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World-Class Fishing Year Round

Fishing the Uncompahgre – Natalie Heller

Many excellent fishing opportunities can be found in and around Ridgway. Whether you are an expert or novice, you can experience great year-round fishing on our rivers and lakes, as well as float fishing or walk-and-wade, guided flyfishing trips and instructional clinics.

Visiting during the fall and winter gives you access to great fishing with less pressure, leading to more productive days and colorful trout. If you have never tried fishing during your winter vacation, you’ll discover there’s nothing quite like having the whole river to yourself on a crisp, sunny winter day.

Stocked, wild and native trout (brook, brown, cutthroat, and rainbow) can be found in the Uncompahgre River and its tributaries, including a designated Blue Ribbon catch-and-release tailwater fishery below Ridgway Reservoir. In addition, nearby are the Gold Medal Waters of the Gunnison River and gin-clear waters of the freestone San Miguel River. Fishing in surrounding alpine lakes may be the preferred choice for those seeking solitude and grand vistas.

Prime Fishing Spots

  • Uncompahgre River at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk entrance of Ridgway State Park
  • Ridgway Reservoir
  • San Miguel and Gunnison Rivers
  • Canyon Creek
  • Crystal Lake
  • The Forks of the Cimarron River
  • Silver Jack Reservoir

Year-Round Fishing

Blue Ribbon, High Country Gold Medal Waters

Ridgway is centrally-located within one hour of six major trout streams and rivers, which boast clean waters, feisty fish, and draw out the fisherman in everyone all year long. There are secluded alpine lakes and streams full of stocked and native trout for the fisherman who likes an adventure and easily accessible sport waters along the Uncompahgre River corridor. The reservoir and catch-and-release waters in Ridgway State Park offer fishing opportunities for the whole family, including free fishing for kids during Huck Finn days in the summer. 


There are secluded alpine lakes and streams full of stocked and native trout for the fisherman who likes an adventure and easily accessible sport waters along the Uncompahgre River corridor.


Walk and Wade the Uncompahgre River in Ridgway State Park

Southern Colorado’s tailwater fishery below Ridgway Reservoir, at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk entrance of the State Park, offers anglers an unparalleled fishing experience year-round. Extensive rehabilitation has resulted in prime habitat for Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout and catch and release Blue Ribbon Waters revealing deep runs and large pools.

Enjoy a Fishing Day with The Family at The Ridgway Reservoir

This beautiful setting with a marina and numerous points of access make for a great fishing destination for the whole family. Stocked rainbow & native brown trout make up the game fish within the reservoir.

Remote Fishing Adventures

Brook and rainbow trout can also be found in some tributaries of the Uncompahgre River. Access to Dallas Creek, Canyon Creek or Upper Cow Creek is more limited, but the reward might very well be a bigger catch.

Fishing in surrounding alpine lakes may be the preferred choice for those seeking solitude and grand vistas. A few-mile hike will lead you to magnificent lakes and make for great fishing stories. In the Cimarrons, the waters of Silver Jack Reservoir are more accessible but also offer quality fishing in a serene setting.

A fishing license is required to fish from Colorado waterways. Information on licenses and special regulations may be found at cpw.state.co.us.

Fall & Winter Fishing

Visiting Ridgway during the fall and winter gives you access to great fishing with less pressure; leading to a more productive day. If you have never tried fishing during your winter vacation, we encourage you to give it a try. There’s nothing quite like having the whole river to yourself on a crisp, cloudless winter day.

Set aside some time to play in our beautiful waters; our local guides are always ready to show you their favorite secret falls and fishing holes and always have the best tips on water levels and hatches.

Know Before You Go: A fishing license is required to fish all public Colorado waterways. Information on licenses and regulations may be found at www.cpw.state.co.us


RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

Since 2001, RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service has offered the finest year-round Fly Fishing Guide Service (Walk Wad...

How to Enjoy Ridgway Like a Local

Residents and businesses take great pride in our community and surrounding open spaces. We invite visitors to consider ways to minimize impacts and maximize local benefits. Traveling responsibly means educating yourself on outdoor recreation best practices, local ethics and community expectations.
  • Know Before You Go
    Be prepared and be informed about your destination.
  • Stick to the Trails
    Protect our natural land￾scapes by staying on the trails and roads.
  • Trash the Trash
    If you pack it in, pack it out.
  • Leave It as You Find It
    Camp in designated areas only.
  • Be Careful with Fire
    Follow seasonal restrictions, and keep campfires small and manageable.
  • Keep Wildlife Wild
    Leash your dogs, pack out waste, and don’t feed wildlife.
  • Share Our Parks & Trails
    Try out the lesser-known paths and sites, and minimize noise.

Be Prepared for Adventure

The San Juan Mountains are a rugged, steep mountain range rising to just over 14,000 feet. These beautiful public lands offer adventures year round. If you are interested in exploring the San Juans, be prepared for challenging terrain that sometimes requires technical expertise and knowledge of the area.

Come prepared by doing research online to find maps, rules and helpful guidance from public agencies and user-generated websites. Utilize local expertise when you get into town by stopping in at our local gear stores. We highly recommend working with our local guide services that employ experts who can help you achieve your goals for world-class recreation. You can also take a course in: backcountry skiing, avalanche safety, rock climbing, ice climbing, and other valuable outdoor skills.

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