No matter if you’re an expert angler or first-time fly-fisher, Winter Park is full of world-class waters to fish. Before you spool up your rod, don your waders, and head to the water be sure to purchase a Colorado Fishing License. Buy online, or pick one up at Murdoch’s, Winter Park Flyfisher, or Mo Henry’s right in town.  

World Class Waters

The Fraser River 

The Fraser River has it all. From deep pockets and slow-moving water to tight, shallow riffles, this river is a local favorite for good reason. The Fraser makes its way from Berthoud Pass all the way to its confluence with the Colorado just west of Granby. The water itself offers a variety of public access points, spanning from near Winter Park Resort to Fraser and beyond. 

• For an all-day adventure, load up your fishing gear and hop on a bike to explore the Fraser via the Fraser River Trail. Staying at the resort? Ride the trail from its starting point in Old Towne Winter Park to fish all the pockets, holes, and runs you find on your ride. 
• Fish in Fraser behind Safeway to access some great small-stream action. Park in the Safeway lot before making your way down the river via the many trails and paths that run adjacent to this water.  
• Explore the canyon. Looking to really get immersed in some classic Colorado nature on your fish pursuit? The Fraser Canyon offers some outstanding fishing in an awe-inspiring setting. Follow HWY 40 5.6 miles to Co. RD. 83. Turn right for .4 miles then left on CO. RD. 84. Continue 3/4 miles to CO. RD. 844 (BLM 2751), then Strawberry Rd., on the left.  Follow this road 1.4 miles to the parking area on the left. The trail to the river and canyon is about .55 miles. 

The Colorado River 

You’re in Colorado, so you might as well fish the Colorado River. This is truly some world-class trout water, as evidenced by its Gold Medal classification on many portions. Check out a few of our suggestions for some great access points not far from Winter Park. 

• Fish in the National Park. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-do, regardless if you’ve got a rod in hand. If you’re an angler, though, then this is a dream day on the water. Access RMNP via the Grand Lake entrance and spend the day exploring the incredible waters of the Colorado that run through the park. 
• Fish the Canyon pt. 2. Get deep into Byer’s Canyon for some more Colorado River action. Follow highway 40 just past Hot Sulphur Springs and explore the waters tucked into this majestic setting.  
• Fish off 40. Highway 40 follows the Colorado and offers a variety of excellent access points beginning just past Granby. Spend the day jumping from spot to spot as you travel down 40 or find your favorite run of water to work all day long. Wherever you go make sure to pack a camera, the views are spectacular, and chances are you’ll land a fish worth remembering!  

Fraser Fishing Ponds 

Want to teach the kids the basics, or learning yourself? Only have an hour or two to get some casts in? The fishing ponds in Fraser are located directly off of Highway 40 and offer easy access to every type of angler. There’s even a kids pond so bring the entire family for some fishing fun!  

• The ponds are located in Fraser, directly next to Safeway. Double your chances for fish by spending half the day on the ponds before fishing the Fraser River only a few feet away!  

With more than enough water to explore you’ll have no trouble tracking down some fish. Explore our options on your own, or, if you’d rather, employ one of Winter Park’s incredible guides (Mo Henry’s, Winter Park Fly Fisher) to get you into some of the biggest and baddest fish that Grand County has to offer. However you choose to venture out on the water Winter Park has you covered with world-class waters to fish. Tight lines!