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Fly Fishing

Colorado fly fishing trip with my brother.

By Adam Johnson

September 18^th, 2011

It is time for the 3rd annual (with one year skipped) Johnson Brothers tour of Colorado. Year #1 was focused on taking in some beer and bluegrass in Telluride. Year #2 was focused on fly fishing. Despite having an amazing time that year and seeing some beautiful sites, there were not a single fish in hand. This year the focus is on actually catching a fish…even if it is just one.

Fly Fishing

new belgium tour

What better way to start out the trip then a midweek tour of the New Belgium Brewery? New Belgium is the creator of the infamous Fat Tire Amber Ale. Brewery tours are booked up weeks in advance on the weekends, so we were fortunate to be able to go on a Thursday. My father and I did the tour 5 years ago. Since then the brewery and the tour have grown by leaps and bounds. The most welcome addition is the constant beer samples during the tour. If you like delicious, micro-brewed beer by one of the most sustainable companies around, treat yourself to this tour sometime. If nothing else, you’ve gotten a little exercise, free beer and a decent buzz.

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

On our last fishing trip, Scott and I didn’t catch a single fish. As I recall, there were stories of nibbles from fish that were likely of World Record size, but no fish in hand. This year, we beat that dismal performance on our first night. After dropping the trailer off at our campsite, we headed out to Glacier Creek and before I had even stepped foot in the river, Scott had already pulled in his fourth small Brook Trout. Within about a half hour, I had angled my first ever wild trout, a 14 pound once Brookie.

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

fishing rocky mtn national park

It is days like today that I pinch myself for living here in Colorado. Scott and I woke up to the sound of bugling Elk in the Moraine Valley adjacent to our campsite. Next thing we know, the Bull Elk and his harem and wondering through the campsite like they own the place. As long as they didn’t approach my Subway sandwich breakfast, no Elk were going to be harmed.

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

Moraine valley, RMNP

After several hours of fishing, we had caught nothing but some amazing scenery. So, we headed back to camp for some lunch. My buddy Bryan met us for the afternoon. We spent the afternoon hours walking the beautiful Moraine Valley, surrounded by Elk, but not so much by fish. I still contend that a day of catching no fish while looking out at Rocky Mountain National Park is about as good as any day I can hope for.

Fly Fishing

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Eldorado Canyon with steve

After several months of saying to my neighbor, “we should go fishing sometime”, I finally had the chance to fish with Steve Tremper. After a lifetime of being a tried and true Cowboy in New Mexico, Steve and his lovely wife Amy retired to Boulder. Steve’s approach to fishing is very Zen-like and his willingness to share his wisdom is a real treat.

We chose to fish close to home today in Eldorado Canyon. Upon entering the canyon, I was amazed that this place is only 15 minutes from my house and I don’t come here more often. Today would have been another day where the company and scenery would have more than made up for not catching any fish, but fortunately we didn’t have to go home with just that consolation. Each of us caught a few fish, but more than anything, it was great to share a sunny day on the river with two great guys.

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

A LEGENDARY DAY ON THE YAMPA

Today was one of those legendary days that I won’t soon forget. After driving into the night we arrived late at the Stagecoach Reservoir. A long day of fishing on Boulder Creek had exhausted us. We only had the time and energy to be blown away by the Steamboat night sky for a minute before grabbing some shuteye.

morning we awoke an incredible sunrise from our camp overlooking the Stagecoach Reservoir. Having heard the legend of this fishing spot, we were anxious to get over to the river as soon as we could. Upon approaching the water, it was clear that there were fish in there. We were able to spot giant rainbow trout from the bank. Just as the sun peaked over the mountains, the mayfly hatch went crazy. There were millions of mayflies dancing around our heads. Just about the time, the fish became hungry and Scott pulled in one of the most beautiful fish I’ve ever seen. The rest of the day was spent actively catching giant fish in one of the prettiest spots I’ve been to in Colorado. I’m not sure it gets any better.

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

After the fishing slowed down, we headed into town for some well deserved lunch. We found a great BBQ joint right across the street from the river where we enjoyed cold beer and hot BBQ under blue skies and bright sun. I guess it can get better….

Fly Fishing

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FINAL DAY ON THE RIVER

It has been an incredible trip this year to Steamboat. I never could have imagined that fishing around Steamboat could offer this much. Scott and I both agree that if we could fish the Stagecoach tailwaters every day, that wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

For our final day here, we woke up before the sun in order to get to the river early. When you have just one day left on the river, you want to be there as long as possible. Today we lost more fish than we brought in, but I’m also trying to keep in perspective the fact that fly fishing is something you spend a lifetime perfecting. I imagine my future holds alot more fish that will fight their way off my line.

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

For our final trick, we drove down the road to Sarvis Creek. While it didn’t produce anymore fish, I did get a great parting shot with my one working camera of Scott chatting with a local fisher woman and her very happy dog.

Fly Fishing

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Fly Fishing

© 2026 Adam Johnson

1990 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper

with 2001 Ford Focus Engine (Bostig Conversion)

June 28^th, 2024

Boulder, CO

Boulder, CO

January 5^th, 2017

Boulder, CO

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