Three Forks Ranch 

Rockies

Located north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Three Forks Ranch has set a new standard for anglers seeking the ultimate private water fly fishing experience. Flowing through the center of the ranch’s 200,000-acre property are 16 miles of the remarkable Little Snake River and its three prime tributaries. The beneficiary of the largest privately funded stream improvement project ever undertaken in the United States, the waters at Three Forks consistently produce high numbers of rainbows over 20 inches for anglers of all skill levels. Complementing the primary flows of the Little Snake are 30 attached oxbow ponds and lakes teeming with trophy rainbows, brook and brown trout, native Colorado River cutthroat trout, and the elusive tiger trout.

Each day anglers are driven to their allotted private beat by a skilled professional guide in a Polaris Ranger ATV to enjoy some of the West’s finest guided fly fishing. Streamside lunches are so spectacular that they need to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

Opulent accommodations are enhanced by five-star dining, fine wines, a complimentary bar, and the highest level of service. For those interested in more than superb Rocky Mountain fly fishing, this western sporting experience also offers hiking, guided horseback riding, a world class sporting clays course, ATV tours, and fall elk hunts. Stays of varying length are available.

Location:
Three Forks Ranch is located on the Wyoming / Colorado border north of Steamboat Springs.

Three Forks Ranch Fishing Program:
Situated in the high mountain aspens, Three Forks Ranch straddles the Wyoming - Colorado border. This 200,000 acre working cattle ranch is one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the West. Mountain streams and springs breathe life into the Little Snake River right inside the gate of the Colorado headquarters. The headwaters of this river are home to countless rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. This fishery has been the beneficiary of the largest privately funded river restoration project in the history of America. Once a drying giant, new life has been given to the Little Snake River. 16 miles of the river has been restored to what Mother Nature may have wished it 150 years ago and 30 oxbow lakes now dot the property, all connected to the river by reopened river channels and all home to wonderful, fighting trout.

Typical Week –The first day you and your guide will take off to a stretch of river or lakes and assess your fishing prowess. From there you and your guide will decide which waters you would like to fly fish. Whether it's catching “big boys” in the lakes or testing your 3-weight rod on the South Fork, Three Forks Ranch has plenty of water for the novice or the purist. Four-wheeler trips or horseback trips to the upper lakes are available if you choose. For those that would like a break from fly fishing, cattle drives are usually going on which you are welcome to participate in.

Non-Angling Activities:
Hiking, guided horseback riding, a world class sporting clays course, ATV tours, and fall elk hunts.

Three Forks Ranch Accommodations and Meals:
Opening for its first full season in 2008, the new Three Forks Lodge and Spa has set a new standard for rustic elegance and comfort in the West. Beamed cathedral ceilings, exquisitely hand carved European paneling, and majestic fireplaces define this architectural masterpiece. The lodge features 15 rooms, three eating areas, a spacious bar, and a full spa.

Breakfasts and dinners are served in one of several locations within the main lodge. On trips to the more distant fishing locations the kitchen staff will prepare a most impressive picnic lunch one site. Generally breakfast is between 7-8:00AM. Fishing times are later as we move into September. After a full day of fishing, you return to the lodge in time to relax before dinner, which is usually served around 6:30PM. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Denver airport. Rent a car and drive to Three Forks Ranch.
Days 2-4: Full days of guided fishing.
Day 5: Depart lodge.

Complete Trip Details