Fishing

VAIL Currently

Piney Lake is a longtime Colorado favorite destination for lake fishing. Nestled at the base of the remote and rugged Gore Range and surrounded by the Eagle’s Nest wilderness, Piney Lake is the trout-laden gem of Eagle County.

Piney River Ranch knowledgeable and professional anglers can chase almost every species of trout found in Colorado (Brookies, Browns, Cutthroat, and Rainbow trout), in almost every way imaginable.

We are extremely excited to be bringing back our guided fishing program for the 2026 summer season.

Our guided services are listed below.

2-hour Guided trips:
1:1 – $250
2:1 – $300
3:1 – $350

4-hour Guided trips:
1:1 – $500
2:1 – $550
3:1 – $600

Why Fly Fish at Piney?

Fly fishing at Piney River Ranch offers a rare opportunity to fish lightly pressured alpine waters surrounded by the Gore Range. From glassy lake edges to winding freestone river runs, anglers experience Colorado fly fishing at its most scenic and rewarding.

Best Time to Fish

• Late June – Early July: Post-runoff, high water, nymphing

• Mid-summer (July–Aug): Peak dry fly fishing, hatches

• Late summer–early fall: Terrestrials (hoppers, beetles), clear water

What You’ll Catch

Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout

What a Guided Trip Looks Like

• Meet the guide at the ranch

• Gear overview/casting instruction

• Walk-and-wade river OR lake edge fishing

• Fly selection explanation

• Photo moments + catch & release

• Casting basics included

• All gear provided (on guided trips)

• Family-friendly

• Beginner-Friendly. Never fly fished before? No problem

What to Bring

FISHING LICENSE – must get prior to arriving at the ranch. Easiest way is to apply ONLINE

• Proper foot wear for walking and wading in river/lake

• Layers (mountain weather changes quickly)

• Hat, neck gaiter

• Sunscreen (high altitude exposure)

• Towel

What’s Included in Guided Trips

Rod, reel, flies, and guided instruction

Optional: Boxed lunch or upgraded private island lunch

Note: Conditions can shift quickly in this high-elevation environment, so layering and sun protection are key

We will be taking reservation in the next few weeks so please check back or reach out to info@pineyriverranch.com if you have any questions.

Please note: Fishing Licenses are required as this is a private lake. You will need to pick one up ONLINE ahead of time as we do not have Wi-Fi available at the ranch.

FAQ’s

– Yes. All anglers 16 years and older are required to have a Colorado Fishing License. We do not sell them at the ranch so they must be pre purchased ONLINE. Please be aware that the ranch does not have wi-fi so you must purchase before arriving at the ranch. Should you not have the appropriate paperwork your trip can be cancelled and payment for those without a license will not be refunded. No exceptions!

– No. Our guided trips are beginner friendly. No experience needed.

– Rod, Reel, flies, and guided instruction

– 2 hours or 4 hours – depends on which one you booked

-The only reason a trip will be cancelled is if there is thunder. A trip will not be cancelled due to rain as the fishing is typically better on overcast rainy days. The guide will make the final decision on whether a trip is cancelled. If a trip is cancelled due to weather then the customer is entitled to a full refund. If a trip is cut short due to weather then the customer will be entitled to a pro rated refund depending on the amount of their trip they were able to complete prior to the weather cancellation. The refund amount will be decided by the guide.