Experience the Ultimate Morning Half Day Fly Fishing Trip in Colorado’s Pando Valley
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic physical fitness is sufficient; expect some standing and light walking along lake edges.
Overview
Discover Colorado’s Premier Private Trout Lake with Nova Guides’ Morning Half Day Fly Fishing Trip. Enjoy expert guidance, exclusive water, and the chance to catch the Colorado Grand Slam in a pristine mountain setting.
Morning Half Day Fly Fishing Trip
3 Hours • Gear, Tackle, and Rods Included • Fish Our Private Lake!
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of fly fishing in exclusive private waters with our expert guides. They provide all the necessary rods, tackle, and gear, ensuring a memorable adventure tailored just for you. Discover the serenity of nature while honing your skills in a pristine fishing environment.
Private waters are only available with our fly fishing guides. Our guides will supply the rods, tackle, and gear!
Duration
3 Hours
About
Enjoy a day at our Private Trout Lake nestled in the spectacular Pando Valley at Camp Hale just a short drive from Vail. Our lake has Rainbow trout of all sizes. If you are lucky, you can get the “Colorado Grand Slam” of 4 trout species: Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Cutthroat in the Camp Hale basin. Nova Guides lake is fed by Watson Creek and natural springs. We always have water to fish when area rivers are blown out, to warm or too high to fish. We require our guides to be used on our private water, and they will have all the gear you need.
Our lake is Catch & Release only. Fly Fishing only.
Dry flies, nymphing, and streamer fishing all produce fish from our waters. We require single pinched or barbless hooks, no bait is allowed, and all trout are catch and release. If the weather turns inclement or you get hungry, you may enjoy lunch and refreshments at McAllister’s Grill in our Lodge at Camp Hale.
Want to learn to play fish better? Interested in learning specialty casts like double haul or spey? Love to fish Drys? Our Private water is the perfect place to improve techniques in a relaxed, private environment that is loaded with trophy fish.
Nova Guides Professional Fly Fishing Guides are available to book for beginner or novice anglers. A guided tour includes all necessary equipment, fishing rods, flies, waders, and transportation. Guided guests have primary access to private water. We do not rent gear.
Adventure Tips
Bring Layered Clothing
Mountain weather can change quickly; dress in layers to stay comfortable during your trip.
Practice Barbless Hook Use
The lake requires barbless or single-pinched hooks to protect fish populations—be sure to bring or ask for compliant gear.
Arrive Early
Arriving early helps you get settled and maximize your fishing time during the 3-hour trip.
Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
Pack water and light snacks or enjoy food at McAllister’s Grill after fishing to keep energy levels high.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Bald eagles
History
Camp Hale was a WWII alpine training center, adding historical significance to the area’s outdoor experiences.
Conservation
Nova Guides enforces catch-and-release with barbless hooks to ensure sustainable fishing and protect native trout populations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Red Cliff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waders
Keeps you dry while standing in or near water, provided by guides but best to have a personal fit.
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare for better visibility of fish beneath the water surface.
Sun Protection (Hat and Sunscreen)
Protects skin and eyes from strong mountain sun during open-air fishing.
summer specific
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for sudden spring showers common in mountain valleys.
spring specific