Imagine this. You wrap up your 9:00 a.m. meeting, hop in your car, and in less than an hour, you're stalking wild, neon-colored trout in one of the most awe-inspiring canyons you've ever encountered. You land several trout in the 18-inch range, pack up and you're back to your high-rise in time for that 3:00 p.m. appointment.

Two hours from Denver

Too good to be true? Think again. Despite Denver's booming economy and more than 3-million residents, several top-notch fly fishing rivers flow within two hours of the Mile High City.

Though most rivers in Colorado are icebound from November to at least March, there are several tailwater rivers that never freeze and provide excellent fly fishing year-round.

Denver's pro-outdoors mentality makes it an excellent base for fly-fishing enthusiasts. It seems like there's a fly shop or sporting goods store around every corner. Need an opinion on the best area stream, or the hottest insect hatch of the moment? Stop someone on the street. Chances are good they'll have an answer.

From the Denver metro area, anglers can head west, southwest, or northwest and choose from a variety of waters, from large tailwaters to tumbling creeks you can leap across. Remember, though, the closer you are to the city, the more company you're apt to encounter on the stream.

As on all rivers that receive considerable pressure, hiring a guide or doing as much research as possible before hitting the water is strongly recommended.

The waters discussed below are all prime fisheries within two hours of Denver, and offer hotels, cabins or campgrounds. And despite their proximity to the big city, you'll find both solitude and some of the finest angling in the Rocky Mountain region.