ROCKY MOUNTAIN FEVER: FIVE REASONS TO LOOK FORWARD TO SUMMER ANGLING IN COLORADO
April 24, 2024
There’s a reason why Colorado has earned a worldwide reputation for its trout fly fishing. Beyond its tens of thousands of trout fisheries (hundreds of which boast Gold Medal status) and its legendary landscapes that hit you with a rush of sensory dopamine on those rare on days when the fishing’s slow, there’s still innumerable spots across the state’s colorful mountainside that have yet to be discovered. That’s where we come in—your on-the-ground and in-the-water Eleven Angling team, ready to show you the best of it all.
REASON #1 YOU JUST CAN’T BEAT THE ANGLING HERE
All else aside, the Gunnison Valley (which all but haphazardly houses Eleven’s flagship property, Scarp Ridge Lodge) is home to some of Colorado’s finest trout fly fishing.
A diverse drainage system, including the gold medal fisheries of the Taylor and the Gunnison, provides a wonderfully healthy habitat for the four major species: brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. There you have the foundation for the ultimate fishing trip that keeps you coming back for more until the end of time. The grand slam? Eleven’s access to hundreds of miles on the Gunnison, Taylor, and East Rivers; and the finest of fly fishing guides, customization, and river lodging. Welcome to the full package, the whole nine yards, and the full caboodle.
REASON #2: YOU CAN FINALLY GO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST FLOAT
If you’re one whose angling appetite gets the best of you in your waking and dreaming hours, put our multi-day fishing trip with RIGS Fly Shop on your radar.
The Gunnison Gorge package starts with three nights at Taylor River Lodge, followed by arguably the best overnight fly fishing trip in the lower 48—the 2-night Gunnison Gorge wilderness float. This coming summer, we’ll be offering flexible reservations throughout the summer, so you’ll be able to pick and choose your dates to best suit your summer plans. Trust us when we say that the combination of chasing trophies just off the porch of your private cabin and float fishing the Gunni Gorge’s Gold Medal fishery deserves a spot on your calendar.
REASON #3 WE COULDN’T BE MORE EXCITED ABOUT THE CONDITIONS
We’re incredibly excited about the snowfall we’ve gotten this year. Why? Because in our minds, good snow doesn’t mean good skiing, it means good fishing.
As the weather trends shift to summer, snowmelt will move down from the mountain tops and converge at the valley bottom. One benefit that we are fortunate to have, when it relates to our drainage, is the diversity of its offerings. Once the snow melts our guests can target anything from high alpine creeks with wild browns and cutthroat trout; canyon pocket water, high sticking for big rainbows; mountain lakes for native species
REASON #4 YOUR GUIDES ARE THE STUFF OF LEGENDS
A fishing trip is only as good as the angling guides, and we’ve got great ones.
Eleven Angling guides are trout obsessed. They’re also obsessed with the fisheries in their backyards, and showing you how to fish for trout , including where to cast, when to mend, and what to throw.
Guides not only make or break your time out on the water, but they also are the key players in stewarding our resources responsibly—sustaining our fisheries so that we can all keep fishing forever. For the first time ever, Eleven Angling will be offering a Fly Fishing Guide School to equip the next chapter of guides with the best training and education possible. We couldn’t be more excited to expand our commitment to angling from start to finish, and ultimately, blow your time with us out of the water.
REASON #5 YOUR LODGING EXPERIENCE WILL BE SECOND TO NONE
When you think of Taylor River Lodge (so long as you like fishing), think of paradise.
Imagine eight log fishing cabins brimming with angling heritage, reimagined with the finest of luxe touches, situated along Taylor Creek. Wet a line at any hour of the day, along with a local guide who will take you to the best runs. It’s all about you here. As always, our professional and tenured guide team is ready to pick up where you left off, or introduce you to our world as a newcomer. Chase wild trout and native cutthroat every hour of the day, exploring the Gunnison River, Taylor River, East River, and Tomichi Creek. Throw nymphs, streamers, hoppers, and dries, then enjoy seasonal, local dishes prepared by a flavor-obsessed chef.