06/25/22 Fraser River near Fraser, Colorado

      Trip Captin: Greg Frick

      Phone Number: 303-523-1676

     Email: Frickusa1@gmail.com

   We meet about 7am at Dino Lots and scatter out to fish from there. 

The Fraser River Valley - many people drive through this part of the state, on their way to go skiing, visit Rocky Mountain National Park, or fish the Colorado River. Some are overlooking a great fishing spot in this beautiful valley. The Fraser River, the first main tributary of the Colorado River, offers small to medium-sized stream fishing in a variety of settings.

This is one of those parts of the state where you can ski and fish. But winter can be a cold season. Fraser used to be called "the nation's icebox" - subzero temps are not uncommon in winter as the cold settles in the valley. The Fraser is often overlooked as anglers opt to fish in the Colorado, bigger is better? Well, not necessarily. The Fraser holds some big fish - rainbows, browns, and brookies. For a change of pace, try this river for some smaller stream fishing. If you get bored, you can always drive a few miles further and fish the Colorado or other area creeks

The Fraser River starts near Berthoud Pass. As it runs north for its first 8 miles, it is on National Forest land and is publicly accessible. The river is narrow and shallow here, but worthy of fishing.

From Winter Park to Fraser, the river can be accessed by the Fraser River Trail (hiking or mountain bikes), from USFS campgrounds, or road turnouts. The only exception is as the river flows through private land in the town of Winter Park. You can fish in the forested lands, or where the river starts into the valley, even right behind the Safeway in Fraser! Between Winter Park and Fraser, the trail and river go through the Cozens' Ranch Open Space. Here the river is accessible. Kids can fish at the Lion's Club ponds at the north end of the open space.

The Fraser River Trail is well marked. As you fish, your audience may include bikers, roller-bladers, hikers, or dogs. It would be fun to bike the trail, with fishing gear in tow, and sample more spots in a day than one could do by just hiking. Pick up a copy of the Fraser River trail map when in the area (at one of the visitor centers).

Easy wading in lush forest land

Access to the Fraser River is limited downstream from the town of Fraser. Some of the best fishing is in the canyon downstream from Tabernash. HOWEVER, the railroad and private land owners have become much more guarded by their right of way along this section. It is difficult at best to figure out how to access the few miles of public land (BLM and Forest Service), and it does involve quite a bit of hiking.

There is access at Kaibab Park in Granby, located on the north side of the Fraser off Hwy 40. There is a kids' fishing pond on the property

You can also fish at the Granby Ranch (Ski and Golf area) - off Hwy 40 just south of Granby. They have several beats for fishing. Guests at the resort are allowed to fish on the property. You can fish the Fraser there for a rod fee, payable at the Headwaters Golf Course pro shop. There are guide services in the area that also have access to the river on the resort property. And the Rocky Mountain Angling Club has access between Fraser and Tabernash. (See www.rmangling.com)

Without telling you where this is, the trout motel holds some HUGE fish. We caught 20" and 18" rainbows, a 14" cutthroat and numerous small browns within a period of 20 minutes. If you find this spot, please practice catch and release. These are beautiful wild fish who deserve to stay at this "motel" for a long time.