A Grand Fishing Adventure

A short drive north of Cedaredge takes you to a world that is well known by local fisherman. You’ll find hundreds of lakes on Grand Mesa that are filled with cold-water fish, including brown, rainbow and brook trout.   
    Most of us progress through a natural evolution in fly fishing. We start as a beginner with low expectations. After gaining a little confidence by landing a few trout with consistency, we start to keep score. Some anglers take this to extreme keeping track of each and every trout they catch or release. Then, eventually most of us end up looking for a more quality experience, understanding that it isn't the number of fish caught but the degree of difficulty in catching them. Some say the definition of a trophy-sized trout depends on the water it lives in and the techniques used to catch it.
    Many lakes and streams on the Grand Mesa are easily accessible via paved and dirt Forest Service roads. Some, however, require hiking and walking between the lakes in the tall pines is wonderful. If you're lucky you might come across a less-traveled to reservoir in the back country that could produce a nice 3 or 4 pound trout. Locals claim that dry flies are extremely effective on the mesa, as well as black wooly buggers.
    We might also mention that fishing in Colorado is a year round activity.  Dropping a lure or bait through the first safe ice of the year can be exciting, as well.
    From downtown Cedaredge, you can be on the water (or ice) and fishing in exactly an hour and remember… A fish is too valuable to be caught and enjoyed only once. We encourage responsible fishing practices.
Annual licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 annually for fishing in Colorado. These can be purchased at license agents, CPW offices, online at:
​co.wildlifelicense.com or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.

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