Places to go fishing in Colorado
Fishing in Colorado is nothing short of majestic. With over 35 different species of warm-water and cold-water fish calling Colorado home, any freshwater angler can find what their heart desires to catch. Colorado has so many areas to fish within it’s 6,000 miles of creeks, rivers, and streams. Colorado also has more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs to fish in. It’s no wonder so many anglers make fishing in Colorado a top priority to fish every year.
Many anglers head into the Rocky Mountain area in hopes of landing at least one of the famed trophy-sized Rainbow Trout. However, this area is also know for the high quality of Walleye in any of the reservoirs in the beautiful sunny plains.
For a list of licenses, fees and where to buy, see our Colorado Fishing License page.
The locations below are listed alphabetically and just a sampling of the many places to go fishing and some of the species you can catch in Colorado.
Places To Go Fishing In Colorado
Animus River: The Animus River is 126 miles long and part of the Colorado River system and is one of the last free-flowing rivers in Colorado. Cutthroat, rainbows, and browns are the main trout species and are about 12″ – 16″ on average. But, 18″ – 20″ fish are very common too and the 7 – 10 pound fish are lurking.
Popular Species To Catch: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutbow, Snake River Cutthroat
Beaver Creek Reservoir: This is a 114-acre reservoir. It has good quality fishing. Beaver Creek Reservoir is home to several types of local fish including Kokanee salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout and is regularly stocked.
Popular Species To Catch: Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout
Blue Mesa Reservoir: This is Colorado’s largest reservoir/lake at about 29 miles long. The fishing is superb and stocked with millions of fish each year. It is the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the US.
Popular Species To Catch: Yellow Perch, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Lake Trout
Boulder Reservoir: This is a 700-acre body of water managed by the city of Boulder. It is regularly stocked with black crappie, saugeye, rainbow trout, and channel catfish and can be fished year-round (and ice-fishing when conditions permit).
Popular Species To Catch: Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish
Gunnison River: The Gunnison River is a year-round fishery located in southwestern Colorado. It is home to some of the largest rainbow and brown trout in the country. Kokanee salmon have been caught on occasion as well. The upper section of the river has been designated as both wild trout water and gold medal water.
Popular Species To Catch: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Sanchez Reservoir: This reservoir is about 1,462 acres and is a very popular fishing destination in San Luis. It boasts some of the best cool water lake fishing in the state.
Popular Species To Catch: Channel Catfish, Carp, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike
Aside from the locations above, you can also visit the Colorado Fishing Atlas to find the perfect spot(s) for you.
To see the full list of Colorado fishing licenses and prices, please visit our Colorado Fishing License page.
Many more locations to come. If you have any favorite spots or bodies of water that you think should definitely be on this page, please send us a note.
Also, if you are a private club or guide service that would like to be featured on any “Places To Fish” page, or other page within the StartFishingToday™ website, let us know.
Please contact us at startfishingtodayusa@gmail.com.
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