Fly fishing spots *in* Denver?

[Leslie]

Ok,

So, back in May, my buddies about beat me senseless because I didn't bother to bring a fly rod w/ me to Denver. Didn't matter, I tried to explain, I didn't have a car, I'm staying in *downtown* Denver (just off of the 16th Street mall), they wouldn't listen, threatened to string me up if I didn't take a fly rod w/ me this time.


So.... I get away from the office this afternoon, beat it down to REI's rental department, because they sell 5-day out-of-state fishing licenses there. Hit the Platte.....

I swear that you can't prove it by me that there's a fish in that river.

I never saw anything.... not even talking about rises or shadows hiding in front of boulders at runs... I never even saw minnow schools in the shallows! All I saw were birds... ducks and swifts, and cave swallows and pigeons....

SO!

Anyone have any clue where, *within Denver itself*, there might be a fish? (Aside from the tank at Bass Pro, that is.... ) Yeah, everyone says head for Frying Pan, etc., but I've not got the time, or a rental, to get out away from the city. 8 to 5 the next two days, and I fly home Friday morning.... that means, Thursday, somewhere along noon, I'll be able to cut loose and get wherever I can get to on foot or by bus.

Thoughts?????

 

[bri]

You can get to some gold medal waters in 1-2 hrs. Not sure what you can catch in cherry creek or the platte. My advice is to google for fly fishing stores in denver, call them and ask them where to fish and what they are biting.

http://www.coloradofishing.net/ft_denver.htm

 

[Leslie]

Last time I was in, I got by Trouts, their advice was to get out of town.... and, while I agree, there's plenty w/in an hour or two, there's got to be something closer.....

Led a group of people back over to REI this evening, we watched the river for a min, I finally spotted a good-sized carp, but only one, and nothin' else... Carp's tricky, and I've just got a 4wt, I don't think I could get a long enough cast from far enough away to not spook it, and you about have to wait until you catch 'em rummaging around to get 'em to bite.

I might just catch a bus and head for Golden, check out Clear Creek....

 

[61rover]

Not much in clear creek. Comes down the canyon through mine tailings (and into the Coors plant, yum.)

If you don't have a car, take the bus to Boulder and try Boulder creek. I think there are some spots east part of town. (Not by the downtown). I would also call a couple of the shops there. They might turn you on to something.

 

[Leslie]

I'll give Boulder a try next time.

I did head for Clear Creek and actually hit some little golden trout.... pretty little trout w/ the bands and all.... beautiful little spot to hang out at, too....

 

[MarkP]

Or Chatfield on the SW side of Denver

Chatfield

About: - Chatfield Reservoir: This Denver metro area reservoir is one of the most popular recreation areas. With its excellent view of the foothills, this reservoir is developing a good walleye population, featuring many fish in the 1- to 3-pound class. There are rainbow trout, yellow perch, tiger muskie, smallmouth bass and crappie. Night fishing lands channel catfish, particularly in the Plum Creek area. Fall weather provides some great trout fishing here as the water cools. The shad spawn will slow fishing for a couple of weeks later this month but then it will pick up again. Live minnows are the best bait for catching all species in October-November. The lake normally freezes in late December and provides good ice fishing if the ice is thick enough, but be careful. The last few years it has only had 10 inches of ice and there are some soft spots caused by warm-water springs under the lake.​