We hope you are looking forward to a New Year, filled with memorable fly fishing adventures! From right here in Colorado, to the other side of the globe, our crew is making big plans for 2024. Whether it’s a new destination, a new species, or learning new techniques, check out these ideas for inspiration, and let us know how we can help!
What are your fly fishing goals for the New Year?
Rachel:
Rachel says her 2024 goal is to spend more time going after saltwater species!
“It's been a few years since I've been out to fish in the saltwater,” Rachel said. “I would love to have more shots at permit and tarpon, and maybe even redfish this year. I’m hoping to go somewhere far away and warm!”
Daryl:
“My 2024 fishing goal is all about access,” he told us. “Getting off the bank and on the water or on the flat is my number one fishing goal. A solo, hand-launch vessel like an SUP, Kayak, or pontoon can provide quite a bit of access in all kinds of ways.”
Daryl says that with access comes big rewards...and fewer crowds!
Blake:
“I have a few fun trips planned this year, to Chile, the Green River, and Texas, and my goal for each of them is to look around a bit more, as opposed to being laser focused on the next cast,” Blake told us. There are incredible sights and sounds out there on the water, I want to take it all in.”
Delaney:
“My goal for 2024 is to spend more time backpacking to alpine lakes this summer,” Delaney said. The Never Summer range is high on his list.
Delaney is also excited to have just had his first streamer picked up from Umpqua Feather Merchants. He hopes to continue developing more new fly patterns through 2024.
Ben K.:
“In 2023 I landed a few new and unique fish species on my fly rod,” Ben noted. “Those included creek chub, peamouth shiner, and red shiner. All measured in millimeters, and all caught in their native ranges.”
Ben says that 2024 will be the year of species diversity. His top four species would be freshwater drum, wiper, lake trout, and to add black drum to his red from from 2023!
Johnnie:
Johnnie’s two big goals for 2024 are to float a new river and to do some high mountain exploring.
“The Payette River in Idaho is on the list,” he said. “And maybe even the Middle fork of the Salmon, if we get a permit.”
Jeff:
“My goal is to fish in more of a minimalist style this year,” Jeff commented. “I hope to fish smaller and harder-to-access water, and somewhat step away from larger tailwaters and lakes. Ditch the dropper and roll with more single dry fly rigs. And continue to out-fish Delaney, of course.”
Brandon:
“I want to dive deeper in the streamer game this year and to catch a big colored up fall brown trout,” Brandon told us. “I would also like to do another saltwater destination trip to target bonefish and permit.”
Ben:
“Ben told us he cannot wait for float season again. He wants to float at least one new river with his raft this summer, and plan a few longer float camp trips as well.” Ben then added with a smile, “he also is looking forward to teaching a few of his fishing buddies to row, so he can spend a bit more time fishing off the front of his boat!”
Jimmy:
“Honestly, it is all about my long awaited trip to Mongolia,” he said. “I hope to survive this crazy adventure to the other side of the world. Ultimately, I would like to catch a Taimen on top water, specifically on a rat pattern. However, I’ll take a taimen however I can get it.”
Larkin:
"My main fishing goal for 2024 is exploring new water,” Larkin said. “I'd like to visit a few new wilderness areas this summer and hit a couple new rivers in the spring and fall. Plus, I have a few high-country lakes I scouted last year that deserve a second look."
Drew:
“My main goal this year is to float as many new rivers and river sections as possible.” I think we can agree Drew loves his time behind the oars. He also added that he hopes to plan a few trips to get his daughter out on the river and camping with he and his family.
Let Us Know How We Can Help
As you look forward to your fly fishing goals in 2024, please let us know how we can help. Whether it’s questions about travel destinations, finding the right gear or learning a new technique, we’d be thrilled to be a part of the journey. Stop by the fly shop and boathouse. Or give us a call at 303-794-1104.
