2 people fly fishing

Fly Fishing Trips and Guides in Colorado

Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing on private sections of the Colorado River as well as private waters on the C Lazy U Guest Ranch.

Due to the East Troublesome Fire that occurred in Oct. of 2020 the ranch anticipates there may be periodic impacts to Fly Fishing from time to time. This may occur on Willow Creek (on ranch) and sections of the Colorado River that are leased by C Lazy U for Guided Fishing (off ranch) following heavy rains. These weather events can cause flash flooding where silt and debris enter the water upstream impacting the fishing conditions. Please feel free to reach out to the ranch directly to get more information related to current conditions.

C Lazy U Ranch is an Orvis-Endorsed Lodge C Lazy U Ranch is the Best Dude Ranch for Fly Fishing according to DudeRanch.com

Fly Fishing at its best! Fishing opportunities are endless at our Colorado dude ranch. We encourage and welcome all skill levels at the C Lazy U dude ranch. This is easy, close, convenient, and enjoyable for all ages. For additional fly fishing opportunities, sign up for a guided river experience on or off the property.

For on-ranch guided fly fishing, we offer half- or full-day sessions on our private stretch of Willow Creek. Additionally, half- or full-day trips are available on private stretches of neighboring water, such as the Colorado and Fraser Rivers. Guests of C Lazy U have the opportunity to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout while wade fishing. For more information and current rates, please check out our fishing brochure (under the map link).

The C Lazy U Ranch has been recognized by The Orvis Company as part of its collection of top quality fly fishing lodges in North America.  We are one of only five endorsed lodges in the state of Colorado. What this means to our guests is that the C Lazy U Ranch meets and exceeds the expectations of quality as set forth by Orvis, both on and off the water. This is a coveted endorsement and one that we are very proud of. Our professional fishing guides know the local waters intimately and do their best to ensure a quality and memorable fly fishing experience.

Our ranch concierge will help with scheduling, details, and pricing. If you book an Intro to Fly Fishing class or a guided fishing trip, all necessary equipment is provided. This includes Orvis rods, reels, flies, waders, and boots. Please note, a fishing license is required to fish in the state of Colorado. Licenses are not included in our fly fishing rates and can be purchased ahead of time online or in our Outfitters Cabin. Our Colorado fishing resort will be able to assist you in all your fly fishing needs.

Meet Our Guides

Taylor Swift, Orvis fishing manager

Taylor Swift

Where are you from?
“Nashville, Tennessee. 

Where else have you lived?
“I have been living in Granby, CO since 2014.“

Favorite place to fish?
“My favorite places to fish are the slow moving meadow streams throughout the west.“

Favorite species to catch with a fly rod?
“Brown Trout“

Favorite Fly?
“Mouse Pattern.“

Other hobbies?
“When I’m not fishing I enjoy Hunting, Ice fishing, and Rafting. 


John Clark, expert fly fishing guide at C Lazy U Ranch

John Clark

Where are you from?
“Home to the original State Capital, the historical 1889 Land Run, and the only Sooner State… I was raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma.“

Where else have you lived?
“While attending university, I spent years in the Chicago Suburbs. Throughout my early 20’s, I lived a noteworthy time in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. However, I’ve never felt more at home here in the Rocky Mountains.“

Favorite place to fish?
“I enjoy spending the majority of my time fishing in the water, but I occasionally find extreme joy launching a double haul into the luscious grass courtyards of C Lazy U Ranch.“

Favorite species to catch with a fly rod?
“The Willow Creek Rainbow Trout. He is a durable, elusive, and a somewhat pretentious fish. 

Favorite Fly?
My favorite fly is a size 14 Blue Wing Olive. It is practical, versatile, and effective.“

Other hobbies?
I find my greatest enjoyment in hunting, traveling, writing, and teaching others.“


Colin MacDonald

Colin MacDonald

Where are you from?
“I am originally from Centennial, CO  and have lived here in Colorado my whole life.

Where else have you lived?
“I’ve spent time in Fort Collins and Vail but have called Winter Park home for that last 6 years.”

Favorite place to fish?
“My favorite places to fish are in the high alpine lakes of the Rocky Mountains.”

Favorite species to catch with a fly rod?
“The Cutthroat Trout”

Favorite Fly?
“My favorite fly is a big ‘ol Chubby Chernobyl”

Other hobbies?
“When I’m not fishing I enjoy mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.”


C Lazy U Ranch Fly fishing guide Dave Christman

Dave Christman (aka Super Dave)

Where are you from?
“I am from Berthoud, Colorado.”

Where else have you lived?
“I have lived in Virginia Beach, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii & California.”

Favorite place to fish?
“My fly rod is like my magic blanket and it takes me all over the world.”

Favorite species to catch with a fly rod?
“My favorite is trout.”

Favorite Fly?
“A pattern I tie, the Wiggle Nymph.” 

Other hobbies?
“I like hunting, whitewater rafting, dirt biking and ice fishing during the winter.”


C Lazy U Ranch Fly fishing guide Wayne Giska

Wayne Giska

Where are you from?
“I am from Kentucky.”

Where else have you lived?
“California, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.”

Favorite place to fish?
“Pere Marquette River in Michigan and the Elk Horn River.”

Favorite species to catch with a fly rod?
“Smallmouth, Steelhead, King Salmon.”

Favorite Fly?
“Hairs Ear Nymph”

Back to Top

Ranch Blog

Petey the donkey, a treasured C Lazy U Ranch worker, friend, icon, and unofficial mascot, passed away this December in Colorado after a long and beautiful life. This four-foot-tall (including ears), 350 pound bundle of fuzz and love had an incredible impact on every person he encountered during his remarkable 30 year life. Today, we…

Continue Reading

From the Horse's Mouth

The sommelier was excellent! She really knew her craft, and showed it every evening! She really went out of her way for our family!

~ Kevin & Sarah M., 11-14-2021

Read More Reviews

View All Awards