At a Glance
- Uncompahgre River: Gold Medal reaches
- Alpine Lakes: Dozens within 1 hr
- License: CO state required
- Guided Trips: Available locally
Fishing the Uncompahgre River
The Uncompahgre River runs through Ouray and offers fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout in clear, cold mountain water. The river is best in early summer and fall — summer flows can be high from snowmelt.
Guided fly fishing trips on the Uncompahgre and surrounding rivers are available through local outfitters. A half-day guided trip is the best way to learn the hatches and access the most productive sections.
Alpine Lake Fishing
The San Juan high country holds dozens of alpine lakes accessible by 4WD or hiking. Blue Lakes below Mt. Sneffels, Clear Lake near Engineer Pass, and Molas Lake south of Silverton are known for native cutthroat trout.
Most alpine lakes require at least a moderate hike or high-clearance vehicle to reach — the remoteness keeps fishing pressure low and the fish wild and responsive.
Fishing Base at The Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Condos is steps from Ouray Riverside Park, where a short stretch of the Uncompahgre is accessible for in-town fishing. The full kitchen means you can cook what you catch for a memorable trail-to-table dinner.
Book your fishing trip to Ouray at ouraycondos.com. Dogs are welcome — many anglers bring their trail dogs along for riverside fishing days.