3 Ways Ice Fishing Helps Fly Fishers Understand Trout Behavior

Colorado ice fishing, Blue Mesa, Taylor Reservoir, Gunnison, Crested Butte

As we head into the winter season, many anglers are finished fishing until spring. In the meantime, they resort to fly tying, saltwater destinations, and daydreaming about rising trout. But for some anglers, the focus shifts to ice fishing to keep the passion alive during the long winter. Here are a few ways that ice […]

New for 2023: Guided Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing Colorado, Blue Mesa, Taylor Reservoir, Gunnison, Crested Butte

Willowfly Anglers is now offering guided Ice Fishing trips on Blue Mesa and Taylor Reservoirs! Ice fishing is a great winter adventure for anglers of any skill level. Whether you are an experienced ice fisher or a complete novice, our professional guides can cater to your needs and show you an amazing experience on the […]

Fly Fishing Colorado’s Tailwaters

Many of Colorado’s most famous trout streams have one thing in common: they are all tailwaters. So, what is a tailwater? A tailwater is any section of river immediately downstream of a hydraulic structure, such as a dam. There are several reasons why tailwaters, such as on the Taylor River, make for great trout fisheries.  […]

Powder Days on the Taylor River

Champagne powder, no lift lines, and epic terrain. These are the reasons skiers and snowboarders come to Crested Butte each winter. For fly anglers, the snowy months are equally as enticing, due to quiet rivers, postcard scenery, and the very real opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime. Learn about our “secret season” of […]

It’s a Wonderful Life in Gunnison, Colorado

Small town life conjures up images from a Norman Rockwell painting – family, friends, community gathering in scenic little villages. Everyone knows each other. It’s safe and quaint. In Gunnison, Colorado, we’re lucky to be living this scene and no event exemplifies this better than “The Night of Lights.” In early December (or very late […]

Top 5 Flies for Taylor River Winter Fly Fishing

It’s ski season, but winter fly fishing in Colorado goes on all year long. On the Taylor River near Almont, Colorado, there will typically be frozen sections but there are pockets of open water here and there. During big snow years, snow shoes may be required to access the river in some areas. The well […]

Lake Skating in the Gunnison Country

So far, it’s shaping up to be one of those years when the snow is “late” to arrive in the Gunnison-Crested Butte area of Colorado. While the skiers and snowboarders are not happy about this delay, the ice skaters start whispering (and Facebook posting) about ice on the lakes. The trade-off for little or no […]

A Practical Guide to Becoming a Ski Bum

Year-round beach lovers and bikini-wearers, who live in places that do not require at least 3 layers of clothing in order to safely step out the front door, may question “why would anyone want to be a ski bum?” Equally curious are those who have pursued careers with regular paychecks allowing them to afford luxuries […]

Gunnison & Crested Butte, Colorado: A Living Snow Globe

The holiday season always has its own magic but in the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado, the phrase “Winter Wonderland” comes to mind. Blanketed with snow, Elk Avenue in Crested Butte takes on the appearance of a living snow globe. The ice rinks and ponds are filled with skaters. Town families gather around […]

Winter in Crested Butte: Snow Sports Paradise

Can you feel the chill in the air? Winter is coming and if you love snow sports and live in the Crested Butte area, you are getting pretty excited to see the white stuff! Winter in Crested Butte is magical. Crested Butte has been voted “The Last Great Ski Town,” meaning it is still authentic, […]

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