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Chasin Pigs
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Not far from Colorado’s renowned Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers, and even closer to the famed Gunnison River, is a more hidden place of hog heaven. Near the small town of Paonia, Colorado is the Bar-ZX Ranch.
Situated on Dean Lampton’s ranch of trophies is a gorgeous mountain back-drop that looks down on 24 high mountain lakes that hold trout that are measured in pounds before inches. With species ranging from Snake River cutthroat to Tasmanian rainbows (and about everything in between), the ranch is a place where being picky is not a problem. Just want brookies? Hit a brookie lake! Want to fish around structure with big streamers for rainbows? Go at it! Sight fishing for trout in the double digits, tossing a dry at the biggest trout you’ve ever seen, stripping a mouse pattern on the surface in the evening, and taking on knuckle-busting fights are just a handful of the additional things you might encounter at the Bar-ZX Ranch.
The property is open to guided-only trips beginning some time around Memorial Day and typically ending in October. With only six anglers allowed on the property in a day, and so much accessible water, it is very common to go a full day without encountering another angler, providing the solitude that the warmer months often limit on other waters.
Accessing the ranch requires no more than a hired guide for the day and a rod fee to go to the property itself. If one opts to not use an outfitter for the trip, the ranch provides guides at their fees, in addition to an available lodge to stay in if so desired. And finally, if the fall brings buck fever, or bull fever, the ranch also hosts hunts for trophy big game. For the best chance to nail into the trophy of your life, there is no place better the Bar-ZX Ranch.
Tim Harden
The Hatch Fly Shop
Pine Junction, Colorado
HardenMtn@yahoo.com |
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