Trout Species in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area

The Flat Tops Wilderness is loaded with streams and lakes. Many of these waters are home to trout with a few notable species. In the average stream, the fish numbers are high with the average size being moderate but there are always surprises lurking in terms of size.

In the lakes, trout can reach larger sizes and there are trophies waiting in places that rarely see anglers. They can live for a long time and you can find some amazing fish with perfect colors.

Brook Trout

Native to the east coast, Brook Trout have been a staple in Colorado backcountry waters for a well over a century now. They have the unique ability to reproduce in lakes while other trout species require a stream presence to spawn.

Brook trout are common in streams and lakes. In fast moving streams, they are often very easy to catch on dry flies and are a ton of fun. They can exceed average sizes when beaver ponds are present in a stream as well.

Brookies are also prevalent in lakes where they reach a range of different sizes. The current Colorado state record was caught in a backcountry lake and it topped 8-pounds. While this isn't common, it demonstrates their ability to reach large sizes when the conditions are optimal.   

Cutthroat Trout

These native Colorado fish are beautiful and highly prized by anglers. A number of different sub-species are native to the state with the primaries being the Greenback, Rio Grande and Colorado River strains. The Colorado River strain is native to the Flat Tops and remains as the primary species in most waters.

At times, these fish have deep red coloration that really shows off their vibrant appeal. They feed aggressively in the backcountry and are often caught on dry flies in both the lakes and streams.

Other Trout Species in the Flat Tops

Historically, experimenting and introducing different species into wilderness areas was commonplace. Rainbow trout, golden trout, and lake trout were added to the list of Flat Tops species through stocking programs.

Today, those species have diminished values as they compete with native cutthroats and dilute the gene pool. More recent stocking efforts have prioritized the native species and those previously introduced species are more and more rare. Trappers Lake is home to one of the largest concentrations of native Colorado cutthroat trout anywhere and is a gem of a destination with trails branching off to a number of other sanctuary lakes and streams.

Here at Budge’s we regularly catch rainbow trout, as well as rainbow-cutthroat hybrids. We also have access to wilderness lakes that hold wild populations of lake trout. While not native to the area, these present some unique and fun opportunities for anglers.

What to Expect when Trout Fishing in the Flat Tops Wilderness

Cutthroat trout and brook trout will occupy the same waters, meaning anglers never know which will strike their flies and lures. The beaver ponds are often dominated by brook trout but some nice cutthroats will appear in these environments as well.

Walking a stream full of trout is a highlight for many backcountry trips. Stalking and sight fishing to trout in the lakes is also something you will not soon forget either. The beauty of the Flat Tops is the clean, cold water and remote locations. Hiking or riding on horseback is the only way to reach these places and traffic is limited.

To learn more, visit our Fly Fishing Page. If you have questions or would like help planning a trip, please call or text us anytime at 970-536-1341.