FAQs

FAQ’s: The North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club

General:

What is the North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club (NPAFFC)? It is a non-equity private membership club that provides members with fishing access to more than 50 miles of private rivers and 9 private lakes.
Where is the club located? The club headquarters is located in the North Park Anglers fly shop in Walden, Colorado. All club waters are conveniently located within Jackson County, commonly referred to as North Park. North Park is approximately 45 minutes east of Steamboat Springs, 2 hours west of Fort Collins, 3 hours northwest of Denver, and 45 minutes southwest of Laramie, Wyoming. We also (new in 2024) have 7 Miles of the North Platte River in Saratoga, Wyoming, which is a 1-hour drive North of Walden.
Why would I want to join a private fishing club? Have you ever dreamed of having your own private trout stream but found yourself a few million dollars short for the purchase price as well as upkeep costs? Today’s public waters often receive excessive fishing pressure, depreciating both the quality of the fish and, through overcrowding, the quality of the experience. Club members have access to waters that are professionally and strictly managed for generous populations of unpressured, healthy trout. Through our club reservation system, members are assured of having a stretch of river to call their own for the day. Your dream can be a reality this year–join today.
What fish species will I catch?
Brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout inhabit our private rivers and lakes. Some public waters in our area also provide anglers the opportunity to catch tiger muskies, kokanee, and even grayling.
Is this fly fishing only? Can I keep any fish? While the club is targeted toward the fly fisherman, members may use traditional spinning gear and lures, provided they contain only a single, barbless hook. All fishing flies and lures must be barbless. Bait (worms, minnows, PowerBait, etc.) is prohibited. Fishing is catch-and-release only. Fish must be immediately released into the water unharmed. To ensure the safe release of fish, landing nets are required and must contain a rubber netting material.
What types of memberships are offered? Individual and Corporate are available.
How many memberships will be offered? Quality fishing and solitude are the cornerstones of our club vision. To ensure this goal, memberships are limited to 65. Of these 65 memberships, no more than 10 will be corporate types, and no more than 10 shall be limited type. If we acquire additional water in the future or find our resource underutilized, we may make more memberships available, but never at the expense of compromising quality or ensuring seclusion.
When are the club waters available to members? The club is open annually from April 1^st to October 31^st and daily from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. A couple of stretches of the Upper Michigan River will have access restrictions on them during the big game hunting seasons. In cases of severe drought, waters reaching temperatures and/or dissolved oxygen levels that are deadly to trout could require temporary restrictions. Any restrictions that may arise will be posted on the club website.
Can members fish any of the club waters at any time? To maintain quality fishing and seclusion, club waters are divided into many sections known as “beats.” A beat is intended to provide enough fishing opportunity for two-four anglers during a day of fishing. Members have access to all club waters, but advance reservation of a particular beat is required. A reservation is required to fish any of the club lakes as well. This policy is the primary component ensuring club waters and their fish receive ample recovery time from fishing pressure and is paramount in distributing members to ensure seclusion.
How do I make a reservation? You can utilize our online reservation system 24/7 or call our office during regular business hours, 7 days a week. To ensure fair access for all club members, you may have only two reservations pending at a time.
As a member, may I bring guests to fish with me? If so, is there a charge for this? Yes, members may bring up to three guests with them per visit. Each guest requires a daily pass, which costs $150 for non-family members and $25 for spouses or children ages 21 or younger. However, non-family guests may visit only four times per calendar year; after that, they should purchase their own membership. Guests must always be accompanied by a club member. Members are strictly prohibited from “guiding” their guests on club waters; guests must be friends or family, not paying fishing clients.
Can my spouse and children join me at Club Waters? Yes, individual memberships allow you to bring your spouse and children (ages 21 or younger). The $25 per-person daily guest pass applies, but there is no limit on how many days family members can visit the club waters during the year. All guests must be accompanied by a club member.
Can I bring my dog with me? Yes, only if it is well-behaved and under your direct control at all times. Direct control means being within 10 feet of you and not roaming freely around club property or waters. Even well-behaved dogs will chase wild animals and livestock, creating a dangerous and unacceptable situation. Any dogs observed that are not under their owner’s control will be banned from club properties. Dogs are not allowed at any of the clubs’ premium lodging properties.
Occasionally I like to fish with a guide, are there any opportunities for this? The club retains a full-time, professional guide staff that has fished these waters for years. You can think of them as the club pros and your stream coaches; eager to share their local background, knowledge, and expertise with you. Their services must be reserved in advance by calling the club office.
Are boats allowed on any of the club properties? Members may use personal belly boats or pontoon boats on the lakes only. Boats, canoes, and rafts capable of carrying more than one person are prohibited from any club rivers, streams, or lakes. Float fishing is possible on the North Platte River sections and, for safety considerations, is limited to guided trips only; no personal river floats are permitted.
Do members have a say in the operation of the club? While the memberships are nonproprietary and nonvoting, we do value members’ input. Our plans include developing an advisory board to discuss operational issues and concerns with the club management. Our goal is to remain proactive in addressing the needs and desires of our valued members.
How long has the club been around, and who manages it? The NPAFFC was formed in 2013 by Buffalo Creek Outfitters, LLC dba North Park Anglers. A portion of the club waters was previously leased by another outfitter and operated as the North Park Fishing Club and the Trout Valley Fishing Club for the past decade. Buffalo Creek Outfitters management has been providing hunting and fishing opportunities in the North Park area for 25 years, and the establishment of the North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club is the culmination of these many years of acquiring and professionally managing private fishing opportunities.
What type of member are you seeking? Those seeking a reprieve from “crowded life” and yearning for extraordinary fishing experiences in wild, vast places. Anglers who make a good fit are true sportsmen: respectful and appreciative of natural places, always striving to leave them better than they found them.
What are your stocking procedures? Some of the rivers are managed strictly for wild trout populations and generally favor a brown trout fishery. All of the lakes receive regular stockings, as do some stretches of river.
I like to bring friends and business clients who have never fly-fished before. Do you have equipment they can rent? Yes, we offer a full complement of rental gear: waders, boots, rods and reels, float tubes, and fins.
It sounds like an incredible and vast fishing resource; how will I know where to go and what is available to me? Each member will receive a packet containing maps and detailed descriptions of the waters, lodging facilities, access roads, fishing beats, and parking areas. Each new member will receive a thorough club tour upon joining.

The Area:

What is North Park like? Is it scenic? North Park is one of four major “parks” in Colorado. In geologic terms, a “park” is an open area surrounded by mountains. North Park encompasses approximately 1,600 square miles and is bound by the Continental Divide on the west and south and the Medicine Bow Range on the east and north. Fewer than 1,500 people reside here, so it is still considered a frontier by government standards. Elevations range from 8,000 feet on the valley floor to 13,000 feet on the surrounding peaks. Ranching is the predominant activity in the valley. It is the idyllic Rocky Mountain setting with snow-capped peaks, gin-clear streams, abundant wildlife, and not a single stoplight. Walden is the county seat and provides medical services, an awesome fly shop, several restaurants, a grocery store, library, bowling alley, an indoor swimming pool, hardware, an auto parts store, several motels, and, of course, a bar—The Stockman.
What is the weather like? Summer days can reach highs of about 80 degrees with nightly lows dipping to the forties. Spring and fall days can be highly variable, with sunshine one minute and a snowstorm the next. Sunshine is the general rule, but visitors should always come prepared for inclement weather.
Is there an airport nearby? Yes, Jackson County does have an airport capable of landing propeller and smaller jet aircraft. Fuel and hangar space are available. The airport’s FAA Identifier is 33V.
What wildlife will we likely see? North Park is considered the “Moose viewing capital of Colorado,” and they are commonly seen throughout the area. Elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, black bears, eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, badgers, and beavers are plentiful and commonly spotted by visitors.

Lodging:

I live a long way from the club waters. What lodging is available? The club provides three streamside cabins located on three different river systems. Their use is included in membership.

The cabins epitomize historic rustic charm, with no electricity or running water, and are set in spectacular settings within casting distance of trophy trout streams. Members will need to bring sleeping bags, cooking supplies, and food.

I enjoy a wilderness experience during the day but prefer “creature comforts” during the evening. Are there any other lodging choices? Yes, we offer several additional lodging options in Walden and on our private ranches. They include a three-bedroom house in central Walden (The Sportsmen Retreat). We also have a 200-acre ranch with a 4-bedroom cabin that provides access to one mile of Jack Creek and 7 Spring-fed ponds (Jack Creek Retreat). And, for those seeking full-service accommodations, we offer our luxurious six-bedroom lodge located on our beautiful Buffalo Creek Ranch. Chef-prepared meals, numerous activities, fishing guides, and an attentive staff complete this exclusive lodging opportunity.
My wife likes to fish with me but prefers indoor toilet facilities and doesn’t always fish from sunup to sundown, as I do. Are there any options for her? A comfortable clubhouse, The Liars Lair, is provided for members’ use. The clubhouse is located above the North Park Anglers Fly Shop in Walden. Amenities include a full bath, kitchen, and sitting area. WI-FI, satellite television, a fly-tying bench, and comfortable seating are provided. It’s a perfect place for members to take a break from fishing and catch up on the latest news, read a book, enjoy a cup of coffee, throw a poker game, or check their emails. The Liars Lair is open from 7 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week, from June through September, and 8 am- 5 pm in April and October.
I like to camp. Are there any camping opportunities on the club properties? Access to the club properties is for angling activities only. Camping is not permitted. However, most of North Park is public land, and camping opportunities are plentiful. There are a couple of developed/commercial campgrounds available in the area as well.

Rates:

How do the membership types differ, and what are their costs?

1) Individual Membership Colorado Resident: entitles a single person to full membership benefits.

$2,000 One-time Initiation Fee

$4,750 Yearly Dues

$ 600 Minimum Use Fee*(guided trips, shop purchases, guest rod fees,

And premium lodging options)

$6,750 First Years Membership

*This fee is assessed to members at the end of the season if they have not

spent $600 on club guiding or premium lodging.

2) Individual Membership Out of State: entitles a single person to full membership benefits.

$2,000 One-time Initiation Fee

$4,250 Yearly Dues

$ 600 Minimum Use Fee*(guided trips, shop purchases, guest rod fees,

And premium lodging options)

$6,250 First Years Membership

*This fee is assessed to members at the end of the season if they have not

spent $600 on club guiding or premium lodging.

3) Corporate Membership: entitles two members of the corporation to full membership benefits**

$4,000 One-time Initiation Fee

$8,500 Yearly Dues

$1,200 Minimum Use Fee *(guided trips, shop purchases, guest rod fees,

And premium lodging options)

$12,500 First Year’s Membership

*This fee is assessed to the corporation at the end of the season if they have not spent $1,200 on club guiding, fly shop purchases, or premium lodging.

**Corporate membership guest policies differ from those of individual memberships:

Corporate Members may bring up to six member-accompanying guests

at one time (daily guest fees of $150/person apply).

Corporate Members may send a guest who is not accompanied by a

Member provided they: 1) hire a club guide ($450 full day/$350 half)

2) Visit no more than four days during the season

Note: The unaccompanied guest privilege is limited to a total of 20 user

days (user day=one person fishing for one day) during the season.

What is the benefit of a corporate membership? Recognizing companies’ desire to entertain clients and reward employees, corporate memberships permit larger group sizes on club properties and allow companies to send some guests unaccompanied by a club member.
How does the guest structure for a corporate membership work? A corporate member may bring up to 6 accompanied guests with him at any time (guest fees of $150/person apply). Corporate members also have the added benefit of sending unaccompanied guests. Unaccompanied guests must be accompanied by a club guide. This privilege is limited to a total of 20 user days (user day = one individual person fishing for one day) during the course of the season, and the same guest may not spend more than four days on club waters during the season.
If I have a corporate membership and send an unaccompanied guest, how will they know where to fish? Due to the size of the club properties and to provide a quality experience for all, club policy requires that all unaccompanied guests use a club guide. The cost for the guide is $450 (1–2 people) for a full day and includes instruction, transportation between properties, a streamside lunch, rental gear (rod/reel, waders/boots), and 6 flies. Guiding unaccompanied guests ensures they have a great experience and protects our valuable resource.
What is the Minimum Use Fee for? In order to provide a quality club, we believe it’s important to have a quality guide staff and various lodging alternatives. The minimum use fee will help fund both and make them available to members. Members are required to spend a minimum of $600 ($1,200 for corporate membership) on guided trips or premium lodging over the course of the season. If you have not spent your membership levels’ Minimum Use Fee on club guides or premium lodging by November 30th, you will be billed for the remaining deficit. For example, if your membership level has a Minimum Use Fee of $600 and you have spent only $350 by the end of October, you will be billed an additional $250.
What are the costs of guided trips, daily guest passes, and the premium lodging offerings? Special “members only” guiding pricing is $450 per full day for 2 people (lunch, beverages, and transportation included). Daily guest passes are $150 for non-family members and $25 for spouses and members’ children under the age of 21, and allow a non-member to accompany you on club waters for the day.

1) The Sportsman’s Retreat: $145 for 2 people, $25 each additional person (max 6)

2) Jack Creek Ranch $399 per night for Main Level, $499 for Entire House (max of 8)

4) The Buffalo Creek Lodge: 15% discount (visit www.buffalocreek.com for packages, amenities, and pricing)

When are the membership fees due, and how long are they valid? Memberships are valid for a full year, and both the initiation fee and yearly membership dues must be paid in full at the time of joining.

What will memberships cost in the future? Is there any price guarantee? As costs continue to rise, there may be a need to increase membership dues in the future. However, our goal is to run the club efficiently to avoid price increases.
The North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club sounds great, but I research everything thoroughly before I purchase. Can I try out the club before I join? Yes, we offer a full-day guided tour of the club’s property for $800. If you join the club, the tour will serve as your member orientation, and $800 will be credited toward your membership dues.
This club is perfect for my needs. How do I join? You can call our club office at North Park Anglers (970) 723-4215, visit our website at www.coloradofishingclub.com, or call the club managers directly:

John Ziegman (970) 723-4045 Scott Graham (970)723-4215

General Considerations:

-No camping, campfires, or littering is allowed.

-Hunting, shooting, rifles, handguns, or bows are not permitted on club properties.

-ATVs, motorcycles, and bicycles are not permitted on club properties.

-Club members must sign contracts and liability release waivers upon joining.

–Members’ guests must sign liability waivers prior to fishing club waters.

-Club members will be held financially responsible for any property damage caused by their (or their guests’) negligent actions.

–Gates must always be left as you found them; if they are closed when you come to them–please close them once you’ve passed through, if they were open—you may leave them open. Please remember the club properties are working ranches with cattle in various pastures. Leaving a gate open could allow cattle to escape, causing cowboys needless hours of extra work. This situation is severe enough to warrant termination of membership.

-Members must use only specified roads and parking areas to access fishing beats.

-Members must possess a valid Colorado fishing license.

-Members are accessing fishing opportunities on private, working cattle ranches and must be respectful of private property and not interfere with ranching operations.

-NPAFFC reserves the right to change or modify any rules, regulations, policies, or pricing structures deemed necessary for the proper and safe management of the club. Proposed changes will be posted on the website and through emails to club members.

-NPAFFC management may, in its discretion, cancel any membership as it deems fit for any action that does not conform to the club’s policies. Notification of termination will be made in writing and effective immediately. If the membership is terminated, all membership fees/dues and privileges are forfeited.

Join Today:

North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club

P.O. Box 548 / 524 Main Street

Walden, Colorado 80480

(970) 723-4215

www.coloradofishingclub.com

Colorado's Fly Fishing Specialists

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