Fishing the Southern Rocky Mountains offers a diverse range of angling experiences, from high-alpine lakes to rushing freestone rivers. Below is a 7-day fishing itinerary covering some of the best waters in Colorado, New Mexico, and southern Wyoming.

Day 1: South Platte River (Colorado) – Dream Stream & Eleven Mile Canyon

Target Species: Rainbow, Brown, and Cutthroat Trout
Why Go? The Dream Stream (between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs) is legendary for big trout. Downstream, Eleven Mile Canyon offers pocket water and deep pools.
Tactics: Nymphing (Pheasant Tails, RS2s) and streamers for larger fish. Dry flies (PMDs, Caddis) in summer.
Lodging: Fairplay or Hartsel (rustic cabins or camping).

Day 2: Arkansas River (Colorado) – Near Salida & Buena Vista

Target Species: Brown & Rainbow Trout
Why Go? The Arkansas is one of Colorado’s best freestone rivers, with great hatches and Gold Medal waters.
Tactics: Dry-dropper rigs (Stoneflies, BWOs) or streamers near structure.
Lodging: Salida (hotels or riverside camping).

Day 3: Rio Grande (Colorado) – Near Creede & South Fork

Target Species: Brown, Rainbow, and Rio Grande Cutthroat
Why Go? The Rio Grande offers remote beauty and wild trout. The Upper Rio Grande near Creede is especially scenic.
Tactics: Hopper-dropper combos, stonefly nymphs, and attractor dries.
Lodging: Creede (cabins or dispersed camping).

Day 4: San Juan River (New Mexico) – Quality Waters Below Navajo Dam

Target Species: Giant Rainbow & Brown Trout
Why Go? The San Juan is a world-class tailwater with consistent hatches and trophy trout.
Tactics: Tiny midges (size 22-24), scuds, and Baetis imitations. Euro-nymphing is deadly.
Lodging: Farmington, NM, or riverside camping at Cottonwood Campground.

Day 5: Animas River (Colorado) – Durango & Silverton

Target Species: Wild Browns, Rainbows, and Cutthroats
Why Go? The Animas is a freestone gem with stunning mountain backdrops.
Tactics: Dry flies (Caddis, PMDs) and streamers for aggressive fish.
Lodging: Durango (hotels or riverside camping).

Day 6: Green River (Wyoming) – Flaming Gorge Tailwater

Target Species: Big Rainbows & Browns
Why Go? The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is a blue-ribbon fishery with 20+ inch trout.
Tactics: Streamers for big browns, midges, and scuds for rainbows.
Lodging: Dutch John, UT (lodges or camping).

Day 7: High Alpine Lakes (Colorado) – Indian Peaks or Weminuche Wilderness

Target Species: Cutthroat, Brook, and Golden Trout
Why Go? Remote alpine lakes offer solitude and stunning scenery.
Tactics: Small dries (Adams, Elk Hair Caddis) or spinners.
Lodging: Backpacking or base camping near trailheads.

Pro Tips for Southern Rockies Fishing
✔ Season Matters:

Spring: Midges, BWOs, runoff can be tricky.
Summer: Best dry-fly action (Stoneflies, Caddis, PMDs).
Fall: Big browns on streamers, fewer crowds.

✔ Gear: 4-6 wt rods, strong tippet (3X-6X), waders (cold water!).
✔ Regulations: Check for special regs (catch-and-release, barbless hooks).
✔ Altitude: Stay hydrated—many spots are above 8,000 ft.

This itinerary balances iconic rivers, remote streams, and high-country lakes for a true Southern Rockies adventure. Tight lines! 
Would you like recommendations for guided trips or fly shops along the way?