Hunting and Fishing in the Vail Valley
Hunting in the Vail Valley
This part of Colorado has huntable numbers of Elk, Mule Deer.
Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Big Horn Sheep, and Mountain Goat.
Bull Elk, Buck Mule Deer, Black Bear, and Mountain Lion Licenses,
for the General Rifle Season, are sold across the counter, for
most big game management areas. Colorado hunting licenses are
a relative bargain. A Non-Resident Deer license is $ 150.25 An
Elk license is $ 250.25 and a Bear license is 250.25. Twenty five
cents, added to the hunting and fishing license fees, goes into
a fund to help rescue lost,injured, or stranded hunters. Hikers
are also encouraged to buy a Hiking Certificate, for $ 1.00. These
fees are good insurance against, the thousands of dollars, that
a search and rescue operation costs.
Don't forget that if you were born after 1949 you need a Hunter
Safety Card to buy a license. If you are from another country,
you may be able to substitute a certificate of firearms training,
issued in you country, for a Hunter Safety Card. You will need
to check this out with the Colorado Department of Wildlife, before
you make your plans.
Generally Bull Elk and Buck Deer Licenses are sold across the
counter but, in some units they are issued through the Lottery
so check you regulations before planning you hunt. Sheep, Goat,
Cow Elk, and Doe Mule Deer are also issued through a lottery.
To obtain a lottery application call or write the Colorado Division of Wildlife at 6060 Broadway
Denver, CO. 80216 (303) 297-1192. Applications are available,
starting in early March.
Also available from the Colorado DOW are Brochures for Big Game, Small Game,
Water Foul, Turkey, Fishing, and the Annual Big Game Harvest Report.
The Vail Valley offers direct access to game management units
35, 36, 44, and 45.
Archery Seasons for Deer and Elk start in late August and run
until late September. Licenses are sold across the counter and
in most units are good for both sexes.
Muzzle loading Season starts the beginning of the third week of
September and runs for nine days. All licenses for Deer and Elk
are issued through the lottery.
The General Rifle Season is divided into three seasons, five ,
twelve and nine days in length, generally starting the third Saturday
in October and running through the first week of November.
Weather conditions cover a wide range with temperatures from the
sixties to below zero, and with snow possible. Elevations range
from 6,200 ft. to 14,000 ft. above sea level.
For many hunters a professional hunting outfitter is a wise
investment. Although it is not required under Colorado law, having
a guide can make you hunt safer, and the guides knowledge, may
make the difference between the success, or failure, of your hunt.
A local outfitter can even pick you up at the airport, supply
all that necessary equipment, and even cook your breakfast for
you!
If you need to sight in your rifle, there is a good shooting
range in Gypsum, exit # 140 I-70. It's easy to find. At the exit
just follow the frontage road, on the North side of the Interstate,
to the West for a quarter of a mile, until you come to the gate,
and you are there. The gate will usually be locked but, you are
welcome to walk around it to use the range. A key is available
at the Colorado Debt.. of Transportation in Eagle, one mile west
of the Eagle exit (# 147), on Hwy. 6, but you have to make the
extra stop and sign for the key.
Fishing in the Vail Valley
The cost of an out of state fishing license is $40.25 A one-day
license goes for $5.25 and a five day license 18.25$. Children
under 15 don't need a license. You can buy a license at the grocery
store at sporting goods stores or even at Walmart. You will want
to pick up a copy of Colorado Fishing Season Information &
Wildlife Property Directory for free when you get your license.
If you're just looking for a place to let your kids get their
lines wet Avon's Nottingham Lake would be perfect. Nottingham
Lake is located on the west end of Avon and is surrounded by a
huge park. The Lake is stocked by the DOW and even has some large 6-8 lb. Rainbows.
The park has a recreational bike/ roller blade/jogging path, volleyball
courts playgrounds and a large field where kites are often flown.
Abundant opportunities exist for novice and experienced fishermen
in the Vail Valley, Rainbow, brown, brook, and Cut-throat trout
provide exciting action. 
The Eagle River extends 40, miles and public access points may
be located by following Route 6 west from Vail and observing access
signs posted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Bureau
of Land Management.
Aquatic life forms which dominate local fisheries are Caddis (sizes
#20-10), Pale Morning Duns (sizes #20-16), Blue Wing Olives (sizes
#22-16), and Yellow and Black Stone-flies (sizes #14-18), and
a variety of Chronomid ( Midges are the common name, sizes #28-16).
All fish may be taken with dry-flies, a variety of Nymphing Techniques,
and speciality Streamer Patterns.
For the adventurous spirit, the White River National Forest offers
numerous high mountain lakes, and small creek fishing. Fun for
the entire family, perhaps combine a camping and fishing vacation.
Access may be difficult, so be sure to have a topographic map,
and trail-head information. All this may be obtained at The Holy
Cross Ranger District Ranger Station at exit #171, I-70, 3 miles
west of Vail .
From about the middle of May until about the first of July,
the heavy Spring Runoff makes fishing, in the mountain streams
and rivers, more difficult and less productive. While expert casting
techniques will meet with some success during the Runoff, I would
recommend fishing Tail-water Fisheries. Tail-water Fisheries are
stretches of water below dams. The dams that form Dillon, Rudi,
Stage Coach, and William's Fork Reservoirs, create excellent fishing
year-round. The stretch of The Frying Pan River below Rudi Reservoirs
is rated Gold Medal, and is home to some giant trout. These areas
are all located outside of the Vail Valley, but they are all within
a reasonable commute.
- Visit the Colorado Department of Wildlife
website at http://wildlife.state.co.us/
You won't be disappointed with this site. They have more
information that you imagine existed on hunting and fishing.
- Western Waters (970)328-0186 has guided novice and
veteran fishermen, along the banks of the Eagle and Colorado
Rivers, since 1985. They offer professionally guided fly-fishing
trips, that combine floating and wading, on public and private
waters. Transportation, a complete lunch, with hot and cold beverages
(snacks on half-day trips), hats, sunglasses, even a roll of
film, and the finest tackle are provided with no rental fee.
Their trips are customized to fit your schedule as well as periods
of greatest aquatic activity. For the best prices in The Valley
give Western Waters a call.
Western Waters urges you to please practice "Catch &
Release". Colorado Outfitter #793
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- Need a shower? Head to the The Avon Recreation Center in
Avon, The Lake County Recreation Complex in Leadville (468-6850
or 486-4226), or to the Yampa Hot Springs at Glenwood Springs.