Best Places to Fish in Colorado
Colorado fishing Guide
With over 6,000 miles of fish-bearing rivers and streams, 2000+ reservoirs and lakes and a multitude of Gold Medal waters (for those prize-winning catches), Colorado has it all!
Multiple species such as Browns, Cutthroats, Rainbows, Lakes, and Brooks can be found across the state. If you are heading more west then you can also catch Wiper Fish, Kokanee Salmon, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Plus, of course, the natural beauty that can be found within Colorado’s dense pine forests, towering mountains and mile after mile of pristine waterways. You won’t be disappointed here.
It’s no surprise the official state fish here is the elusive Greenback Cutthroat Trout.
For those not afraid to brave colder climates, ice fishing is extremely popular from December to late February across the whole state. Please ensure plans are made to safeguard yourself before embarking on a winter trip, as any Lake below 8,000-feet in elevation may be fully or partially frozen even outside of these dates.
With the variety on option, it’s no surprise that picking the best places to fish in Colorado is a challenge.
Throughout this article, I will look to pinpoint what I consider to be 10 of the best places to fish in Colorado.
Gore Creek
St.Vrain State Park, Longmont
Chipeta Lake State Wildlife Area
Chambers Lake
Eleven Mile Reservoir
Upper Arkansas River
Blue Mesa Reservoir
North Delaney Lake
Frying Pan River
Mcphee Reservoir
Gore Creek
Catch of the Day in one of the Best Places to Fish in Colorado
- Cutthroat trout
- Brook trout
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
One of the most popular places to fish in Colorado is Gore Creek, unfortunately, this does mean it can receive a lot of traffic during busy periods. But, if it’s prize-winning big fish you are after, this is the place to be.
Access is easy via public parks, as Gore Creek runs right through the busy town of Vail. For those seeking large trout, head due west of Vail to the point where Red Sandstone Creek enters the Gore, just off exit 1-70. That’s the Gold Medal territory.
There are a few simple rules to follow whilst in Gore Creek to help preserve the stock and make it fair game for all visitors;
- artificial lures and flies only
- the minimum size for trout is 16-inches and of course, the catch-and-keep limit is two (although obviously taking 0 is better for the stock levels).
Don’t forget to check out nearby Eagle River while you’re in the area, it’s not too far away and really worth the trip, often times being quieter than Gore Creek. Likewise, The 14’er and Mount of the Holy Cross are only a short drive from town and come highly recommended if you have the time to spare.
Likewise, if you are heading over for the winter then Vail is a very popular ski resort, so you could kill two birds with one stone so to speak, and split your time between fishing and skiing.
St.Vrain State Park, Longmont
Catch of the Day in one of the Best Places to Fish in Colorado
- Rainbow trout
- Channel catfish
- Largemouth bass
- Yellow perch
- Bluegill
- Sauger
- Black crappie
- Redear sunfish
- Water Wolves aka Northern pike
St. Vrain may possibly be considered more suitable for a family vacation, but still equally as attractive if you’re heading out alone or with friends on a fishing vacation.
The park is ideally situated, close to both Fort Collins and Denver, which makes getting there even easier too. With your options ranging from camping for the authentic outdoor experience in the park itself, or staying in one of the multiple hotels available in and around the area too.
Found inside the park are a number of different fishing ponds.
During the Fall Trout fishing really hits its peak, with both the Great Blue Heron reservoir and Bald Eagle Pond both being perfect spots for trophy Bass fishing (catch and release only).
Ice fishing is available throughout the winter months, with bow fishing for Suckers, Pike, and common Carp being allowed, as well as kayak fishing. All of which are permitted across all lakes.