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The Best Fly Fishing Place, at the Best Time of Year?

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September 07, 2010

The Best Fly Fishing Place, at the Best Time of Year?

By Kirk Deeter

One of the most common questions I get is: "I'm really into fly fishing, but the Mrs. (or Mr.) isn't... so I'm wondering, where can we get away, where I can fish, and she/he can kick back or do other fun stuff... and we can both have a good time together in the evening?"

Another frequent inquiry I get:  "Of all the places you fish, where is your favorite, and when is the best time to go?"

Those of you who have followed fieldandstream.com lately (especially the "Best Wild Places" dispatches) already know the answer to both questions.  Southwestern Colorado.  I especially like Telluride.  I've long thought that, if I could live one month, over and over, in one place... it would be September in Telluride.  It's usually in the 60s or 70s and sunny in the daytime... near freezing (or below) at night... the aspen trees are shimmering gold... the rivers (San Miguel and Dolores) are usually low and clear, with trout eating hopper flies... elk are bugling on the mountains... and most of the touristas are back home.

For me, the prime time frame is usually the third weekend in September... which just so happens to coincide with my favorite musical happening in the mountains: the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival (www.telurideblues.com)... this time featuring a wide array of acts from George Thorogood to Susan Tedeschi to B.B. King.  Fish all day in the San Miguel River (using hopper flies no less)... come back and kick it with a brew and some world class music in a world class setting...

I might just be there this year too.

If you want to go, this year or next check out Elevation Vacations (my fly fishing friend Paul Zabel is part of that mix) at www.elevationvacations.com, and they'll hook you up. --Deeter

Comments (19)

Top Rated
All Comments
from buckhunter wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

My elk trip to GMU 72 has been cancelled this year due to an ankle injury but from my limited experience with the area I will agree that it is a true wonderland.

Next year for sure.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from PZabel wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Anyone that books and mentions Deeter's Blog will get a deep discount on their lodging and I may even give you directions to a few of my fishing holes!! The archery hunting for Elk is good here as well. My perfect day is hunting in the morning fly fishing the afternoon and back to a tree stand around 5:30.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from mdavy wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

There is no better place on earth (maybe Alaska) than the Telluride area in September. Aspens in full color, temperatures perfect, Bull elk bugling, and the fishing on the Miguel and Gunnison fantastic. Call Elevations, they have hooked my up for years, and Paul can put you on some trout!!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Sayfu wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Come on guys! September, the Fall, is a great place in lots, and lots of places! I live in Idaho, and I can take you to some breath taking places in my state, and do lots, and lots of things in September.I combine great flyfishing is excellent, low water conditions on our rivers, and can combine it with a bird hunting trip, as well. I don't know Telluride from Flat Rock City, but I don't think Telluride has the corner on great Fall places to do things outdoors.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clearpupil wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Thanks for your article, I really enjoyed it. My favourite place is on the River Tweed in November. I had a dream day's fishing, I fished a local yellow and black salmon fly made by a local, it was about the size of my thumb. Flicked it across and down just upstream of a submerged rosk and "BANG!" it was on. That fish raced upstream ripping line off the reel, with me hanging on for dear life! I landed that mama...15lbs of pure scottish steelhead. There were three that day - as much as I catch in a year anywhere else.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from jmay wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

YES!! Such good news! I'll be fishing Thursday and Sunday, boozing and bluesing Friday and Saturday. This is my first time in Telluride but I'm a pretty accomplished fisher (and beer drinker). Deeter, any interest in a "fish with your reader" excursion??! Paul, I already have my place booked otherwise I would get in touch.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from blackdawgz wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

I love Telluride!

Back when I wuz hang-gliding, they held the National Championships there.

Nuther time I wuz there, I saw Robert Redford driving along in a perfectly-restored XKE.

The climate is ideal.

I never suspected that fish lived there!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kirkdeeter wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Sayfu... you are the self-appointed nay-sayer, which I appreciate... but I can tell you, I won't be thinking of other places when I have a cold mug of suds, am listening to blues bounce off the walls of the prettiest canyon in America, and relishing the 30 browns and bows I caught on dries that day.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from buckhunter wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

My last trip through Telluride was during elk season a few years ago and I remember a radio advertisement for local seasonal employment. I remember how tempting it was to stop the truck and make a lifestyle change at that moment. How could you go wrong with that scenery?

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from abcdpete wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Yup, you should all go to Telluride.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from fflutterffly wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

If there are fish, cool weather and no biting bugs that's the right place for me. A good small town near by for hotel, movie, shopping is just added sugar to the adventure. I've aspen trees, canyons and snow capped mountains here in California, but when I'm standing on the edge of a small stream that supports Golden Trout I could be anywhere and happy, just as long as I have a rod in my hand. We all fish beautiful places and I'd like to fish them all.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Koldkut wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

My wife wants me to consider a change of careers when she finishes school so we can live in the Telluride area. She wants me to become a fishing guide of all things. I've considered it, but it'll come down to how much money she cam make.....I like that area myself.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Happy Myles wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Used to own a fabulous piece of property in Telluride. Big mistake selling it, but it did pay for several hunting trips around the world.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from countitandone wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Deet ~ Septembers spent in Telluride...although I can count them on only one hand, it's a grateful handshake with nature, the locals and the ambiance within the storekeepers shops that would draw me back.

Speaking of draw back...the 40 degree swing of temps that begin when that tiny little sun goes over that great big mountain. That said, still nice. Try it. Bring your 3wt.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from oleyakker wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Its a bit further away... but can anyone find a way to top the south island of New Zealand, with the Remarkables, the unbelievable number of rivers with great fish, the great food, the warm and friendly people, on and on. Just ask TR..their summer is our winter, too....

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Woodstock wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Wow, Telluride sounds great. Almost makes me almost want to cancel my annual fishing trip to the Rogue River in Detroit...

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from jamesti wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

i guess i shouldn't but i always put down my fishing gear and spend all my time hunting. been to telluride many times. if you haven't you should go. some of the prettiest girls in colorado! oh, and the scenery isn't bad either.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Sayfu wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

You guys and Deeter must be John Denver fans. This Telluride place sounds like a Walt Disney creation. Deeter has a couple of cold ones, puts on the head phones, and several 10" browns, and 'bows turn into a 30 fish day! I ran into a couple of long haired guys in the woods one time while hunting Ruffed Grouse. I asked them if they'd seen any grouse, and one of the guys says, "Hey dude, they're flying all over the place!" True story, but just kiddin, Tulluride sounds great! I went to the Univ. of Colorado one Summer in Bolder, and had a few Brewskies while I was there. I think the place was beautiful.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from maitedaguerre@h... wrote 1 year 21 weeks ago

It's the best place on earth!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment

from PZabel wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Anyone that books and mentions Deeter's Blog will get a deep discount on their lodging and I may even give you directions to a few of my fishing holes!! The archery hunting for Elk is good here as well. My perfect day is hunting in the morning fly fishing the afternoon and back to a tree stand around 5:30.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from blackdawgz wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

I love Telluride!

Back when I wuz hang-gliding, they held the National Championships there.

Nuther time I wuz there, I saw Robert Redford driving along in a perfectly-restored XKE.

The climate is ideal.

I never suspected that fish lived there!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kirkdeeter wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Sayfu... you are the self-appointed nay-sayer, which I appreciate... but I can tell you, I won't be thinking of other places when I have a cold mug of suds, am listening to blues bounce off the walls of the prettiest canyon in America, and relishing the 30 browns and bows I caught on dries that day.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from abcdpete wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Yup, you should all go to Telluride.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from fflutterffly wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

If there are fish, cool weather and no biting bugs that's the right place for me. A good small town near by for hotel, movie, shopping is just added sugar to the adventure. I've aspen trees, canyons and snow capped mountains here in California, but when I'm standing on the edge of a small stream that supports Golden Trout I could be anywhere and happy, just as long as I have a rod in my hand. We all fish beautiful places and I'd like to fish them all.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from oleyakker wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Its a bit further away... but can anyone find a way to top the south island of New Zealand, with the Remarkables, the unbelievable number of rivers with great fish, the great food, the warm and friendly people, on and on. Just ask TR..their summer is our winter, too....

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jamesti wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

i guess i shouldn't but i always put down my fishing gear and spend all my time hunting. been to telluride many times. if you haven't you should go. some of the prettiest girls in colorado! oh, and the scenery isn't bad either.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from buckhunter wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

My elk trip to GMU 72 has been cancelled this year due to an ankle injury but from my limited experience with the area I will agree that it is a true wonderland.

Next year for sure.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from mdavy wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

There is no better place on earth (maybe Alaska) than the Telluride area in September. Aspens in full color, temperatures perfect, Bull elk bugling, and the fishing on the Miguel and Gunnison fantastic. Call Elevations, they have hooked my up for years, and Paul can put you on some trout!!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Sayfu wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Come on guys! September, the Fall, is a great place in lots, and lots of places! I live in Idaho, and I can take you to some breath taking places in my state, and do lots, and lots of things in September.I combine great flyfishing is excellent, low water conditions on our rivers, and can combine it with a bird hunting trip, as well. I don't know Telluride from Flat Rock City, but I don't think Telluride has the corner on great Fall places to do things outdoors.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clearpupil wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Thanks for your article, I really enjoyed it. My favourite place is on the River Tweed in November. I had a dream day's fishing, I fished a local yellow and black salmon fly made by a local, it was about the size of my thumb. Flicked it across and down just upstream of a submerged rosk and "BANG!" it was on. That fish raced upstream ripping line off the reel, with me hanging on for dear life! I landed that mama...15lbs of pure scottish steelhead. There were three that day - as much as I catch in a year anywhere else.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from jmay wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

YES!! Such good news! I'll be fishing Thursday and Sunday, boozing and bluesing Friday and Saturday. This is my first time in Telluride but I'm a pretty accomplished fisher (and beer drinker). Deeter, any interest in a "fish with your reader" excursion??! Paul, I already have my place booked otherwise I would get in touch.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from buckhunter wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

My last trip through Telluride was during elk season a few years ago and I remember a radio advertisement for local seasonal employment. I remember how tempting it was to stop the truck and make a lifestyle change at that moment. How could you go wrong with that scenery?

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Koldkut wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

My wife wants me to consider a change of careers when she finishes school so we can live in the Telluride area. She wants me to become a fishing guide of all things. I've considered it, but it'll come down to how much money she cam make.....I like that area myself.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Happy Myles wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Used to own a fabulous piece of property in Telluride. Big mistake selling it, but it did pay for several hunting trips around the world.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from countitandone wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Deet ~ Septembers spent in Telluride...although I can count them on only one hand, it's a grateful handshake with nature, the locals and the ambiance within the storekeepers shops that would draw me back.

Speaking of draw back...the 40 degree swing of temps that begin when that tiny little sun goes over that great big mountain. That said, still nice. Try it. Bring your 3wt.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Woodstock wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

Wow, Telluride sounds great. Almost makes me almost want to cancel my annual fishing trip to the Rogue River in Detroit...

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Sayfu wrote 1 year 22 weeks ago

You guys and Deeter must be John Denver fans. This Telluride place sounds like a Walt Disney creation. Deeter has a couple of cold ones, puts on the head phones, and several 10" browns, and 'bows turn into a 30 fish day! I ran into a couple of long haired guys in the woods one time while hunting Ruffed Grouse. I asked them if they'd seen any grouse, and one of the guys says, "Hey dude, they're flying all over the place!" True story, but just kiddin, Tulluride sounds great! I went to the Univ. of Colorado one Summer in Bolder, and had a few Brewskies while I was there. I think the place was beautiful.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from maitedaguerre@h... wrote 1 year 21 weeks ago

It's the best place on earth!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment

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