If there is one thing we love almost as much as fly fishing, it is beer! Especially, local craft beer after a long day of chasing trout. Over the years, we've driven the roads to our favorite rivers countless times and on these trips we've had the opportunity try a variety of beers from some incredible breweries across Colorado. Like fly fishing, we enjoy new experiences and sharing them with our friends. So in the spirit of knowledge sharing and for the love of beer, here are our favorite post fly fishing breweries.
South Platte Basin
Dream Stream: If you are coming from Denver, there are a couple of different routes you can take to the Dream. However, we prefer the scenic route via highway 285. On this route, you can hit Mad Jacks Brewery in Bailey, Colorado. The beer is great and it couldn't be more accessible.
Deckers/Cheesman: Due north of Deckers, on your way through Evergreen, Colorado, you will find Lariat Lodge Brewing. We are a little biased having grown up in Evergreen, but the beer and atmosphere is pretty hard to beat. They have a great selection of rotating beers, but our go-to is the Lariat Lodge IPA. The cooking is on point as well. We are particularly fond of the Jalapeno poppers "Fire Crackers".
Eleven Mile Canyon: While there are a number of great options through Woodland Park and Colorado Springs, our favorite is Bristol Brewing. You can't go wrong with their single hop IPA, but if you are feeling crazy, they have an awesome Mango Golden Sour or a Coffee Dunkelweizen that is sure to scratch that post fishing beer itch.
Colorado Basin
Upper Colorado & Williams Fork: Hideaway Park Brewing in Winter Park, Colorado, is right off Main Street and makes for an easy post fishing beer. Here you will find friendly locals and dedicated brewers.
Middle Colorado: Fishing the Middle Colorado can make for a long day as it is a bit of a hike to get there, particularly from Denver. As such, it is important to re-hydrate. Take the I-70 route home and stop by Vail Brewing for a Gore Creek IPA or if you're feeling funky, a Jam Session Sour! Not only is this one of our favorite post fly fishing breweries, but it makes for a great post skiing stop as well.
Blue River: Broken Compass in Breckenridge, Colorado, brews one our favorite post fishing beers. Their Coconut Porter is nothing short of spectacular and is best enjoyed on a snowy afternoon. It is so good that we often leave with a growler or two to be enjoyed another day.
Arkansas Basin
Upper Arkansas: Whether you're fishing in Buena Vista or Salida, you have plenty of options. Eddyline Brewing is a must if you are in Buena Vista and if you are further south towards Salida, you won't be disappointed with Elevation Brewing. Grab a pizza and a Crank Yanker or 14er Java Stout at Eddyline. At Elevation, it's all about their barrel aged beers.
Other
Clear Creek: If you are fishing Clear Creek in Idaho Springs don't forget to stop by West Bound and Down. Here you will find amazing beers and a variety of Colorado's famous Buffalo burgers.