10-Day Fly Fishing Road Trip: Colorado to Montana

10-Day Fly Fishing Road Trip: Colorado to Montana

Day 1: Arrive in Denver, CO – Drive to South Platte River (Deckers)

  • Target Fish: Brown & Rainbow Trout

  • Stay: Rustic cabin or lodge near Deckers

  • Evening: Fish the “Dream Stream” section or Cheesman Canyon

  • Tip: Use size 20–24 midges or baetis; bring your 5wt


Day 2: South Platte to Arkansas River (Buena Vista)

  • Drive: 2.5 hours

  • Fish: Arkansas River Gold Medal Waters

  • Lunch: The Lariat in Buena Vista

  • Stay: Creekside Airbnb in Salida

  • Bonus: Evening float or dry-dropper setup for caddis hatches


Day 3: Arkansas River to Taylor River (Almont)

  • Drive: 2.5 hours

  • Fish: Tailwaters below Taylor Dam (huge trout, technical fishing)

  • Stay: Three Rivers Resort

  • Dinner: Slow Groovin’ BBQ in Marble (worth the side trip)


Day 4: Taylor River to Gunnison River

  • Fish: Drift or wade the Gunnison Gorge (book in advance!)

  • Gear Tip: Bring a 6wt for streamer fishing

  • Stay: Montrose area or camp riverside

  • Evening: Campfire & fish tales


Day 5: Drive to Flaming Gorge, UT/WY (Green River)

  • Drive: 5–6 hours

  • Fish: Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam (A section)

  • Stay: Red Canyon Lodge or camp

  • Bonus: Rent a drift boat or hire a guide


Day 6: Full Day on the Green River

  • Technique: Nymph in the morning, dry/dropper in the afternoon

  • Fish: Rainbow & Brown Trout, crystal-clear water

  • Adventure: Hike the canyon or float A to B section

  • Evening: Stargazing—this is dark sky country!


Day 7: Drive to Island Park, Idaho (Henry’s Fork)

  • Drive: 5.5 hours

  • Stop: Quick fish at Snake River in Jackson Hole (optional)

  • Stay: TroutHunter Lodge or camp by the river

  • Evening: Cast to rising trout at Last Chance


Day 8: Henry’s Fork to Madison River, MT

  • Drive: 1.5 hours

  • Fish: Madison River near Ennis (wade or float)

  • Lunch: Picnick at 3 Dollar Bridge

  • Stay: Lodge or riverside cabin in Ennis

  • Fly Tip: Caddis, hoppers, stoneflies in summer


Day 9: Madison to Yellowstone National Park

  • Drive: 2 hours

  • Fish: Firehole, Gibbon, or Lamar Rivers

  • Bonus: Wildlife watching, hot springs soak

  • Stay: Yellowstone lodge or camp

  • Evening: Fish evening hatch on the Firehole


Day 10: Yellowstone to Bozeman

  • Drive: 2 hours

  • Final Fish: Gallatin River near Big Sky or East Gallatin

  • Stay: Bozeman (great breweries + fishing shops)

  • Wrap-Up: Gear clean-up, fish tally, celebration dinner


🧳 Essentials to Pack:

  • 4wt–6wt rods (depending on river)

  • Waders, boots, net, sunscreen, bug spray

  • Montana/Colorado/Utah/Wyoming fishing licenses

  • Bear spray (especially Yellowstone)

  • First aid, headlamp, backup fly boxes

  • Dry bags, rain jacket, and extra leaders/tippet