Durango Hunting Trips | Fishing Trips and Horseback Trips

Emerald Lake 
Fishing Camp

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing in the Weminuche Wilderness

Emerald Lake Fishing Camp is a guided wilderness fishing camp operated by Colorado Wilderness Outfitters within the Weminuche Wilderness of Southwest Colorado.

This camp is accessed by horseback and designed for multi-day, private fishing trips on public land. The experience combines stillwater lake fishing, connected creek water, and a remote backcountry setting with limited pressure.

Overview

Overview of 
Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a high-country stillwater fishery

Emerald Lake is a high-country stillwater fishery located deep within designated wilderness. Access is limited, and fishing pressure is significantly lower than road-accessible waters.

The lake is connected to a small creek system, allowing anglers to fish both stillwater and moving water during the same trip. Fishing methods are dictated by conditions and typically include dry flies and streamers.

species

Fish Species & Fishing Opportunities

Emerald Lake and the 
connected creek support:

Cutthroat trout
Rainbow trout
Brook trout

Fish size varies

with average fish commonly in the mid-teen range and the potential for larger fish. The combination of lake and creek fishing creates opportunities for anglers interested in variety rather than a single water type.

Because of the setting, fishing often involves:

Careful positioning along limited shoreline access
Wading or fishing from natural openings
Adapting techniques based on wind and light conditions

The wilderness setting provides:

Minimal human presence

Quiet, undeveloped surroundings

A true backcountry fishing environment

location

Camp Location
& Wilderness Setting

Emerald Lake Fishing Camp operates entirely within the Weminuche Wilderness and is subject to federal wilderness regulations. There is no road access, and all travel into and out of camp is by horseback.

 

Horseback rides to camp are planned to balance access with guest comfort and are typically kept under extended, all-day ride lengths when possible.

camps

Camp Setup & Daily Life

The camp is an established wilderness camp designed for function and comfort within wilderness regulations.

Camp typically includes:

Daily schedules vary based on weather and fishing conditions but generally allow for flexible fishing time balanced with rest and time in camp.

food

Food & Meals

Meals at Emerald Lake Fishing Camp are chef-prepared and finished in camp by your guide. This approach allows for high-quality meals while maintaining small group sizes and efficient camp operations.

 

Meals are designed to support long days outdoors and are a consistent highlight of the trip for many guests.

Accessibility

Physical Effort & Accessibility

Emerald Lake Fishing Camp is accessible to a wide range of ability levels, though

Guests should be comfortable with:

No prior horseback riding experience is required. Horses and mules are selected and trained for mountain travel, and guides assist guests throughout the trip.

season

Seasons & Planning

Fishing at Emerald Lake is dictated by seasonal conditions, snowpack, and access windows within the Weminuche Wilderness. Timing varies year to year based on environmental conditions.

 

Colorado Wilderness Outfitters works directly with clients to determine appropriate timing based on trip goals and current conditions.

pricing

Pricing and Booking

Pricing for Emerald Lake Fishing Camp varies by trip length and season. Final pricing and availability are confirmed through direct conversation to ensure the trip is a good fit.

Contact

Start Planning an Emerald Lake Fishing Trip

If you’re considering a guided wilderness fishing trip at Emerald Lake and want to understand logistics, expectations, and timing, we encourage you to reach out.