Colorado Trout Hunters is excited to announce that we are now able to guide Troublesome Creek and Hidden Valley Lake through Bull Basin Outfitters. Dean and Susan Billington have managed this exclusive piece of private water which is one of the best fisheries in the state. Just a short drive from Kremmling, this gives us exclusive access to a river where you have it reserved just for your group, something that is becoming harder and harder to find as private water across the state is becoming shared with multiple other anglers everyday.
Here is how Dean describes the fishery, “The centerpiece of our private water is Troublesome Creek. The Troublesome is a tributary of the Colorado River, and begins high along the Continental Divide where it flows down into the River east of Kremmling, CO. At first glance the stream may appear on the small side, but it holds some big opportunities. Anglers who have fly fished this great stretch of the Troublesome consistently rank it is one of the best trout waters they have ever experienced. With nearly four miles of our intensely managed private fishing, it is easy to see why the Troublesome Creek is so popular among today’s most discriminating fly fishermen. The diversity is really what sets the stream apart from the rest, as anglers have the opportunity to test their skills in a number of different fishing situations, against a mix of the most formidable trout ever assembled. The stream has lots of different “looks” and a great mix of water, including deep pools and holes, long rifle stretches and undercut banks. The Troublesome is home to a great mix of both size and species of trout. A day on the stream provides you the opportunity at rainbows, browns, brookies, cutthroats and cuttbows. Most trout are in the 16-20″ range, but it is not uncommon for our anglers to land the fish of a lifetime here, some going over the 10 pound mark!”
Anglers who reserve the river, also get access to Hidden Valley Lake, the healthiest lake I have every had the privilege of fishing. “A lake situated in the high mountain desert, nestled among rolling hills covered in sagebrush, a small lake that hides hidden treasures. Spring fed,this pond has a very deep biomass, starting with chronomids in the spring, scuds, leeches, boatman, and other subsurface food abounds. When the summer comes the Callibaetis hatches are thick, and the Damselfly hatches will go on for almost a month. The clarity of water later in the summer can be fun, having a spotter on the hill directing your casts will give you an extra advantage. On windy days, the flying ants and numerous anthills provide some exciting terrestrial action. Rainbows are the main population, but numerous cutthroats, browns and brookies are caught every year. The bows can reach close to 28 inches, and will test your reel and fish fighting skills. Trophy brook trout in the 20 inch range are caught each year from this lake. Pronghorn Antelope, prairie falcons, and the occasional golden eagle will keep you company throughout the summer while fishing this great mountain lake.”
