A 10-day fly fishing excursion through Colorado offers an incredible mix of world-class rivers, stunning landscapes, and diverse fisheries. Below is a well-balanced itinerary that covers some of the best fly fishing destinations in the state, along with travel tips and recommended stops.

10-Day Colorado Fly Fishing Itinerary

Focus: Gold Medal Waters, Scenic Rivers, & Diverse Species (Trout, Cutthroat, & More)

Day 1-2: Denver Arrival & South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon & Deckers)

Travel: Fly into Denver (DIA), rent a 4x4 vehicle (some roads are rugged).
Fishing:
Cheesman Canyon (Day 1) – Technical dry-fly and nymphing for large, educated rainbows & browns.
Deckers (Day 2) – Accessible wading with great hatches (Blue-Winged Olives, PMDs).

Lodging: Stay in Sedalia or Woodland Park.

Day 3-4: Eleven Mile Canyon & Dream Stream (Spinney Mountain)

Fishing:
Eleven Mile Canyon (Day 3) – Wild browns & rainbows in a breathtaking canyon setting.
Dream Stream (Day 4) – Legendary stretch below Spinney Reservoir; big rainbows & browns (midges & streamers).

Lodging: Fairplay or Hartsel.

Day 5-6: Gunnison River (Black Canyon & Gold Medal Stretch)

Travel: Drive to Gunnison (~3.5 hours from Fairplay).
Fishing:
Black Canyon (Day 5) – Hike-in access for monster browns (permit required for inner canyon).
Gunnison Gold Medal (Day 6) – Wade or float near Pleasure Park for big rainbows.

Lodging: Gunnison or Crested Butte.

Day 7-8: Roaring Fork & Frying Pan Rivers (Basalt)

Travel: Drive to Basalt (~2.5 hours from Gunnison).
Fishing:
Frying Pan (Day 7) – Famous tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir (size 22 midges, mysis shrimp).
Roaring Fork (Day 8) – Freestone action near Carbondale (hoppers, stoneflies).

Lodging: Basalt or Aspen (for luxury).

Day 9-10: Colorado River (Near Kremmling) & Return to Denver

Travel: Drive to Kremmling (~2 hours from Basalt).
Fishing:
Colorado River (Day 9) – Float trip for browns & rainbows (caddis, stoneflies).
Blue River (Optional Day 10) – Near Silverthorne, great for a half-day stop en route to Denver.

Lodging: Kremmling or Silverthorne.
Return: Drive to Denver (~2 hours from Silverthorne).

Key Tips for the Trip

Season: Late spring (May-June) for runoff alternatives (still fishable tailwaters); summer (July-Sept) for prime dry-fly action; fall (Oct) for fewer crowds and aggressive trout.
Gear: 5-6 wt rods, nymphing rigs, dry flies (PMDs, BWOs, hoppers), streamers.
Guides: Consider booking a float for the Gunnison or Colorado River.
Permits: Check fishing licenses (CPW) and Black Canyon access permits (NPS).

Alternative Stops (If Time Allows)

Taylor River – Near Crested Butte, great for lunker trout.
Yampa River – Steamboat Springs (less pressured).
San Juan River – If extending into New Mexico.

Would you like recommendations for fly shops, guides, or dining along the way? Tight lines!