LaChance died Monday at the age of 56 at his house off Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins. He was surrounded by family and friends.

The Evergreen High School and CSU alum debuted “Fishful Thinker” in 2009, after taking a leap of faith by quitting his job in the mortgage industry to pursue fishing full time. He became well-known in the Colorado outdoors community for his accessible and knowledgeable videos on how to fish in the state and beyond.

The show ran nearly 400 episodes and underscored LaChance’s legacy of outdoor education.

He announced in June that he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which metastasized throughout his abdomen. His final interview came on June 14 on 104.3 The Fan, where he said on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors that he achieved his goal “to motivate and inspire other people to go and catch fish.”

A native of Jupiter, Fla., LaChance became renowned for his use of jerkbait lures. He also served on the Larimer County Parks Advisory Board and mentored young fishermen. That included the Legacy High School tandem of Ryan Wood and Turner Mason, whom LaChance coached to the 2016 Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship in Tennessee.

There are currently no memorial services planned for LaChance. In his final interview with Wickstrom, he encouraged people to follow their dreams, no matter how out-of-the-box they may seem.

“I’ve followed my heart all the time, and that’s my advice,” LaChance said on June 14. “Follow your folly, follow your passion, because if you do that, the rest will work itself out.”

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We’d hired a guide, Liam, from The Next Eddy, 129 W. First St., to take us out for the morning, and Ben was a natural. He’d grown up fishing on lakes in Indiana and had been contemplating fly fishing since we moved to Colorado in the early 2000s.

Twenty-plus short years later, here we were, at the Arkansas Headwaters, a Hoosier and his plant-based wife, learning to flick impossibly long rods into some of the county’s premium Gold Medal waters.

If the Arkansas flows with extra swagger near Salida, that’s probably because the 100-mile stretch of river from Leadville to Cañon City claims premium, trout-rich waters teeming with stocked fish.

Still, I’d always been a Buena Vista gal, and while I’d driven past Salida countless times, I’d never stopped to explore the state’s largest historic district.

Buena Vista and Salida might be close, but they have different personalities.

Summer in Salida is something to celebrate–avoid the crowds over the Fourth of July and on Father’s Day weekend, when an insane whitewater boating festival, FIBArk, takes over the town during the Arkansas River runoff (June 12-15 this year).

Hammered out as a railroad depot town in 1880, Salida buzzes with outdoor enthusiasts, and yet it doesn’t typically draw the overwhelming number of tourists you’ll find in larger mountain communities.

Riverside Park, 170 E. Sackett Ave., is a downtown hub with great people-watching and easy water access.

You’re welcome to fish here in town; if you’d like solitude, wander a few hundred yards up or down.

Hiring a guide is highly recommended for those new to fly fishing.

The Next Eddy and ArkAnglers, 7500 U.S. 50, are Salida’s full-service fly shops. Both outfitters specialize in guided fly-fishing trips for all experience levels, including beginners like me.

Take note: Local rafting companies offer fishing excursions, too, but fly-fishing isn’t the primary focus.

While walk-ups can sometimes be accommodated at both, booking guided trips in advance is a good idea.

“We have a fairly lax cancellation policy,” The Next Eddy co-owner Sarah Medved assured me.

I can vouch for this policy since I had to rebook twice. Both outfitters prefer handling bookings over the phone to ensure each client is matched with the right trip. Call 719-530-3024 and 719-539-3474, respectively, to set something up.

Aside from a backpack with extra layers and water, you won’t need to bring much on a guided trip. “Come as if you’ll go hiking in Colorado for a day, and don’t forget waterproof socks,” Medved said.

After checking in at The Next Eddy and being fitted for waders and rods, Ben and I followed Liam past the Mt. Shavano Hatchery, 7725 County Road 154, to a quiet fishing hole. There, we spent the rest of the morning learning to use our gangly poles on a half-day walk-and-wade excursion that included four hours on the water.

More experienced anglers might consider a full-day high-alpine trip. But be warned: Eight hours on the water is intense, even for seasoned fishers.

Ben didn’t need much practice. A few minutes into the excursion, he raised his rod, and before I could say arbor knot, Liam, who’d been teaching me how to cast, was bounding toward his star student.

Since I wasn’t confident wading, I stayed put and watched from afar as a celebratory “fish-catch montage” unfolded to the soundtrack of burbling water. When you’re knee-deep in the Arkansas, all you hear is snowmelt galloping toward the Mississippi.

Amid the merrymaking–fist bumps; photo documentation—I continued casting. Despite Liam’s best efforts to teach me about drag-free drifts, my line had plans of its own.

Liam beamed with the pride of a new parent. “Rainbow trout,” he reported.

“Colorado’s state fish!” I said.

“No,” Liam corrected with a shake of his head. “That would be the Greenback cutthroat. Rainbow trout aren’t even native to Colorado.”

Really? A few hours later, when our four hours were up, I insisted on a quick fact-checking detour to the hatchery.

Anyone can pop in during operating hours, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to watch a short educational video and tour the facility. It’s a no-frills experience, to be sure, but if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love tossing fish food into the long, rectangular tanks, watching trout ripple the water in a feeding frenzy.

Liam was right, of course: Rainbow trout might be one of Colorado’s most beloved fish–they’re stars in the state’s multibillion-dollar fishing industry—and yet, from a biological standpoint, they really don’t belong here.

In the late 1800s, nonnative trout–rainbows, browns, and brookies—were introduced throughout Colorado’s rivers and lakes during the metal and mining boom, for food and sport, often in areas that once provided habitat for native cutthroat populations.

“It was popular back then to stock the landscape and see what stuck,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologist Alex Townsend.

I wanted Townsend to tell me that the trout live together in perfect harmony, but that’s not how the story goes. Over time, competition and interbreeding significantly diminished native fish numbers.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is working hard to reintroduce native species like the Greenback cutthroat, which now occupy less than 2 percent of their original range. The organization doesn’t have the wherewithal to restore all the rivers to native fish, so it also focuses on preserving introduced species, including rainbow trout.

In the 1990s, a parasite, whirling disease, tore through fisheries across Colorado, nearly wiping out rainbow trout. Several years ago, thanks to state government intervention and a discovery that led to an innovative crossbreeding program, a unique strain, the Gunnison River rainbow trout, emerged as a disease-resistant fish.

Efforts to support native and nonnative fish populations are unfolding simultaneously. Maybe this is the message of hope I sought.

As for what you’re likely to catch in Salida, brown trout dominate. Higher up in the drainage, rainbow and brook trout appear more frequently.

Anglers interested in “unique opportunities,” as Townsend put it, can head to alpine lakes and springs to try netting golden trout and Arctic graylings.

I was parched, so I stopped at Mountain Phoenix Roastery, 112 W. Rainbow Blvd., just off U.S. 50. From there, I linked up with local artist and walking guru Jonathan Stalls, author of the 2022 title “WALK: Slow Down, Wake Up, and Connect at 1-3 Miles per Hour.”

Stalls was happy to point me to his favorite Salida footpaths, including the paved Rodeo Run Trail (sometimes referred to as the CR 120 Trail), a 3.3-mile route from Salida to Poncha Springs, and the Monarch Spur Trail, a 2.5-mile rail-trail, also paved, from the Arkansas River to Highway 50.

For a post-fishing hike with panoramic views of downtown, Stalls recommended crossing the Arkansas River on F Street and walking through the parking lot to reach the Arkansas Hills Trail System. Also known as the Tenderfoot Trails, this hiking area features an interconnected network of dirt singletrack.

“I’ll usually walk a route that combines the following trails: Lower Sand Dunes, Frontside, Backside, Little Rattler, Burn Pile, Dream On, Rise N Shine & Labyrinth,” Stalls told me. Hiking up to the “S” from here is also possible.

“When I’m looking for a more meditative walk,” Stalls added, “I take the Salida River Trail to Franz Lake. It’s a beautiful, calming gravel path moving from Marvin Park, through Sands Lake, under 291, and to/around Franz Lake,” he said.

Before parting ways, Stalls walked me around downtown Salida’s two main throughfares, F Street and Sackett Avenue. The town isn’t just charming: It’s the state’s largest historic district.

Today, many of the area’s 136 well-preserved historic buildings house craft coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries that trickle toward the water on side streets moving as effortlessly as individual tributaries.

For more local lore, visit the Salida Museum, 406 1/2 W. Rainbow Blvd., located directly behind the Salida Chamber of Commerce. It is open weekends only from noon to 4 p.m.

Salida is also a certified “Creative District.” Around town, you’ll find artisans of every genre, from blacksmiths and potters to fiber artists, muralists, graphic designers, photographers, and fine artists.

Galleries and studios stay open late on the first Friday of the month for First Friday Art Walks.

All the fresh air is bound to make you hungry. Locals rave about Boathouse Cantina, 228 N. F St., boathousesalida.com, a riverside American-Baja Mexican joint serving pizza, burgers, tacos, and much more.

Try Tres Litros Beer Company, 118 N. E St., and the newly opened Salida Distillery, 110 E. 15th St., for drinks.

If you need a grab-and-go option before getting on the water, try The FlaminGo, 10538 W. U.S. 50, a food truck in nearby Poncha Springs. The online reviews aren’t wrong: Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop, 129 W. Sackett Ave., is a solid choice for a quick lunch.

The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, 410 W. Rainbow Blvd., is a family-friendly rec center in town.

If you want to unwind after an adventurous day, do yourself a favor and drive to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, 15870 County Road 162 (Nathrop). This resort offers natural soaking pools and postcard-perfect views of the Collegiate Peaks.

Following County Road 162 for another 16 miles, you’ll reach St. Elmo Ghost Town. The former gold and silver mining camp provides an enjoyable glimpse into the past.

With so much to do, staycationers might consider staying a night or two. The recently renovated Manhattan Hotel, 228 N. F St., offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of downtown.

For an authentic Colorado experience, remember that the area is surrounded by BLM and Forest Service land, making dispersed camping abundant and easily accessible. You’ll also find plenty of vacation rentals with Victorian-era charm.

Catch a live performance at the Salida Rotary Amphitheatre in Riverside Park to close out a perfect day in Salida.

As the last notes fade into the cool night air and the Arkansas delivers its burbling lullaby, you start to feel that Salida isn’t merely a destination to visit but a special place to return whenever possible.

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“My hands still smell like fish,” one of the Owls — an 11-year-old named Jackson Dana — said. He’d caught two that morning.

Jackson, fitted with a helmet and harness, ran off to the wall, but his twin Kacy lingered behind. She and two friends huddled around a 5-year-old golden retriever named Rosie, who lounged on the ground as they rubbed her belly.

“I like puppies; they are my favorite,” Kacy said. “I like Rosie better than climbing.”

She and Jackson started coming to Camp Comfort in Empire — a mining town about 45 minutes west of Denver — after their mother died last year. At camp, the twins were among dozens of children who understood what they were going through, who knew what it’s like to only have one parent and what it means to grieve during adolescence.

Everyone attending Camp Comfort knows someone who died.

The summer camp’s main purpose is to help children like Jackson and Kacy through their grieving process after a loved one has died by combining traditional camp activities — bonfires, hikes — with group sharing sessions.

More than 1,900 children have attended Camp Comfort since it began in 1995. Mount Evans Home Health Care and Hospice oversees the camp, which serves children ages 6 to 12.

Camp can help children become comfortable with opening up about their loss when they aren’t ready for traditional therapy, Camp Comfort Director Ashley Collins said.

“The camp is such a natural space for a child,” she said. “…Kids are kids. They want to play.”

A reporter and photographer from The Denver Post spent part of a recent Saturday with the Owls, including during two sessions when the children talked about their grief, to better understand how the camp works.

On that day, Camp Comfort had set aside time during a jam-packed day of fishing, swimming and rock climbing for the children to open up about loss. The Owls — the camp’s 10- and 11-year-olds — were scheduled to do so after rock climbing.

But Kacy was nervous to talk about her mom.

“Over time, I just knew to leave it alone,” she later said. “It’s just there. We don’t really talk about her.”

The rock climbing drew Kacy’s attention from Rosie as her brother reached the top in 57 seconds.

“I can do it faster,” Kacy said before rushing to put on a harness and helmet.

Jackson took up the wall again. He wanted to beat his first time — and that of his friends. Jackson reached the top within 45 seconds the second time, but cut it to 40 seconds after a third attempt.

“You got this, Kacy,” he told his sister when her turn came. “Some (rocks) are loose, by the way. You got this!”

Kacy scaled the wall and rang the bell at the top in 27 seconds.

“Do it again,” Jackson told her.

Kacy’s second attempt was even faster.

“Twenty-two seconds!” Jackson said. “Bro, I’ve got to tell the group that. I’m going to be screaming in their face, ‘A girl beat your time!’”

“Jackson, a girl beat your time — by a lot,” Kacy replied.

‘I called her Mom’

The Owls sat in a circle in one of the cabins on Easterseals Colorado’s sprawling Rocky Mountain Village Camp facility, where Camp Comfort is held.

The Owls were among more than 40 children who spent the weekend at the overnight camp in mid-July. Camp Comfort will run a day camp in Golden later this week for families that aren’t ready to send their children away for a weekend, Collins said.

Kacy settled beside Rosie, clutching a stuffed animal in her lap. Jackson sat nearby.

Collins led the sharing session, during which she asked the children to show a photo of their relative who died and to tell the group about them.

Jackson was the second person to volunteer. He passed around a photo of himself with his mom at a Colorado Rockies game.

She died of a rare autoimmune disease, Jackson told the group.

And her name was Stephanie, he said when asked by Collins.

But, Jackson added, “I called her Mom.”

An estimated 1 in 12 children in Colorado will lose a parent or sibling by the time they are 18, according to a report by Judi’s House, a grief nonprofit in Aurora.

Several Owls said they had a parent die. One lost a younger sibling. Others grieved cousins and uncles.

D-Angelo Tuggle, known to the campers as D-Lo, lost his cousin Za’riyah Thomas, who was shot when she was 16. He wasn’t alone; other children said they also had a family member who was murdered.

D-Lo and his cousin, who he called ZZ, used to eat vanilla ice cream with sprinkles and gummy bears together.

“She used to stand up for me,” the 10-year-old told the other children.

But one day, three years ago, D-Lo woke up and his dad was crying. ZZ had died, he said. D-Lo later said it helped to talk about his cousin. Sharing, he said, was “cool.”

A death disrupts a child’s life and can lead to poor outcomes at school, according to the Judi’s House report, which said grief can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including suicide or substance use.

The U.S. surgeon general has called youth mental health challenges “the defining public health crisis of our time” as suicide rates have increased nationwide and more children report feeling anxious or depressed.

Camp Comfort helps grieving children learn coping skills and teaches them that it’s OK to feel sad or angry after someone they know died, Collins said.

“We want them to express how they are feeling,” she said.

Rap battles, Batman and a sloth

Jayden Lewis, 11, told the Owls he saw his father murdered in front of him and had to call 911.

He also told them that he liked to do rap battles with his dad.

“Before he died, he said we’d make a rap,” Jayden said.

They never got to, but Jayden planned a rap performance for Camp Comfort’s talent show later that night.

Another Owl, Elleese Richmond, told the group her father died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“I loved how he’d always make these funny jokes that weren’t really funny,” she said.

When she was 5, Elleese said, “I was really depressed.”

A teacher noticed and asked Elleese for one of her dad’s shirts and made it into a teddy bear for the now-11-year-old. Elleese showed the teddy bear to the group and told everyone how her dad used to call his car the “Batmobile.”

“I thought he looked like Batman,” Jayden told Elleese after looking at the photo of her father.

Kacy told the group at the start of the sharing session that her favorite animal was a sloth. What she didn’t tell the other kids was that a sloth became her favorite animal after her mom died. Kacy also didn’t tell them the stuffed animal in her lap — a sloth — came from her mom’s hospital room.

The plushie, aptly named Slothy, was given to Kacy’s mom after she got sick. Their mom used to show Kacy and Jackson her stuffed animals when they visited the hospital. By then, their mom couldn’t really talk, Kacy said.

Slothy is her main coping mechanism, Kacy said.

She was too nervous to talk about their mom during the circle.

“It’s a little hard,” she said later.

‘My dad is too sad’

Kacy and Jackson battled in what she called the “biggest competition ever” as the Owls took to the archery field after lunch.

Jackson scored 17 points. Try to beat that, he told his sister.

“Bet,” Kacy replied.

Kacy was quiet, but confident in her athletic ability. She loved rock climbing and liked the camp’s zip line last year, but it was broken this summer.

She’s a minute older than Jackson. Kacy was also the Owls’ self-proclaimed “taxi,” giving friends piggyback rides.

She kept in contact with friends she met at the camp last year. Some of them also only have one parent, so they have a similar experience, Kacy said.

“You kind of get jealous of other people,” she said. “…They get to hang out with a mom and I don’t, and it makes it hard sometimes.”

At home in Aurora, it’s just Kacy, Jackson and their dad. She’s the only girl living with all boys.

“My dad is too sad to talk about it, so my family doesn’t talk about it to help my dad out,” Kacy said of losing her mom.

Kacy wasn’t ready to share about her mom, but she was for archery.

Her first arrow struck the black ring on the target, the furthest one from the yellow bullseye in the center.

“I think I have to arch my arrow more and up the side,” she said.

Kacy adjusted her bow. The next arrow hit the blue ring, an improvement. She took a deep breath, then fired a third arrow and hit the red ring. Any better and she would have nailed the bullseye.

Her final arrow struck the blue ring again.

“I got more (points) than my brother,” Kacy said.

‘Mixed feelings’

The Owls assembled in a circle again after archery to talk about their feelings. But first, campers needed to finish sharing about their loved ones.

Kacy went last.

She showed the other kids a photo of her and her mom smiling after a run.

“I have a bunch of her active stuff,” Kacy said, adding that she was given her mom’s clothes.

Collins, the camp director, asked Kacy what she missed most about her mom.

“Girl talk,” Kacy said.

She and her mom used to paint their nails together.

“I don’t paint my nails anymore,” Kacy said.

The Owls said grief made them feel sad. They also felt depressed, frustrated, angry and afraid.

“You have mixed feelings, and you don’t know what to show for emotion,” Elleese told the camp director.

Collins asked the children to write a word on a piece of poster board that described how grief made them feel. Kacy knelt and wrote three words. She then sat back on the floor and hugged her knees and held Slothy to her chest.

She’d written that she felt worried, mad and confused.

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LaChance’s TV show, “Fishful Thinker,” became a staple for Colorado outdoor enthusiasts after it debuted in 2009. The educational fishing show endeared the Evergreen High School and CSU alum to anglers of all ages, including Succarde, who looked forward to watching it every weekend growing up.

“The amount of information he was able to put out throughout an episode was unmatched,” said Succarde, now a 29-year-old Pueblo resident and avid outdoorsman. “He was able to explain techniques, show you different ways to rig things, different methods. But most importantly, I enjoyed watching him because he was local. It was cool to see him fish the same lakes that I fished, but have different ideas on the same body of water.

“And the biggest thing he portrayed on TV was to be appreciative. It doesn’t matter how big the fish are, or how many you catch. It’s about being in the great outdoors, enjoying nature and making the best out of the time you’ve got.”

Now, LaChance is intent on making the best out of his time left with his family and friends.

The 54-year-old is battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has metastasized throughout his abdomen. He announced his diagnosis last month and has been in hospice care at his home off Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins.

In LaChance’s final radio interview on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors on June 14 on 104.3 The Fan, LaChance said he believes he accomplished the goal he set out to achieve over nearly 400 episodes of “Fishful Thinker.”

“(My goal) was to motivate and inspire other people to go and catch fish,” LaChance said. “I put some TV shows on that are borderline embarrassing in terms of the fish that I caught. But the reality is that’s what everybody deals with.

“Sometimes you go fishing and you don’t catch them very well. And if you hide all that from your viewers, they lose touch.”

That never happened to LaChance, who became renowned for his prowess with jerkbait lures as he also ran a guide company in northern Colorado. In addition to focusing on local waters, he traveled across the country from Alaska to the Florida Keys to fish and record shows.

The TV series “Spanish Fly,” hosted by famous saltwater fisherman Jose Wejebe, inspired LaChance to pursue a career in fishing. He quit a job in the mortgage industry to pursue his “Fishful Thinker” venture full-time, first as a guide service and then as a show.

LaChance’s move into media started with humble beginnings as a call-in guest on Wickstrom’s radio show. He eventually filled in for Wickstrom’s TV show twice, and one of those appearances became the pilot for the “Fishful Thinker” series, according to Wickstrom.

In the decades since, LaChance became a Colorado fishing icon for his on-screen expertise and relatability. Many fans, such as Succarde, never met him in person, but felt like they did.

“There were times we’d be in line at the launch ramp, and guys would get out of their trucks and yell at Chad like they were his cousin or his brother,” said Tim Farnsworth, LaChance’s friend and longtime cameraman. “One time at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, at like 4:30 in the morning when it was still pitch black, a guy pulls up behind us and yells, ‘Chadddd!’

“People were proud to have him there at their local water.”

A native of Jupiter, Fla., LaChance moved to Evergreen as a child. That’s when he met his friend Eric Guthrie. The two budding anglers cut their teeth fishing Little Cub Creek and Upper Bear Creek. Guthrie said LaChance demonstrated elite casting accuracy from a young age, long before “Fishful Thinker.”

“We went to Bonny Reservoir once (in our early 20s), and I was in one boat with a buddy, and he was in another boat,” Guthrie recalled. “We were casting at each other, seeing how close we could get. I told my buddy, ‘Look, I wouldn’t do that if I were you.’

“Chad casted his perfect and caught my buddy in the top of the thigh from a long, long ways away. He’s won a lot of casting and accuracy competitions.”

LaChance’s love of fishing was part of an intimate connection to nature — one amplified by the wildlife right outside his Fort Collins home.

“He would walk up to giant bucks in his yard and scratch their heads, or does would come up to him in the yard and rest their head on his shoulder,” longtime friend and “Fishful Thinker” guide Dan Swanson said with a laugh. “His connection to wildlife, whether it’s deer or fish, and his understanding of the nature of animals is incredible.”

An avid hunter and cook, LaChance came up with recipes for fish and game that he often shared on his show. He served on the Larimer County Parks Advisory Board, working to protect the lakes he fished. He’s also been a mentor to young fishers throughout the state.

In what LaChance called his “highest accomplishment in angling,” he coached the duo of Ryan Wood and Turner Mason to a pair of state championships through Denver Junior Bass Masters as well as the 2016 Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship in Tennessee.

Wood and Mason finished last at the national championship in 2015 before re-qualifying and getting redemption the next year when the Legacy High School duo topped a field of 340 anglers. LaChance’s game plan to use jerkbait lures in ’16 proved to be key in the victory.

Mason said he will “never forget Chad for giving me that passion to fish.” Wood, whom LaChance mentored since he was 10 years old, said LaChance’s influence on him went far beyond the water.

“Looking back on it now, I realize how much more he taught us than just fishing,” Wood said. “He taught us how to navigate through life. And when we went to college, he sought out other kids to mentor as well.”

All of those achievements are why LaChance told Wickstrom he is at peace with his fate.

“I’m okay with (my diagnosis), I’m comfortable, and the reason I’m comfortable is I’ve been honest with myself my whole life,” LaChance said last month. “I’ve followed my heart all the time, and that’s my advice. Follow your folly, follow your passion, because if you do that, the rest will work itself out.

“And if you don’t, and then you get the kind of news like I got, I think it’s gonna be rough. And one thing I have at this point is the perfect clarity that comes with hindsight. … Everyone told me the fishing show wouldn’t work. It worked fine. I went and did all of the other crazy things that I wanted to do, had all the crazy adventures … I just want to say thank you to everybody for following along.”

“Stunning views of wildflower-filled meadows, dense forests, and the pristine Lost Lake itself, which mirrors the surrounding peaks,” one wrote on The Dyrt, a website and app that provides user-generated reviews and photos of campgrounds and RV sites all over the country.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s largest campground reopens after two years

“Beautiful and peaceful. This is a great campground -- the lake is beautiful and there are several trails that leave from here. Friendly hosts and clean/well-maintained," wrote another.

Located 16 miles west of Crested Butte, off Kebler Pass Road, Lost Lake Campground was ranked number one on a list produced this week by The Dyrt. The company compiles the list using reviews and ratings from "its vast community of campers," according to a statement.

Calling it "a serene alpine retreat where a camping trip almost feels like a reward just for becoming a camper," The Dyrt compared the lake on a clear day to a "postcard come to life."

Lost Lake, at $20 a night, is first-come, first-served. There are 18 sites (including RV sites), each with fire rings and picnic tables. It is open from mid-June through September.

"Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing in Lost Lake and Dollar Lake, hiking the Three Lakes Trail and Beckwith Pass, and observing the vibrant wildflowers that bloom for just a few weeks in July and August," The Dyrt wrote.

A second Colorado campground also made the top ten list: White Star Campground, which is located near Mount Elbert in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest.

"White Star is situated at 9,200 feet and offers stunning views of Twin Lakes Reservoir and easy access to outdoor activities," the Dyrt wrote. "The campground features three loops: Sage, Ridge and Valley. Sage Loop offers limited shade, while Ridge and Valley are shaded by ponderosa pine and spruce trees. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available for purchase but there are no hookups or showers.

"There are hiking and biking trails aplenty, including the Continental Divide Trail, and fishing, boating and paddleboarding are among the popular activities for campers. The area also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing," it concluded.

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One individual was knocked unconscious and suffered a serious head injury, Grand County Search and Rescue said in a news release.

Their companion, who was also hit by the tree, sustained minor injuries and was able to provide initial aid.

Bystanders on the opposite side of the river made the initial 911 call.

Unable to communicate with or assist the injured party because of the swift river current, the bystanders hiked to higher ground to get cell phone service before placing the emergency call.

Once on scene, GCSAR determined that the unconscious person’s condition was deteriorating.

Grand County Emergency Medical Services stabilized the person, and GCSAR team members loaded them into a litter and carried them to the riverbank, where they were transferred to the Grand County Sheriff’s Office rescue boat that had accessed the area through Lake Granby.

The unconscious person was transported to Stillwater Landing, where they were transferred to a waiting MedEvac helicopter for transport to Denver.

The following day, GCSAR was notified that a mountain biker was injured on the Iko Trail, reportedly suffering a head injury and brief loss of consciousness.

Grand County EMS made initial contact with the biker and prepared them for evacuation.

GCSAR and GCSO coordinated trail access and utilized a wheeled litter system to transport the biker to the parking area, where they were transferred back to GCEMS for further care.

“We are very proud of our team for always remaining prepared even when missions are paged out back to back, as these ones were, and for answering the call to help,” said GCSAR PIO Hannah Ledsome in a statement.

“We train extensively so that when we have missions, our team is prepared and ready to respond.”

Two other incidents occurred involving a backcountry skier who reported a party member had fallen a long distance and could not walk near Apache Peak, and a hiker on Jim Creek Trail who suffered a medical emergency.

“At this time, we do not have updates on the subjects, but know that they were transferred to the incredible capable hands of MedEvac and Grand County EMS,” Ledsome said.

“We wish them all a speedy (recovery) so they can be adventuring again soon.”

GCSAR is an all-volunteer service providing search and rescue operations, medical assistance and support in critical situations, all at no cost to those in need.

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Rosen is the host of “DIRT,” an episodic web series about food, travel and adventure made by apparel company Huckberry and Outside TV. Each episode ventures to a new place, and for its 11th installment, Rosen and his crew visited the Centennial State, where they surfed rivers, snowboarded and, of course, ate plenty of local cuisine.

On May 7, the episode was named a finalist for a James Beard Media Award, and it’s not hard to see why.

Not only do Colorado’s stunning mountains and lush valleys make for great B-roll, but “DIRT” also introduces viewers to the often hidden side of the local culinary scene: “The caretakers of soil, keepers of seed, orchardists, butchers and croptenders; stewards of the land who contend with the mountain weather to grow, create and harvest,” as Rosen put it.

Rosen’s journey takes him on a loop through the Western Slope, down to the San Luis Valley and back to Denver. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters and showcases some of the state’s bespoke producers as he collects local ingredients. Each “DIRT” episode ends with a one-of-a-kind, homegrown meal.

Viewers get to see Rosen forage with chef Barclay Dodge of Michelin-starred restaurant Bosq in Aspen, milk cows at a dairy farm in Carbondale, butcher a pig in Paonia, chase UFOs in the San Luis Valley, and drink Stranahan’s whiskey in Denver, among other adventures.

The show highlights farmers and ranchers using sustainable, regenerative and biodynamic practices that give back to the land, including Jones Farms Organics, which grows potatoes and rye in Hooper; Sustainable Settings dairy ranch in Carbondale; and Aquila Cellars winery in Paonia. Denver comedian Eeland Stribling also takes Rosen fishing for carp in the Mile High City. They catch one in a pond with just the right amount of “city funk” and a few abandoned shopping carts. (Spoiler: That carp is not procured as an edible ingredient.)

The final meal, cooked at Bosq in Aspen, is a true testament to the bounty of Colorado. Indulge in it yourself by watching the full episode of “DIRT: Colorado” below and on YouTube.

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Rangers found the body under what they called a “bellyboat” — a small, inflatable tube often used for fishing, according to a news release from the agency. The person was secured to the inflatable with a safety strap.

The victim was removed from the water and declared dead on scene, state officials said.

Rangers believe the person drowned, but said the Routt County Coroner’s Office will identify the victim and release the official cause of death at a later date.

Witnesses told investigators that the victim was fishing Saturday near the Rainbow Ridge area on the west side of the park when strong wind gusts were reported in the area, according to the release. State officials said the victim was not wearing a life jacket.

“The incident yesterday is tragic, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and friends,” David Goff, a park ranger at Steamboat Lake State Park, stated in the release. “We continue to urge everyone to pay close attention to weather conditions and to wear a PFD while recreating on the water.”

Spring and early summer water recreation can be dangerous due to frigid water temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions.

While the weather is warming up, the water remains very cold and a person entering the cold water can quickly experience shock, lose the ability to swim and risk hypothermia, state officials said.

State officials also warned people in the release to wear a personal flotation device while boating, kayaking and paddle boarding — or during other water recreation activities in Colorado — even when it’s not required.

According to state data, 80% of past boating accident deaths could have been prevented if a life jacket had been worn, and nine out of 10 people who drown each year are not wearing life jackets.

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Oh, but there is more than one way to fly fish in Colorado, and it looks different than what I had imagined.

On a trip to Buena Vista last summer, I signed up with The Colorado Angler, a full-service fly shop and fishing guide company. What I didn’t realize was that we would be fishing from a boat as we bobbed down the Arkansas River, not standing on the banks in a few inches of water near the shore.

So that was my introduction to whitewater fly fishing. My teenage daughter and I put on our safety vests (no waders needed) and learned how to cast our flies from a moving boat. While we didn’t catch any fish that day, I found a new way to enjoy being on the river (other than rafting) and how to think differently about spots to fish, appreciating those calm little pools near the riverbanks.

Over the years, on hikes to alpine lakes, I’ve spied people fly fishing in the wilderness at over 10,000 feet above sea level. At the time, I didn’t realize how elite this activity is considered in the sport.

“Angling is a two-billion-dollar industry in our state,” said Bridget O’Rourke, statewide public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Fly fishing in alpine lakes is exclusive compared to shore fishing because you have to be in shape to make the hike with your gear.”

Also, it’s a limited opportunity, with access possible from around July through September only. There will be fewer people fishing alongside you, too.

Where to go

With 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs in Colorado where anglers can fish for over 35 species of fish, it’s hard to narrow down just a few recommendations of where to fly fish. O’Rourke noted that Colorado Parks & Wildlife “stocks around 350,000 trout annually into more than 500 backcountry lakes.”

One place to try alpine fly fishing is Lake Agnes in State Forest State Park, which sits at 10,666 feet above sea level and is stocked for fishing, including with cutthroat trout. Another spot: Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is at 9,905 feet above sea level. You can also fish for cutthroat trout there.

A good resource for finding a guided whitewater fly fishing experience is the Arkansas River Outfitters Association.

Looking for exclusivity while fly fishing? The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs offers fly fishing camps, including two that are just for women, called “These Boots Are Made for Wading.” One camp is June 6-8, and the other is July 18-20. Before you step into the Tarryall River, however, there is a class in tying flies.

Krista Heinicke, director of public relations at the Broadmoor, joins the camps each summer. “50/50 on the Water is an initiative spearheaded by Orvis that we thought was a good idea to champion,” she said in an email interview.

The Orvis Company started the “50/50 on the Water” initiative in 2017 to encourage more women to engage in fly fishing. Heinicke said that she supports more women becoming fly fishing guides, too.

This isn’t the Broadmoor’s only fly fishing experience, but Heinicke said it is unique. “We showcase the experience differently and add amenities to round out the weekend,” she explained. “Each guest receives a fantastic gift bag that has, in the past, included Orvis and Lululemon products. We feature a wine tasting, but I think the most impactful and unexpected part of the weekend are the moments on the porch or around the fire pit where we get to know one another.”

When it’s cold out

If the summer slips by without a fly fishing adventure, there’s one more unusual way to try this activity: winter fly fishing in a river. I was able to try this on a guided excursion on the Roaring Fork River in Basalt. Note: That is distinctly different than ice fishing, where you drill a hole in a lake. Winter fly fishing involves layering up underneath the waders, then stepping into a freezing cold river where the water is moving below a layer of snow and ice.

Try the Fryingpan River or Upper Roaring Fork River for midge fly fishing in winter, or Gore Creek in Vail. There are plenty of rivers that rarely freeze over — the trick will be finding the fish.

If you are going to fish in a state park, the Keep Colorado Wild Pass can save money on state park admissions when you pay $29 instead of $80 for the annual State Park Pass. There are annual state park fishing events, and this pass is good for admission. Check the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website for details on events and pricing for licenses and fees.

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That’s especially true for the northern parts of the state, according to the Colorado Water Supply Outlook from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which reported in April that snowpack was “starkly different” across the state, with normal conditions in the north but below normal conditions in the south. An updated report will be released next week.

Statewide, the snowpack was at 83% on April 1. The South Platte Basin, which includes Clear Creek west of Denver and the Cache La Poudre River west of Fort Collins — both popular rafting destinations — was at 98% of normal. The Colorado River Headwaters basin was at 96%. The Yampa-White-Little Snake basin in the northwestern corner of the state was at 93%.

“I think we’ll do fine, water-wise,” said David Costlow, executive director of the Colorado River Outfitters Association. “Certainly, the central and northern part of the state will do better than the southern part.”

The Poudre, which originates high in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows down Poudre Canyon to Fort Collins en route to its confluence with the South Platte near Greeley, was 3% above normal. Kyle Johnson, co-owner of Poudre outfitter Rocky Mountain Adventures, said he is “cautiously optimistic” for a normal season, especially if spring temperatures are mild. His employees began river training this week, with plans to begin running trips on May 10.

“We currently have the best snowpack in the state,” Johnson said. “We’re having unseasonably warm periods in early season, and that could definitely take a toll. It got up to 76 in Fort Collins (on Sunday), so we are seeing some earlier than seasonally normal flows. We could use another spring storm or two.”

Johnson may get his wish. Cool high temperatures and below-freezing overnight lows are forecast for Rocky Mountain National Park over the next eight days. Hot spring weather isn’t what outfitters want to see. They want mild temperatures that produce gradual snowmelt with steady, consistent flows.

“The way to think about it is that the snowpack is kind of a safe deposit box, and we want a nice monthly withdrawal from that account,” Johnson said. “We don’t want big expenditures early in the season. There is always the concern that a heat-up too early could create one of those large withdrawals.”

A different story in the south

The Arkansas River, which is at the heart of the rafting industry with more than 40% of the state’s rafting business, was only at 74% of normal overall. That figure is misleading, however, when it comes to rafting since the measuring stations in the Upper Arkansas, above rafting areas of the river, were reporting at 91%.

“We’ll be OK,” said Bob Hamel, executive director of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association. “We’re not going to have any record peaks. It’s going to be real family-friendly flows, and we’re not going to have flood situations. It’s not going to be super high water. We need to be honest about that.”

The Arkansas has an insurance policy of sorts, too. It receives summer infusions of water from the Ruedi Reservoir on the Western Slope, 13 miles east of Basalt. Water from the reservoir is pumped through a tunnel underneath the Continental Divide to Turquoise Lake near Leadville, then south to Twin Lakes before augmenting the Arkansas.

That water ultimately goes to municipal and agricultural needs downstream, but it lifts all boats along the way, both for rafters and fishing interests in the Gold Medal trout stream.

“We just get the benefit in the movement of that water, because we get to ride on it when it flows by us on the Upper Arkansas as it moves down to Pueblo and points east from there,” Hamel said. “The bottom line is, we will have adequate flows. We’re looking for a good season, and a long season, because of the supplementation of the voluntary flow management plan.”

The snowpack at the headwaters of the Colorado River came in at 18% above normal. Rafting on the Upper Colorado and the section through Glenwood Canyon typically account for around 100,000 rafting user days annually, making the Colorado the state’s second-busiest river for rafting behind the Arkansas.

“It’s in good shape, and the reservoirs there are looking good,” Costlow said, adding that the water will begin to release in early June and rise at the end of that month. “There will be decent flows on most of the Colorado for July, August and September.”

Clear Creek, typically the state’s third-busiest rafting destination, also had above-average snowpack. Its headwaters are located near Loveland Pass, and it flows through Georgetown, Idaho Springs and Golden before entering the South Platte near Commerce City.

Conditions in far southern Colorado are grim, however, with river basin snowpacks ranging from 27% below normal to 47% below. The Animas River, which originates near Silverton and flows through Durango, was 31% below normal, but Costlow said that may not be as dire for outfitters there as it might seem.

“I think they will go through Labor Day,” Costlow said. “Those late-summer, late-afternoon rains in late July and August, there’s just enough to feed the river to keep it flowing. I think they’ll do fine.”

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