Laramie River
From Colorado into Wyoming
by K. Christopherson |
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Few rivers flow from Colorado into Wyoming,
from south to north. The Laramie is one such river,
uniquely divided from the Poudre and North Platte drainages by a
confusion of mountains in the northern part of Colorado. The
Laramie River has a few things worth traveling for - some great
scenery and some potentially large brown trout. This river may
seem a bit off the beaten path, but is well worth a visit.
The Laramie doesn't seem to get too crowded - maybe
it's the drive, or perhaps the variety of water close by. On the
right day, you might be frequented by a caddis or drake hatch.
Summer brings out the mosquitoes and hoppers. In the canyon
section you can try the bigger flies. Strip a streamer or a plop a
mouse near the bank and you might tempt one of the large browns
from its hiding place.
Spring, summer or fall are great times to fish this
area. The color contrast offered by the aspens, firs, pines,
rocks, and grasses is spectacular any time of year. Thinking of
winter? You might think again, or at least check ahead and be
prepared as road conditions, ice, cold, and snow might impede your
trip.
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Hohnholz State
Wildlife Area |
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Laramie River Valley in the Arapaho &
Roosevelt Nat'l Forests |
The Colorado portion of the Laramie lies in a
reasonably broad valley; some sections are fairly brushy. Once
in Wyoming, the river valley gets narrower and portions flow
through a narrow canyon (it is rumoured that this is where the
REALLY large browns hang out - let us know...)
Over the years, a few of the ranchers on the
Colorado side have allowed access to the river across their
private lands for a small fee - it might be worth checking into,
and asking any friendly locals you meet. (I happen to know a bit
about this, but am not going to advertise it here - I'll leave
you to do your own detective work!)
While you in the area of the Laramie, there are
lots of other places to fish. On the Wyoming side, you'll pass by
the Laramie Plains Lakes and the Snowy Range (full of lakes and
streams). On the Colorado side, there's the Poudre River, numerous
streams and lakes in North Park, the Rawah Wilderness, and on the north side of Rocky
Mountain National Park. Make sure you're organized and have licenses
for both states before making this trip. This is not an area
teeming in flyshops or sports stores. You'll need to get your
licenses ahead, either online or in the closest towns of Laramie,
Walden, Ft. Collins; Woods Landing does have a small store where
you can get a WY license.
Coming from the Colorado side:
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