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Fly Fishing – Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area

Trip

Fly Fishing – Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area

Let's be one of the first to fly fish at one of the newest State Wildlife Areas (SWA) in Colorado. Collard Ranch SWA is located just downstream of Cline Ranch State Wildlife Area (SWA). Collard Ranch SWA is a 1,860 acres and has 5 Miles of Tarryall Creek. Located near Como, Colorado. Fishing is only allowed May 1 through September 30.

Contacts

Kurt Sunderland
Kurt Sunderland
Primary Leader
  • Sat, May 16, 2026
  • Denver
  • Fly Fishing
  • Adults
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 100 ft
  • Pace: Patient

Just like Cline Ranch, Collard Ranch is small creek fishing. Casting on Tarryall Creek will have some challenges due to willows that grow on the banks. We will expect to catch Brook, Brown, and a few Rainbow trout. 

See recommended equipment list for fly recommendations. 

To be clear: There are no restrooms facilities at Collard Ranch, it's a very new SWA. So please practice leave no trace and bring your "comfort" kit for restroom and hygiene needs. 

I do plan the trip to last most of the day so bring snacks, lunch and plenty to drink. 

Carpool Meeting Location

Wadsworth & Hampden Park & Ride (3599 S Wadsworth Blvd., Denver, CO 80235)

Meet at 6:30 am. Depart by 6:45 am.

61 miles (122 roundtrip) IRS charitable mileage rate .14/mile. (122 miles * .14/mile = $17 per car)

Route/Place

Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Recommended Equipment:  

  • CMC 10 Essentials (Including whistle!)
  • Lunch, Snacks, Drinks
  • Colorado Fishing License
  • "Comfort Kit". No restroom facilities on site. Bring your potty and hygiene kit.
  • Fly Rod & Reel: 3 or 4 weight, 7-8 foot long fly rods with a floating line are ideal. 
  • Waders (Wading Staff recommended)
  • Recommended Flies (Sizes)
    • Midges (sizes 18–24)
      • Zebra Midge (black/red, black/silver)
      • RS2 (gray, olive)
      • Mercury Midge
      • Barr’s Emerger (black or gray)
    • Mayfly Nymphs (sizes 16–20)
      • Pheasant Tail (standard & flashback)
      • Juju Baetis
    • Split‑Case BWO
    • Frenchie (purple or pink hotspot)
      • Stonefly Nymphs (sizes 8-14)
        • Pat’s Rubber Legs (Coffee/Black)
      • Blue‑Winged Olive Duns (sizes 18–22)
        • Parachute BWO
        • Sparkle Dun BWO
      • Midge Adults (sizes 20–26)
        • Griffith’s Gnat
        • Parachute Black Midge
      • Early Caddis (late May, sizes 14–18)
        • Elk Hair Caddis (tan/olive)
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