Private Ranch Waters

Solitude. The serenity of a mountain stream. To spend a morning exploring the pools and riffles of a river, communing with the natural world. It is time well spent.

Located in the heart of Colorado's beautiful Gunnison National Forest, the Smith Fork Ranch offers first rate flyfishing in a breathtaking mountain setting. With several trout ponds and nearly three miles of private water on the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River, the Ranch offers an exceptional and diverse watershed in which to enjoy the excitement of Rocky Mountain flyfishing. Wild brown, brookie, cutthroat and rainbow trout populate its waters. You can meet your private guide in the Fly Shop after breakfast, fish all morning, enjoy a streamside picnic, fish all afternoon and still not see another soul all day long without leaving the ranch property.

Try the relaxed and peacefull setting of one of our clear, still ponds, but beware of the 8-pound-plus rainbows and browns that lurk below the surface. The Smith Fork Ranch has five managed trout ponds available for fishing, some with casting platforms, each teeming with trout to test your flycasting technique.

No matter what your ability level is, our professional guides and friendly, knowledgeable staff will provide an unforgettable and relaxing fishing experience that caters to your individual needs. We are very proud of our flyfishing program and highly recommend fishing with our guides, for they will greatly enhance your experience through their intimate knowledge of the waters and fishing expertise.

We offer flyfishing instruction for all levels of experience - from introducing the basics to beginners to casting technnique clinics for the novice and expert alike. If you are interested in learning to tie flies, members of our flyfishing staff will be happy to assist you. We are an authorized dealer of Sage Flyrods, Ross Reels and Simms fishing equipment, and have plenty of top-of-the-line rods, waders and boots for our guests to use while fishing with Smith Fork Ranch. Our Fly Shop also has a full selection of the proper flies, leaders and other essential fishing tackle for sale.

“Wow!  This has been THE best vacation ever.  Total relaxation.  The horses, the fly fishing, wonderful, but the staff made it better than we could have imagined.” –Pat and Sue, Florida

Whether you enjoy stalking wild Colorado River Cutthroats in high mountain streams or hearing the line scream from your reel as you battle a trophy trout, Smith Fork Ranch will suit your needs.

All fishing on the ranch is flyfishing only and is catch and release with barbless hooks. State fishing licenses are required.

Click Below for more Fishing Information & Photos
Private Ranch Waters • Big River Fishing • Back Country Fishing • Seasonal Hatches