Have questions about our guided fishing experiences? We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers about our guided fishing trips, as well as some local links. Click on a question below to see the answer.
The half day trip fishes for about 4 hours and the full day trip fishes for about 6-7 hours.
For fly fishing trips, we typically have you meet the fishing guide in Granby at 7:30am (or 8am depending on the day, weather and fishing conditions). Fly fishing trips are usually on the Colorado River or the Fraser River. The meeting spot and fishing locations are convenient to Granby Ranch, Grand Elk and other area lodging and vacation rentals, and just a short drive from Tabernash, Fraser and Winter Park. From the meeting spot, you'll follow the guide out to the river in your own vehicle, which is about 5-10 minutes from the meeting area.
For lake fishing trips, we typically have you meet the fishing guide at the lake, Williams Fork Reservoir or Grand Lake, at 6:30am (or 7am depending on the day, weather and fishing conditions). There is some flexibility with the start time if a later start time is needed, however, the best fishing is typically earlier in the day. Please note, we do not guide on Lake Granby.
The lake trip cost includes the guide operated fishing boat, fishing rods, tackle and bait, and sonar. You are welcome to bring any drinks or snacks with you. Your guide will clean any fish you keep (up to 4 fish per guest) but they don't de-bone them (people usually cook them whole). The only things not included are a tip for your guide and a fishing license, which is around $17-$20 for a one-day license and can be purchased locally or online (click here to buy a fishing license online). Each person fishing needs to have a fishing license. Kids under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license in the state of Colorado.
The fly fishing trip cost includes the guide, fly fishing rods, reels, waders and wader boots, and flies. Trips on the Colorado River include the private water access fee, but there is a separate rod fee for fly fishing trips at Granby Ranch on the Fraser River. You are welcome to bring any drinks or snacks with you. The only things not included are a tip for your guide and a fishing license, which is around $17-$20 for a one-day license and can be purchased locally or online (click here to buy a fishing license online). Each person fishing needs to have a fishing license. Kids under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license in the state of Colorado.
If you have your own gear (waders, rods, etc), you are welcome to bring it to use. We do not offer any discounts if you bring your own, as we don't charge extra to provide the gear like some other shops do.
We don't mix groups - it's just your group and your guide(s). For large groups, we get multiple guides out with 3-4 people per guide and can keep your group fishing in an area near each other. For lake fishing trips, most of our boats fit 3-4 people. For fly fishing trips, there is a maximum of 3 people per guide to assure each person gets enough one-on-one time with the guide. Our pricing is per guide.
Your fishing guide will work with your group to give you the best opportunities to catch fish. Your guide provides all the gear - fishing rods, bait, tackle, and sonar for lake trips, and fly rods, waders, and flies for fly fishing trips. He'll notice if you get a bite, remind you to set the hook, and guide you into landing the fish and getting it in the net.
On our lake trips, we fish for Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Northern Pike. If you're intested in keeping fish, let your guide know so he can pick out some good keepers.
On our fly fishing trips, we catch mostly Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. All the fly fishing trips are catch-and-release.
Weather in the area is known to change quickly with variations in temperature. It can be cool in the morning and hot by mid-day, so we recommend to dress in layers that you can shed as the day warms, with a waterproof/quick-drying layer on top. Usually, we start out the day with a light or mid-weight jacket until it warms up (like a hoodie or fleece). A hat, quick drying pants and a light SPF or sun shirt are good choices for a day of fishing in the sun. On our fly fishing trips, we provide waders that you wear over your clothes (if you wear sandals, be sure to bring socks to wear under the waders).
Transportation is not provided. If you need to be dropped off, you can arrange a good timeframe with the guide to let your ride know when to pick you back up (sometimes cell service can be spotty so pick a timeframe to be picked up in case calls or texts aren't working from the fishing spot). If you're arriving in the area by train or shuttle and don't have a vehicle, we highly recommend getting a rental car for getting around while you're in town (for local rentals, try Hertz at Home James Transportation or Avalanche Car Rentals). There is very limited to no taxi/Uber service in the area (try Grand Mountain Rides for a local taxi). If you still need a ride, you can give us a call to discuss your options.
To make a reservation, give us a call or text at 970-531-8792 (a credit card is required), or you can book a trip online on our website. If you don't have good cell service, we can go through most of the details by text, and then we can email you a link to pay online.
You can find a lot of different recipes online. Click here for one recipe our guides like.
For adrenaline seekers, check out downhill mountain biking at Winter Park Resort or Granby Ranch. They also have scenic gondola/ski lift rides and some other family-friendly activities. For a more leisurely bike ride, rent a bike at Beavers Sports Shop and get out on one of the local trails. For a little motorized fun, check out ATV tours with Grand Adventures. There's also great white-water rafting in the area.
For those looking for wide open spaces and the incredible vistas of Colorado’s wilderness by horseback, check out the top-rated Rusty Spurr Ranch near Kremmling, Colorado. Choose from authentic cattle drives across 10,000 acres, or 1, 2 or 3 hour mountain rides. Group sizes stay small and allow guests to ride off-trail wherever the terrain permits. This is not your typical “single file” ride! Open Mid-May through the end of September. Must have advanced reservations to ride.
For a family-friendly experience, Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies has a summer tubing hill, challenge course, archery, disc golf, crafts and more. Emerse yourself in local history at one of the local museums, like Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser, the model railroad and interpretive center at the Moffat Road Railroad Museum in Granby, or Pioneer Village Museum in Hot Sulphur Springs.
Take a little time to relax with a massage and facial at Inner Peace Massage in Winter Park, soak in the natural hot springs at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa, or try a yoga class at Mountain Moon Yoga.
Grab a tasty draft beer and grub at Big Trout Brewing in Winter Park. For the best burgers and brats in town, check out Fraser Valley Hot Dog. If you're looking for a fine-dining experience, check out Tabernash Tavern, with Chef Al's creations in a casual mountain setting. Some of our guides' other favorite places to eat include Sharky's Eatery, Elevation Pizza, Bluebird Bistro at Granby Ranch, Azteca Mexican Restaurant, and Pearl Dragon Chinese restaurant.
If you want to stay somewhere close to things to do and places to eat, we recommend staying in Fraser or Winter Park. For a central location, consider staying in Tabernash or Granby. You can find a variety of hotels, bed and breakfast, air b & b and vacation rentals to choose from in Grand County. There are also some vacation home rentals with private water fishing access like Edgewater or Granby Ranch.
Phone: 970.531.8792
Email: info@fishwinterpark.com
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