Colorado beckons people outdoors for hiking, fishing, and lots of other exploring. And Colorado’s winter weather doesn’t stop anglers – they simply switch to ice fishing instead. Colorado has more than 6,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams and over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, so you’ll have plenty of options. Be sure to check regulations for fishing in Colorado and obtain your license before heading to the mountains and other beautiful areas of the state.
Fishing Spots in Colorado
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Colorado. The state’s many lakes, rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water make it a dream destination for anglers.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Blue Mesa Reservoir, in the Curecanti National Recreation Area near Gunnison, is the largest body of water in Colorado. Over 3 million Kokanee Salmon are stocked annually at this lake, and anglers have caught salmon weighing over 7 pounds. The prime time for fishing for these salmon is from mid-June to mid-July. The state actively manages the balance between Kokanee Salmon and lake trout, and it’s not unusual to catch lake trout over 24 inches. Blue Mesa is also a great place to go ice fishing for perch.
Roaring Fork River
The best fishing on the Roaring Fork River is from the confluence with the Crystal River near Aspen to where it meets the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs. This river can produce 60 pounds of trout per acre and at least 12 14-inch or larger trout per acre. It has also received Gold Medal recognition from the state. Part of the river has also been designated Wild Trout Waters, as the trout have not been raised in a hatchery. Many anglers find them more challenging to catch.
Vallecito Lake
Vallecito Lake is 10 miles from Durango. Water from the Los Pinos and Florida Rivers within the Weminuche Wilderness Area is impounded to make this lake. You’ll find excellent fishing in Colorado for large brown trout throughout the year and pike from mid-May through mid-June. Rainbow trout fishing can also be superb in this lake. It is a great place to go backcountry fishing in the San Juan National Forest and mountains, but be sure to fish only from public land.
There are lots of options for campgrounds in Durango and the surrounding areas. You’ll also be near Mesa Verde National Park, so it’s definitely worth taking some time to explore the cliff dwellings.
San Juan River
There are stretches of the San Juan River that hold over 10,000 fish per mile. This river flows through Pagosa Springs, and an agreement between landowners and the city means that you can fish anywhere on this river within the city limits. Part of the San Juan River, which is an excellent place for fly-fishing, runs through the Ute Indian Reservation, and that section requires a special license. Many anglers find that the best fishing for rainbow and brown trout here happens when floating the section near the New Mexico state line. Fish numbers are carefully monitored, with the state stocking this river every three to five years.
Lake Pueblo
If you love to catch big walleye and wonder where to fish in Colorado for the species, head to Lake Pueblo near Pueblo in March and April. While you can still get bites during the summer, the fishing typically slows during the warmer months. This lake in Lake Pueblo State Park has special walleye regulations to help ensure that big fish are easy to catch. If you are planning a fall walleye fishing trip, then try live bait rigs or trolling crankbaits. This lake is also a prime spot for bass, bluegill, and catfish fishing.
You can camp at Lake Pueblo State Park, and there are electric hookups, plus water and dump stations at many sites. There are also lots of campgrounds in Pueblo where you can stay.
Fryingpan River
The Fryingpan River is a Gold Medal River near Basalt that originates in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, managed by the White River National Forest. This river contains two different parts, separated by the Ruedi Reservoir. Catch the biggest trout with Mysis shrimp flies by fishing below the dam, but be forewarned that this area can get very crowded. While most anglers head to this location to fish for brown trout, cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout are also caught in this river. Note that, according to Colorado fishing regulations, almost all species of fish, except for brown trout, caught below the dam must be released.
John Martin Reservoir
One of the best reasons for fishing in Colorado at John Martin Reservoir near Hasty is the variety of fish caught throughout the year. Start the year off by fishing for crappie and saugeye. The most popular time to go fishing at this reservoir is early to mid-summer when the bass and vipers are biting. Even on the hottest days of the summer, night fishing for catfish can be great. Finally, when the days begin to cool, the crappie start biting again.
You can camp at the state park while you fish in this reservoir.
Turquoise Lake
Turquoise Lake in Leadville is a beautiful spot high in the Rockies. You can paddleboard, kayak, swim, and fish on the lake. You’ll find several varieties of trout, and the lake is also stocked annually with Kokanee Salmon. Nearby Twin Lakes is another excellent fishing spot, and there are several other ponds close by that make great places for kids to fish.
There are lots of campgrounds in the Leadville and Twin Lakes areas. You’ll also find dispersed camping in the San Isabel National Forest in that area.
Chatfield Reservoir
Chatfield Reservoir at Chatfield State Park is a great fishing spot near Denver. You can fish from the 25 miles of shoreline, or get out on the reservoir in a boat. You could catch rainbow trout, walleye, small and largemouth bass, wiper, or panfish.
The campground at the state park has full hookups and is pet-friendly. You can also find campgrounds in Denver that aren’t too far away.
Cherry Creek Reservoir
Cherry Creek Reservoir at Cherry Creek State Park is another fishing area close to Denver. You might catch walleye, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, or crappie either from shore or in a boat on the reservoir. The campground at Cherry Creek has full hookups and is pet-friendly.
Where to Fish in Colorado
The northwest area of Colorado is ideal for trout fishing, while the southeast is a great place to fish for crappie and catfish. The high mountain lakes of southwestern Colorado are perfect for cutthroat trout. The area around Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park is a great spot to catch smallmouth bass.
Camping and Fishing in Colorado
Before fishing and camping in Colorado, you’ll want to spend some time preparing. Weather is definitely a factor. Make sure any places you plan to ice fish in winter are accessible. In the summer, watch for afternoon thunderstorms that can form quickly. You’ll also want layers, especially in the mountains. Colorado weather can go from sunny and warm to chilly in a few minutes.
In some locations, you need to walk a little way to the good fishing spots. Ensure that you have proper shoes for walking across slippery and muddy areas, especially if you are going fishing in the spring when trails can be muddy.
An RV rental from RVshare can make your fishing trip a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home in your RV.
