Post By: Inlandsharpie777 Posted: 12/3/2012 3:14:23 PMPoints: 255
I'm looking for a spot to get into a few whitefish, as I hear the fishing is alright for them in the winter, and they're pretty tasty too. I know the roaring fork has them, but is there anywhere a little closer to the front range that I could catch a few for the smoker? Thanks, appreciate it!
^ ^ ^ What he said. However, they aren't in great numbers, but they are there. Lowest I think I've heard of one is around the confluence with the North Fork of the Poudre. However, they are definitely found higher.
Thanks for the help, but it appears my best bet is at the Roaring Fork. Anyone got any suggestions, tactics, flies, locations? From what I understand, people are pretty loose with whitefish info, which is kind of a plus. I really don't see why, as they are pretty tasty and appear to fight pretty hard.
Reply by: tracks Posted: 12/4/2012 9:48:44 AM Points: 267
Hop in the water between Aspen and Basalt, use anything that will lure a trout, their mouths are small so no really big flies, When they're on they are a lot of fun and they can be big through there. My take from fishing there ten years ago, it's probably still similar to that.
Reply by: alanlf5280 Posted: 12/4/2012 11:03:57 AM Points: 448
Used to catch whitefish all the time in Montana. Never did like the taste of them and they have tons of bones. Thought I heard GGC has them but can not confirm for sure.
Reply by: Flyrodn Posted: 12/4/2012 11:16:50 AM Points: 184622
In my opinion the best whitefish river is the White River from below Meeker (all private below town, but it is possible to get permission on some of the properties), upstream to all the way to just below Trappers. The best populations are between Buford and Meeker. There is a fair amount of public access, but it isn't always well marked.
The problem is the long haul.
Don't overlook the Eagle River and Colorado River, especially in Glenwood Canyon and around Glenwood (lots of access).
If you don't have one, pick up the River access maps for the Roaring Fork and also one for the Colorado. [log in for link] They are available in Glenwood and Carbondale Fly shops also.
Colorado River through Glennwood Canyon at either Grizzly Creek or No Name Creek rest stops. Use a #16-18 BH Prince nymph with a flyrod or a fly & bubble rig on a spin rod. This would be my closest spot.
It is not any closer but I know the crystal river from redstone down to the fork has a ton of them in there. Or at least the last few time I was up there about two years ago.
