By now, you’re probably familiar with all of the activities at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa. We’re about zip-lining, stand-up-paddle-boarding, disc golfing, horseback riding, and hiking and biking on our trails (which, by the way, make for fantastic Nordic ski trails in the wintertime). But did you know Devil’s Thumb Ranch is also the premier fly fishing outfitter in Grand County, Colorado? With wade-fishing trips, float trips, and fly-casting lessons; we offer everything you need for an unforgettable fly fishing adventure.
Our wade-fishing trips get you a chance to catch large rainbow and brown trout in several mountain streams and rivers. Private water options include Ranch Creek – a quaint headwaters creek that flows right through our ranch and holds surprisingly healthy populations of brown and brook trout. The Ranch’s private stretch of the Fraser River meanders through a high country meadow and boasts some of the biggest freestone fish in the state.
Public water options include several stretches of the mighty Colorado River. Our Parshall access includes a quaint piece of water with riffles and runs through gorgeous western ranch land. The stretch from Pumphouse to State Bridge is larger water through picturesque canyons. Speaking of Pumphouse to State Bridge, this stretch also makes for a fantastic float fishing trip. Our drift boats and rafts give you the chance to experience the “Upper C” up-close, floating over whitewater rapids and past sheer cliffs while catching large trout.
We can also take you fly fishing on the Williams Fork and Muddy Creek tailwaters. These gin-clear streams produce plus-sized trout in unique Colorado landscapes.
Fly-casting lessons are available at the Ranch as well. We begin by broadening your understanding of all the flies, equipment, tackle, terminology, and everything else in the world of fly fishing. We then take you out to our private stocked pond for personalized fly-casting lessons. Whether you’re a total beginner just trying to get your feet wet, or an advanced angler trying to perfect your cast; our lessons will take your fly fishing to the next level. Oh, and one other thing, that pond holds some BIG trout.
Our fly fishing trips and lessons can be outfitted for every group size and every schedule, with quarter-day, half-day, and full-day options. Book a half- or full-day trip with us, and we’ll even serve you up a stream-side picnic lunch.
All fishing trips and lessons include rods, reels, waders, and flies tied in-house by Devil’s Thumb Ranch guides. Speaking of tied in-house, we now have fly-tying lessons too. We’ll give you a breakdown of all the tools and materials involved in fly-tying, and even teach you to tie your own flies that really will catch you fish.
In addition to the best fly fishing trips and lessons, we also have the best fly fishing gear. Our fly shop in Zach’s Mercantile has all the latest and greatest equipment, including Sage and Redington fly rods, Rio fly lines, Fishpond packs and nets, and thousands and thousands of flies. As Grand County’s exclusive Sage fly rod retailer, we’d like to invite you to come on by to try casting these sweet rods.
So why is it so much fun to go fly fishing with Devil’s Thumb Ranch? Cuz we’re a bunch of certified trout bums! With over a century of combined experience in fly fishing Grand County, our guide staff knows these waters from surface to riverbed. We love to share our passion for the sport, and show you some good old Devil’s Thumb Ranch hospitality while we do it.
For more info or to book a trip, please contact the Activities Center at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa. Give us a call at 970-726-8231 or email activities@devilsthumbranch.com.
-Brad Johnson