While the Western Slope contains about one-third of Colorado’s land, it holds about 70% of the state’s water—so it’s only natural that fly fishing in this region is some of the best in the world. Only a few regions exist with as much access to public waters, and even fewer that hold trout species in such size and abundance. Montrose, in particular, is situated on the banks of the Uncompahgre River with countless miles of other gold medal water just a short, scenic ride away. You might come to the region as an established trout bum, or you might come unable to tell the difference between a fly rod and a spinning reel, but, either way, you are sure to leave in awe of the area’s rugged views with a smile glued to your face.
We spoke with Montrose Anglers, the city’s locally owned and operated fly shop and adventure outfitter, to learn more about why their business thrives in Montrose and to hopefully pick up a few tips and tricks to use when we are on the water ourselves.
Locals have known of a fly fishing shop at 309 Main Street for nearly three decades, but, in 2017, current owner Nolan Egbert purchased the shop and gave it the “Montrose Anglers” moniker. Together with his wife and son, Nolan has created a premier hub for fly fishing enthusiasts. The family operates a full-scale fly shop with all the flies, reels, and apparel you could ever need to be successful in your angling ambitions. Rumor has it, the local trout even prefer feeding when they see a Montrose Angler t-shirt casting to their deep hiding-hole (but that’s just a rumor…).
Montrose Anglers offers professionally guided trips, off-site lodging, and educational sessions with fly-tying demo days. Odds are, if you wander through their front door unannounced, you will be greeted with a smiling face, enthusiasm, and local fly fishing expertise. Caleb Egbert, Nolan’s son, is very active in the business and will most likely be there to give you all the details. Don’t be afraid to stop in full of questions!
The shop is pretty, but without beautiful water and fish, it would not exist. The top rivers serviced for guided trips are the Uncompahgre, the Gunnison, and the Cimarron River, with the Uncompahgre (locals know it as “the Unc”) being the Montrose special, running directly through town and even sharing a border with Basecamp. The shop’s primary goal for their guided trips is to provide clients with whatever they need, regardless of their skill level. Whether you’re learning from scratch, need help tying on your flies, or are a seasoned angler just wanting to catch fish, the guides at Montrose Anglers have you covered. Nolan believes that the magic of fishing in Montrose is that it’s available year-round, unlike other mountain towns that sit at higher elevations where the winter season creates ice over many fishing access points. Regardless, the best (but busiest) fishing times are between May and October, as anglers arrive to hunt for trophy rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
The Uncompahgre River is famous for its tailwaters (term for year-round fishable water below a dam) below the Ridgway Reservoir in an area called “Pa-Co-Chu-Puk,” or “Paco” for short. This is public water with easy access. The tailwater creates a climate-controlled, food-filled habitat for trout to reach mythical proportions, and Nolan says the record for Paco is a 28” long rainbow trout! As the Unc winds its way downriver, the fish grow to be less sizeable across the mean, but hog-sized species can still be found if you search carefully. The shop claims that a 24” brown trout has been caught in town limits (!). If you wish to get a bit further off the beaten path, Montrose Anglers specializes in guiding the remote Cimarron River, where one might not see another soul all day.
You will need a permit to fish the Gunnison River, home to big water, small water, Blue Mesa Reservoir fishing, tailwaters, and the legendary Black Canyon of the Gunnison—but Nolan and his team of guides are experts on those waters. They work with permitted outfitters on the Gunnison and can steer you in the right direction. These waters are truly a fly fisher’s paradise, and a mecca for those who chase trout in their spare time.
At the end of the day, a celebratory cocktail is ready to be mixed and enjoyed at Storm King Distillery, just down the block from the fishing shop. Make sure to show your gratitude to the guides by tossing not just a cash tip, but maybe some liquid libations as a “thank you” for a wonderful day! It’s life on mountain time, enjoying the natural beauty and relaxation that the Western Slope specializes in. The fish are just a bonus.
Immerse yourself in everything that Montrose has to offer—make it your home! Basecamp Apartments are set right next to the Uncompaghre River, with 1- and 2-bedroom units, gear closets, and modern finishes. Click here to get more information or join the waitlist below!