Colorado Fishing Spots, Maps and Reports

Colorado is a land of unspoilt wilderness. It may be a landlocked state, but its lakes and rivers provide outdoor entertainment in every season. Colorado is afforded nine thousand miles of trout streams, is abundant in rivers, and is home to hundreds of lakes. There are few states with as much wilderness as Colorado, where you have a great chance to unwind and truly appreciate nature.

Bass fishing in Colorado is plentiful and popular. In addition to the usual species of bass Colorado is home to the wiper or palmetto – a striped and white bass hybrid. Wiper can be found in the Horsetooth Reservoir and Lake Pueblo. This lake is a popular fishing hole for wiper, small and largemouth, and spotted bass (as well as catfish, crappie, perch, trout, and northern pike).

For a calming fly fishing experience Colorado is almost unbeatable. The Fryingpan River is a gorgeous fly fishing spot, though it is catch and release for most fish but not brown trout. For bass fly fishing Lake Pueblo can reliably yield sizable fish.

Trout fishing is at its finest in Colorado, where you can cast while relaxing amid vast plains, or in the midst of mountains. Colorado’s diverse trout populous includes: rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, lake, splake, tiger, cutbow, grayling and the rarely seen golden trout! Carter Lake is a well liked, varied trout locale. Saint Mary’s Lake is one of few tiger trout locations. Also try the Blue Mesa Reservoir, where the state record lake trout was caught (also home of the state record kokanee salmon). One could say that the trout never stop biting in Colorado!

Though Colorado has fewer salmon when compared to its trout and bass offerings, they are great to fish for here. This state has so many miles of stream it would be almost be a shame not to fish for the vigorous salmon. The South Platte River is known for great kokanee salmon fishing, especially the section called the Dream Stream. For an adventurous expedition book a Colorado fishing trip during a salmon run.

In addition to walleye, perch, carp, and sauger, Colorado also features both wild saugeye and it stocks them in its waters. The saugeye is a hybrid of sauger and walleye. Both its parent species can be caught where saugeye are found – in places like the Douglas and Prewitt Reservoirs.

Ice fishing is not only a great way to get outdoors during the winter, but to many it is a tradition. Colorado has excellent ice fishing options from its many large lakes and reservoirs. Chambers Lake is a good winter trout fishing location, known mostly for lake, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, but also the occasional kokanee salmon. The Harvey Gap Reservoir is a great place for rainbow trout and perch fishing. Try the Chatfield Reservoir for winter walleye and rainbow trout.

The first weekend in June is a free fishing weekend with no licensing required. Anyone over sixteen needs a license to fish in Colorado. To buy a license in Colorado you can visit an agency, call a toll free number, or go online and apply for a license that will be mailed to you. One day licenses, annual licenses, and additional single day licenses are available for everyone, with five day only for non-residents. Lifetime and gift licenses can also be purchased, though only in person.

Residency is proven by having lived in Colorado for six months before buying a license, or having had a state driver’s license issued at least six months ago also qualifies. Military personnel are considered residents for the purposes of licensure if they are permanently stationed in Colorado. Residents returning from duty who qualify for the Safe Harbor Program may be give a free license.

For a truly wild time away from the modern hustle and bustle, visit Colorado!

Whenever you head out fishing to a new place, it's always best to speak to local anglers. Use fishing forums to ask questions and learn about the most accurate and up to date conditions.