SHEPARDSBEND ON THE COLORADO RIVER

The Colorado River:
Recognized by the Colorado Wildlife Commission as one of the select few "Gold Medal" fishing waters in the state, the Colorado River is one the most magnificent fishing rivers available and is one of Colorado's most outstanding freestone fisheries harboring large numbers of various trout species. Rainbows reach impressive sizes in the Colorado River and average 13-15' with many reaching 16-20+. The private one and a half miles of water known as Shepardsbend along the Colorado River provides a variety of technical challenges and is a favorite location for Anglers with any level of experience or those who are just learning the art of fly-fishing. The river contains broad sweeping riffles and deep pools providing some of the largest fish found anywhere in this watershed. The wading is easy, footing is good and rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout are the primary targets at Shepardsbend.

Fishing season begins with caddis and stoneflies in late May. Stonefly nymphs provide the nutrition the trout need to grow large by May. By June, Pale Morning Duns, Blue Wing Olives, Rusty Spinners, Green Drakes and more hatch.

The Colorado River has an abundance of hatches. Mayflies, caddis and stoneflies can all be found in excellent numbers and provide the diet and nutrition trout need to grow large, healthy and in great numbers. Multiple hatches often results in dry-fly action throughout the day. From late June to early July, adult salmon flies will emerge on the upper Colorado River. By August, terrestrials make for the kind of top-water action that many Anglers live for. Ants, beetles and hoppers easily find their way into the waters of the Colorado River. Tricos provide a challenge for those who like to catch big fish on tiny flies and provides a great deal of fun and excitement for experienced Anglers. In some years, the tricos hatch well into October providing excellent fishing well in the fall.

Shepardsbend: This exclusive spot on the Colorado River is so appealing it bares the owner's name. Andy Shepard spent many afternoons sight casting with dry flies to large bows lurking below undercut banks on his bend. Grasshopper patterns and droppers are a recipe for success.
Grady's Hole: Andy Shepard originally purchased the land Shepardsbend sits upon from a local rancher named Grady. The water widens at this original piece of land owned by Grady and is a point where the Colorado River's rocky bottom gives way to gravel and trouble-free wading. Technical dry fly fishing and sight casting to browns and bows bring success at this location.
VW Hole: The picturesque water is named from the aged car bodies that were placed long ago to stabilize the river's banks. Clouds of pale morning duns, blue-winged olives, and tricos fill the air creating ample opportunities for dry fly fishing. Increasing numbers of big browns lurk in this water and await the patient angler.


Operational Considerations:
Shepardsbend was once a part of the Elktrout Lodge which operated for 27 years up through 2008. The fishing holes on Shepardsbend have always been considered the best fishable water in the Elktrout operation. Throughout it's time; Elktrout Lodge was endorsed by Orvis Outfitters and was named "Orvis Lodge of the Year" in 1999. It operated from May through September every year and was considered among a select group of lodges that met the high standards of an Orvis endorsement.

Utilities and Real Estate Taxes:
Electric is provided by Mountain Parks Electric, phone service is provide by Qwest, natural gas is provided by Excel Energy, water is by well and the sewer is septic with a leach field. Real estate taxes for the property for 2009 were $1,040.


Shepardsbend is available for $1,850,000 inclusive of all real estate, improvements, water rights and mineral rights subject to prior reservations.