Tarryall Creek Ranch
On Tarryall Creek
Three miles of Tarryall Creek
Tarryall Creek Ranch Near Como
Check out our reservation calendar to establish the availability of this property or to make a reservation. Current conditions are posted as often as possible, including hatches and fishing reports.
Map:
View property map of Tarryall Creek Ranch Near Como.
Photos:
View the photo gallery for this property
Statistics:
This lease encompasses three miles of Tarryall Creek at an elevation of 9,700 feet. The lease is split into two halves by Highway 285. The east half (1.3 miles) is open meadow fishing; the west half (1.7 miles) is easy fishing for the first 0.3 mile but gets more brushy the farther you go upstream.
Stream flows range from 10 to 80 cfs and average 20 cfs during the summer months. Because of the length of stream (3 miles), this property is best suited for 2-4 anglers. This stream is a wild brown trout fishery and has never been stocked.
Fees:
$60.00 per angler; maximum of 4 anglers per day. The 60.00 fee entitles anglers to fish the entire easement. This easement cannot be broken into separate reservations or fees. Unless you book all four slots, you may be sharing this lease with other anglers on the same day. No refunds once payments are made.
Check-in Procedure:
ALL anglers must obtain a daily parking pass and sign a release form at the Como Depot (Hotel) before proceeding to the Tarryall Creek Ranch!
The Como Depot is located on 6th Street in downtown Como. From Denver, take US Highway 285 southwest for 75 miles and turn right on County Road 33 at the Como sign. The Depot is about five blocks north of the highway.
Description:
This 4,500-acre cattle ranch is much higher in elevation than our other Tarryall fishing leases. Consequently, the creek is much smaller here than downstream. Owned by the same family for 80 years, the stream has seen very few anglers. US Highway 285 bisects the ranch so we have designated two different parking areas (east and west of the highway).
A 2009 fish survey conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife revealed that this property supports nearly 2,000 brown trout per mile of stream (not including beaver ponds). The average fish is about 10 inches in length, with many browns in the 12-15 inch range. Angler reports from 2008 and 2009 suggest that releasing 40 browns per day is not uncommon, and 200 browns per day is not out of the question (see Current Conditions).
The lower half of this lease (east of the highway) meanders through an open hay meadow. The largest pools can be found on the lower (east) end of the property. This half (1.3 miles) affords plenty of room for three anglers to cast to 8-15 inch browns.
The upper (west) half of the ranch is recommended for more experienced anglers who enjoy a casting and wading challenge. Here the stream heads into willow thickets, deep sloughs and small beaver ponds. Virtually any well-presented fly is likely to attract a 10-16 inch wild brown. The west half is suitable for two or more anglers who are willing to leapfrog through willows and wetlands.
HISTORY & CONSERVATION
Until 2008, this ranch belonged to the Cline family. Foster Cline built the Territorial-style ranch house in 1928 while serving as Denver's District Attorney. Upon sale of the ranch in 2008, Colorado Open Lands secured a perpetual conservation easement with funds from Great Outdoors Colorado and the Park County Land & Water Trust Fund.
A habitat restoration project was recently completed along one mile of stream on the east side of the highway. This "enhanced" section of stream now contains more riparian vegetation and low flow habitat structure for fish.
Hazards:
Lightning is a real hazard and shelter is virtually non-existent on the property. Deep sloughs, beaver ponds and muck create potentially hazardous wading conditions on the west side, especially during high water. It is therefore recommended that two or more anglers fish together on the west side.
Some new willow plantings on the east side are not obvious in the tall grass. Anglers may trip over these plantings if they are not watching where they step.
Facilities:
There are no facilities of any kind on this property. The nearest public restrooms are located in the town of Como. Lodging and dining (including breakfast) are available at the Como Depot Hotel, where you pick up your fishing pass after 8:00 AM. Please plan your outing to this property accordingly.
Location:
Tarryall Creek Ranch is situated on both sides of US Highway 285 near the town of Como, 10 miles northeast of Fairplay, and 75 miles southwest of Denver. Please call (719) 748-1494 for directions or more information.