|
| |
Don't Forget the Fraser
by K. Christopherson
|
Click
Here to read
more "Fish
Tails" |
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 - wild rainbows, browns, and cutthroats. 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.
 Flowing towards the canyon from Tabernash |
 Fishing by Safeway in Fraser |
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 paved and 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.
 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.
To access this area, take Road 84 to the northeast from Hwy 40 (the turnoff is
south of Tabernash). Turn west after about 1/2 mile onto
Strawberry Road. Follow this for about 1.4 miles to a parking
area. Walk downhill to the Fraser and canyon. It will take
about 15 minutes to get to the river.
You can also fish at the Sol Vista Resort/Granby Ranch (Ski and Golf area) -
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 south of the town
of 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. |
Resources/Other Info:
How to get there?
 |
US Hwy 40 runs between Berthoud Pass and Granby, following the Fraser for much of the way.
|
Rules for the Fraser River
|
State regs on all of the river.
|
Where to stay?
There are numerous forest service campgrounds in the area. The towns of
Winter
Park, Fraser, and Granby host
many motels and condos. There are lots of other
activities
such as the alpine slide, hiking, and mountain biking.
|
|
