Grand County has more fishable water than any other county in Colorado.

Rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat can be found in all kinds of waters. Part of the joy of fishing, we all must admit, is simply being in the outdoors. If you've never fished before, now is the time to take a lesson and learn how to wet a line. If you want the best fishing holes, hook up (pun intended) with a fishing guide who has Grand County fishing experience to help you catch those elusive, wild, mountain trout.

For guided fishing, drift boat or river raft fishing, professional instruction, private water access and a fully stocked store of supplies and fishing tales, stop by Grand County Fishing Company in the Fraser Valley Shopping Center. (970) 726-5231, www.grandflyfishing.com.

Favorite Fishing Holes

The Fraser River, which begins on Berthoud Pass and flows north through Winter Park, Fraser, and Tabernash, is popular for fly-fishing. The river parallels US Hwy 40. The Colorado River is joined by the Fraser River west of Granby. This stretch of river from Granby downstream to Troublesome Creek, five miles from Kremmling, contains some of the best trout fishing in the state. This area is designated Gold Medal fishing, which means use artificial flies and lures only. All trout must be returned to the water immediately. There are many good spots for fishing all along this river.

Famous for mackinaws, rainbows, browns, and kokanee, Lake Granby offers all kinds of fishing opportunities and access. Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake are connected by a boat channel and have the same varieties of fish as Lake Granby. (Maximum depth: Grand Lake 226ft, Lake Granby 221ft, Shadow Mountain 24ft)

Willow Creek and Willow Creek Reservoir, located west of Granby, are both good fishing areas for trout.

Wolford Reservoir located near Kremmling on US Hwy 40 has a plentiful stock of rainbow trout. Both reservoirs have boat ramps, campgrounds, and picnic areas.

Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park are not stocked and only about 50 of the 147 lakes have fish.

The Lions Club Fishing Ponds in Fraser off US Hwy 40 offer a convenient and enjoyable fishing experience for the entire family. The upper pond is just for kids and disabled anglers.

Anglers can buy licenses at www.wildlife.state.co.us or by calling 800-244-5613. Credit cards are accepted. Marinas and many local shops also sell licenses.

License Fees (Add $5 for Habitat Stamp)

• Residents: Annual Fishing (16 and older) $26, Senior Annual Fishing (Colorado residents 64 years and older) $1
• Nonresidents: Annual Fishing $56, Five-day Fishing License $21
• Residents and Nonresidents: One-day Fishing License $9, Second-rod Stamp $5

License costs include a 25-cent charge for the Search and Rescue Fund and 75 cents for the Wildlife Management Fund.