during the Runoff. Tail-water Fisheries are stretches of water below dams. The dams that form Dillon, Rudi, Stage Coach, and William's Fork Reservoirs, create excellent fishing year-round. The stretch of The Frying Pan River below Rudi Reservoirs is rated Gold Medal, and is home to some giant trout. These areas are all located outside of the Vail Valley, but they are all within a reasonable commute.