Colorado Rocky Mountain Expedition

CO Rocky Mountain Expedition

Rocky Mountain National Park, The Colorado River, this is the perfect Colorado Fly Fishing experience

Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect setting for this Colorado fishing Expedition. The Continental Divide runs right through the middle of the park creating two unique fisheries. We will start out on the east side catching Colorado’s state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout. With some hiking, this is one of the best places in the state to catch these rare beauties. After a quick drive over the continental divide on the famous Trail Ridge Road, we head into the wilderness of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, chasing another native colorado trout, the Colorado River Cutthroat. This section of the trip will provide the possibility for 100 fish days as we hike along trout filled streams up to high alpine lakes loaded with large trout that rarely see a hook. We will top it all off with a full day float fishing trip on the Colorado River and a big banquet dinner. This is certainly the perfect rocky mountain fishing experience.

Upcoming Trips

Dates Cost Arrive/Depart Location
Jul 05 - Jul 21, 2024

$4,745

Denver, CO
Ages
Entering 9th Grade
Entering 10th Grade
Entering 11th Grade
Entering 12th Grade
Entering College Freshman
Community Service
10 Hours
What to Bring

We have put together a list of all that you will need for a successful and comfortable expedition. We offer a rental program for most of the big ticket items like fly rods, reels, sleeping bags, etc.. If you are already enrolled, you can rent gear by logging into your account at: https://lillard.campintouch.com/v2/login/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f and navigating to Forms & Documents —> Rental Options.

  • Catch and release the rare Greenback Cutthroat
  • Explore Rocky Mountain National Park 
  • Fish and raft the world famous Colorado River
  • Catch trophy-sized wild trout in in high alpine lakes

Day 1

Arrive in Denver, drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Day 2

Fly fishing instruction in RMNP.

Day 3-6

First backpacking/fly fishing trip into the wilderness of RMNP.

Day 7

Front-country fly fishing in RMNP.

Day 8-12

Second backpacking/fly fishing trip into the wilderness of RMNP.

Day 13

Front-country fly fishing on the Colorado River.

Day 14

Community Service along the Colorado River.

Day 15

Full day float fishing trip with local guides on the Colorado River.

Day 16

Pool and showers at the Silverthorne Rec Center before the final banquet at a local restaurant and one last campfire under the stars. 

Day 17

Depart from Denver.

Water

HOW, WHERE, AND WHEN DO PARTICIPANTS MEET THEIR GROUP?

The Colorado Rocky Mountain Expedition begins and ends at the Denver International Airport. Participants can fly to/from the airport on arrival/departure day or be dropped off/picked up by a parent/guardian. Please plan to arrive before 2 pm on arrival day. On the last day of the trip, flights that depart between 8 am and 3 pm are ideal. Unaccompanied minors will be met at their gate. Participants flying as an adults should follow signs to the baggage claim. Their LFFE trip leader will meet them there. On departure day, your trip leaders will help you get checked in and wait with the group until the last participant's flight leaves the ground.

Do I need to have fly fishing experience? 

Our Adventures are made up of students ranging in experience from total beginner to expert. Regardless of your skill level, your guides, along with a variety of water fished, will make you a more confident and independent angler. 

Do I need my own fishing equipment?

Students are responsible for their own fly rod, reel, line, and a few other personal fishing items. Please contact us for a full packing list. Don’t have your own gear? Not a problem. We have top-quality Orvis rods and reels available to rent.

What other equipment will I need?

We will send you a full packing list if you are interested in signing up for one of our Adventure Academies. Group gear, such as tents, stoves, etc., is all provided by LFFE. Personal gear such as sleeping bags and backpacks are all available to rent.

My 14 year old just returned from the Rocky Mountain Expedition and participated in the Yellowstone Adventure in 2019. He loves going on these trips. It's great to be around boys who love fishing as much as he does. He always comes back more confident and with great stories. Will Lillard, Charlie Parr and staff do an excellent job. Adventures of a lifetime!

Ready to Enroll?

Click "Enroll Now" or give us a call to get started. You can also send us an email at [email protected].

If you have any questions you can Request Information and we will contact you soon with answers.

Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions was started in 2010 as a graduate thesis for my Master's Degree in Environmental Conservation Education at NYU. The operating premise was simple - by coupling amazing wilderness fly fishing camps for teens with environmental education and service learning we can help inspire future generations of fly fishing conservationists. We have been growing our unique list of trips and experiences ever since.

When it comes to choosing a summer program for your teen the options are endless. For the teen who loves to fish, be outside, and has a strong sense of adventure we have made the choice easy. We are the leader in teen fly fishing adventures and are dedicated to providing the best backcountry fly fishing experience with opportunities for teens to engage in leadership training, community service, and backcountry camping.

Sincerely,

Will Lillard signature

Will Lillard, Founder/Director/Guide

Contact Us

[email protected]

Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions
2540 King Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

(828) 577-8204