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Colorado is a paradise for anglers, offering diverse fishing opportunities for fly and spin fishing in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, knowing the state’s rules, the best spots, species, and essential gear is key to a successful trip. This guide covers everything you need to know about fishing in Colorado, from license requirements to top locations and must-have equipment for a memorable experience on the water. Let’s dive in so you can get outdoors and cast your line.
Do I Need a Fishing License in Colorado?
Anglers 16 and older must have a valid license to fish in Colorado. The same rule applies to residents and non-residents, although the available options and fees may vary.
What Kind of Fish Can You Catch in Colorado?
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists 56 species of fish. There are native and non-native fish; some are too small, and some are endangered, but many large fish are still available to catch. The following are the most commonly fished species:
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
The Rainbow is not a native trout; it was introduced to the state in the 1880’s. You can identify it by the reddish stripe that runs down its side and by the black spots covering most of its body except the belly. In 2003, a 19 lbs, 10 oz Rainbow was caught in Morrow Point Reservoir.
Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis)
The Brook or “Brookie” is from the eastern USA but was introduced in 1872. It’s a highly prolific fish that outcompetes most others with its high reproductive rate and fall spawning. They can be identified by their overall dark body with red and white spots within bluish circles. Their pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are typically orange with black and white edges.
Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta)
The Brown Trout is native to Europe and Western Asia and was introduced to the state in 1890. You can identify it by its overall brownish color, black spots, and reddish orange spots inside light blue circles. These fish can get huge! The largest was caught in 1988 at Roaring Judy Ponds, weighing 30 lbs, 8 oz.
Lake Trout (Salvelinus Namaycush)
The Lake or Mackinaw was introduced in 1890 and is the largest trout in the state. The record fish, 50.3 lbs, was caught in 2007 at Blue Mesa Reservoir. They’re native to Canada, Alaska, and the Great Lakes and can be identified by the irregular white spots on their dark bodies and deeply indented tail fins. They’re primarily found in deeper waters but will feed in shallower waters during spring and fall.
Kokanee Salmon (Oncorhynchus Nerka)
While native to western North America, the Kokanee was introduced and is still stocked in some waters. They’re small landlocked salmon with bluish-green bodies with shiny silver sides, and the males have no spots. In the fall, the females turn red, grey, and white, and the males change to deep red with a hooked mouth and arched back as they prepare to spawn.
Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus Clarki)
The Cutthroat is Colorado’s state fish and the only native trout. It can be identified by its crimson-red slash on either side of the throat, below the lower jaw, which gives it its common name. Most cutthroats are no longer found in their original range due to overfishing, habitat loss, and competition from Rainbows, Brookies, and other non-native fish. Four subspecies are found in the state: the threatened Greenback, the Rio Grande, the Colorado River, and the non-native Snake River.
Bass (Micropterus salmoides/dolomieu)
While Colorado is more popular for catching trout, you can also catch bass here. Both large and smallmouth bass have been stocked in various lakes and reservoirs. Smallmouth bass have jaws that do not extend beyond the eye, have broken vertical lines on their sides, and many have a reddish eye. Largemouth bass can be identified by jaws extending past the eye and their horizontal stripes rather than vertical lines on their body.
Where Are the Best Fishing Spots in Colorado?
Looking for some of the best places to drop a line? Try these popular destinations:
Colorado River
The famous Colorado River is a popular spot for anglers in the upper river, from Rocky Mountain National Park near Grand Lake downstream to the town of Rifle. It’s especially popular with fly fishermen who can wade in and enjoy exceptional opportunities for dry fly fishing. For those who want to float fish, the section near Kremmling is perfect since the river is large enough here. The Gore Canyon section is also popular with anglers for its mix of whitewater, riffles, and deep holes to keep things interesting.
When you head out, bring along a small solar generator to keep your devices charged. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W offers 245Wh of capacity and can be quickly recharged with its compact and lightweight 45W portable solar panel so that you can stay out fishing for days.
Gunnison River
The Gunnison River is popular for its excellent fly fishing with nymphs, streamers, and dry flies, as well as spin fishing with spinners, spoons, and jigs. Float fishing is also popular here, offering access to some of the more remote sections. There are plenty of large brown and rainbow trout throughout.
The Black Canyon section is especially popular for its large trout, whitewater, and spectacular scenery. The Lower Gunnison offers a 39-mile stretch of Gold Medal water from the Blue Mesa Reservoir to the Delta. For those looking for different species and colossal trout, the 18-mile Upper Gunnison Basin between Taylor Park Reservoir and Blue Mesa Reservoir is another popular destination.
South Platte River
The South Platte River is known as a fly fishing heaven, with dry flies and nymphs being the most popular options. Spin anglers using small lures and spinners also enjoy this river and its reservoirs. The most popular section is the Dream Stream section between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, which is known for having impressive populations of trophy-sized brown trout, rainbow trout, and even some native cutthroat trout.
The Cheesman Canyon and Deckers are also popular areas easily accessible from the greater Denver metro area. Spin anglers can also enjoy success using small lures and spinners in this scenic river and in its numerous reservoirs that make up the watershed.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is especially popular for fly fishermen who enjoy high alpine lakes and streams, catching Brookies, Browns, and the infamous Greenback cutthroat, the state fish of Colorado, which was once thought to be eradicated in the park but is actually very prolific in some areas.
Although the fish here are not the largest, the fantastic alpine scenery and various opportunities, including the Upper Big Thompson River, Upper Colorado River, Cache La Poudre River, and numerous creeks and alpine lakes, make it a popular summer destination.
Fryingpan River
The Fryingpan River is famous for catching trophy-sized Brown and Rainbow trout in the Gold Medal Waters below Ruedi Reservoir from the dam to where it meets the Roaring Fork River. You can also fish upstream of the reservoir, where the trout are smaller than those downstream but still abundant. The area offers a variety of conditions, including vegetation-lined banks, pocket pools, and numerous pull-outs where you can easily stop and cast a line.
While fly fishing is the most popular here using dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers or Mysis Shrimp below the dam, spin anglers can also use small spinners and spoons in any stretch of the river.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
The Eleven Mile Reservoir is perfect for those who prefer to fish from a boat by trolling lures in deep waters or fly fishing in the mudflats or dropoffs using mayflies, chironomids, leeches, and baitfish. If you don’t have a boat, you can try a cast and retrieve approach from shore or using a float. The Eleven Mile Reservoir is part of the greater South Platte River drainage and makes up the bottom side of the infamous Dream Stream.
What Do I Need for a Colorado Fishing Trip?
- Colorado fishing license.
- Layered clothing with warm outer layers for variable mountain weather.
- Sunscreen and hat.
- Polarized sunglasses so you can see beneath the glare of the water.
- Fishing rod and reel.
- Bait or lures are used according to which type of fishing you are doing, e.g., fly fishing, trout, bass, etc.
- Solar generator to keep devices charged and run lights in the early morning or evening as you arrive or leave. The perfect-size generator is compact, lightweight, and easy to pack in and out of the fishing hole. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 has 245Wh capacity and is super lightweight, easily fitting in a backpack—it’s one of the best solar generators for fishing.
- Need more power, or going on a multi-day trip? The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel has 512Wh of capacity, and you can quickly recharge it with its compact and super efficient 160W portable solar panel.
- A portable refrigerator to keep your fish at food-safe temperatures no matter the weather. The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator is the size of a standard cooler, lasts up to 40 hours wirelessly on a charge, has a fridge and freezer section, and even has a built-in icemaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Colorado has excellent fishing. With over 100,000 miles of rivers and over 4,000 lakes and reservoirs, as well as a wide variety of fish species to catch, there are plenty of great opportunities to cast a line.
Even though summer is popular in Colorado, spring and fall are the best for fishing. Spring offers low water levels that concentrate trout in deeper pockets, and CPW typically begins stocking fish in March. Fall offers quieter conditions with fewer people and often hungry fish as the season winds down.
Yes, fish is generally considered safe to eat in Colorado. Mercury is the most common contaminant, with larger, older fish containing more as the element builds up in their tissues over time. Still, levels are quite low in most areas, and eating them is perfectly safe.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in Colorado offers ample opportunities to reel in impressive catches, from Rainbow Trout to Kokanee Salmon. By understanding the license requirements, exploring top spots, and packing essential gear like layered clothing, polarized sunglasses, and a portable refrigerator, you’ll be well-prepared for your adventure. For extended trips, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel ensures you stay powered up and ready for anything. Proper preparation can make your Colorado fishing trip relaxing and rewarding. Now, get out there and catch your next big one!