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The Magic of Sylvan Dale Waters
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A "super-size"
Big
Thompson River Rainbow
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Four Trophy Trout Lakes in the Big Valley are home
to rainbows, Donaldson steelhead, and browns. Trout
range from 15 to 30 inches (up to 12 pounds). Open
to catch-and-release fly fishing only.
Four Bass Lakes in the Big Valley contain panfish and
largemouth bass up to 7 pounds. Open to fly fishing
and spin casting with single hooks.
The Big Thompson River flows through the heart of the
ranch. Two miles of private water with rainbows and
browns averaging 13 inches, some up to 25 inches. Catch-and-release
fly fishing only. Colorado state fishing license required.
Four Main Ranch Ponds are stocked with rainbow
trout in the 11 to 19-inch range. Catch-and-keep
fishing during supervised hours; otherwise, catch-and-release
fishing by qualified anglers.
For a more detailed description of our ranch waters,
click
here.
Fishing Opportunities...
For
Summer Dude Ranch Guests. Enjoy free fly fishing
access to the river and main ranch ponds. Instruction
and guided trips to our trophy trout lakes also available.
Kids and adults enjoy supervised pond spin-cast/bait fishing
during the week.
For
Group Events. Both fly fishing and pond bait fishing
are available. We’ll clean and package your trout
for easy take home. Overnight retreat guests may fly
fish our main ranch waters at no charge.
For
Bed & Breakfast Guests. The Big Thompson River
and Main Ranch ponds are available for a daily access
fee. Lessons and guided trips to our trophy trout lakes
can also be arranged. Catch-and-keep available on a
pay-per-fish basis.
For
Day Visitors. Day visitors may fish ranch waters
only when accompanied by a ranch-approved guide. List available at Front Desk.
Special
Events. We host fishing clubs, local fly shops
providing casting clinics and fishing classes, and
occasional fishing specials for day visitors.
More Information...
Rates. Fishing fees are based on the type of fishing
(fly fishing or “catch-and-keep”), the
hours reserved, the number of people, and the waters
used.
Senior Ranch Guides. Contact info and photos of our four main guides. Full list of ranch-approved guides is available from ranch office.
Equipment
and supplies. We rent waders, float tubes,
and rods. The ranch gift shop offers a variety of flies
and other supplies.
Photos. See pictures of big trout and happy anglers.
Fishing
Tips. Read our pointers on flies, gear, and
techniques.
Seasons
and Conditions. Find out what works at different
times of the year.
Fish
Stories. Read what others say about their Sylvan
Dale Fishing Experience.
We are proud to support Trout Unlimited
What they say…
Scott Roederer, writing for the Angling
Report, rates the lake fishing in
the Big Valley as “extraordinary.” “In
one day,” he states, “I caught
the two biggest brown trout of my life, hooked
what surely would have been my biggest rainbow
and enjoyed some of the best river fishing
the area has to offer.”
Author John Gierach regularly fishes the Big
Valley Lakes, the site for his video on Stillwater
fishing.
Mike and Christine Fong featured Sylvan Dale
in one of their Inside Angler publications,
and listed the Ranch as a destination for hexagenia
hatches in Fly Fisherman Magazine.
Authors Mel Krieger and Barry Reynolds use the Ranch for fly
fishing classes.
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Check
out our story in the HDP newsletter. Just click here.
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