Dolores River, Colorado


Once one of the best trout streams in the country, the Dolores River in southwestern Colorado is making a comeback and deserves attention when you're in the vicinity.

The Dolores became another Bureau of Reclamation disaster when water levels dropped to deadly 20 cfs. It's been years since this isolated but deadly incident and the trout are back in fighting good numbers. Although good fishing exists above McPhee Reservoir it is the tail-water portion of the Dolores that hold the greatest challenge for fly-fishers, both novice to advanced.

Spring creek characteristics, long leaders, light tippets, big bugs and strong wind can often make the fishing difficult and challenging. As we all know, reward is often commensurate with the level of grief encountered to be successful. "Reward" on the Dolores can be large, up to 24 inches large. Many heavy shouldered brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout call this beautiful river home. A stay in southwest Colorado wouldn't be complete with a trip to the Dolores. Guided trips offered by Telluride Outside are full day only and include lunch. Two anglers maximum recommended for this trip.

Other opportunities for fly fishing in Telluride include some exceptional private water fisheries such as the following:

Gurley Reservoir--Trout
Dunton Hot Springs Resort, West Fork Dolores River--Trout
Lightenburger Ranch, Dolores River--Trout
Cascabel Club, San Miguel River--Trout
Jackson Hole, Uncompaghre River--Trout
Narraguinnep, Totten, Summit, Joe Moore and Puett Lakes--Huge Pike, trout, bass

Colorado Outfitter and River Outfitter #'s 2083 and Q-0365.

Clothing and equipment checklist -- Summer

Pricing:

$315.00	Full day walk/wade trip including lunch and transportation to the river for 1 angler.
$345.00	Full day walk/wade trip including lunch and transportation to the river for 2 anglers max.

Prices subject to change without notice.