For the outdoors enthusiast, there’s no place quite like Colorado. The seemingly endless mountain ranges offer breathtaking views and provide nearly every opportunity to be one with nature. Beyond its beauty, Colorado has numerous premier fishing opportunities, with over 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs spread across the state.
Colorado is widely known as a hotspot for trout fishing. And among the state’s 19 fish hatcheries and extensive list of well-stocked bodies of water, anglers can fish for over 35 species.
Anglers of all kinds and levels can revel in Colorado’s diverse fishing opportunities. From regular rod-and-reel baiting to fly fishing, there’s truly something for everyone. Discover some of the best lakes, rivers, and state parks to visit for the fishing experience of a lifetime.
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Best Large Lakes for Boat Fishing
Dillon Reservoir
Summit County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 70 miles
- Best time to fish: Mid-May to early July
- Fish species: Arctic Char, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Cutthroat Anglers, Silver Flask Fishing
With 26 miles of shoreline and boating access, you will find ample opportunities to get your next great catch on Lake Dillon. Nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains, the 3,233-acre reservoir has been a key spot for trout fishing for over half a century. Lake Dillon is also one of the few bodies of water in the U.S. to catch the Arctic Char, a cold-water fish native to Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. If you want to take your boat out or need to find a rental, Dillon Marina offers access to the reservoir, as well as bountiful recreational opportunities. The marina is open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Grand Lake
Grand County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 115 miles
- Best time to fish: Early summer
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
- Tackle shops nearby: Kirks Fly Shop Grand Lake
Grand Lake is the largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado, so it’s easy to say that it’s a top choice for anyone looking to spend a day out on open waters. The lake measures over 500 surface acres and is the hallmark of the town of its namesake. Grand Lake offers endless thrills, whether you’re with the family or solo. Once you’ve made your catch of the day, you can explore the numerous trails at the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park or check out one of the town’s 19 delicious restaurants.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Gunnison County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 220 miles
- Best time to fish: April-June
- Fish species: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods, Berfield’s Stage Shop
The Blue Mesa Reservoir, situated in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, provides numerous fishing and recreational opportunities. The reservoir is the largest in Colorado, stretching 29 miles long — making it a dream location for boaters. It’s also abundantly stocked with the highly sought-after Kokanee Salmon, thanks to hatchery maintenance by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The reservoir is open year-round, with each season offering different opportunities depending on the experience you’re looking for.
Best Fly Fishing Spots in Colorado
Frying Pan River
Basalt, CO
- Distance from Denver: 185 miles
- Best time to fish: June-August
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Frying Pan Anglers, Taylor Creek Fly Shops
If you’re looking for a thrill, cast your fly no further than Frying Pan. The Frying Pan River, just east of Basalt, is a tributary to the Roaring Fork River and runs 42 miles through the White River National Forest. A 14-mile stretch from below the Ruedi Reservoir to the Roaring Fork is designated Gold Medal Waters, meaning it consistently produces a large number of quality trout. Fly fishing is available year-round, with each season offering something different. The summer months are the prime time for dry fly fishing.
Gunnison River
Gunnison County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 258 miles
- Best time to fish: Mid-June-July
- Fish species: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Colorado Cutthroat Trout, Lake Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Speckled Dace, Yellow Perch
- Tackle shops nearby: Gunnison Fly Fishing Outfitters, Gunnison River Fly Shop
One of the many tributaries of the Colorado River, the Gunnison spans 180 miles and is known for its Gold Medal and Wild Trout Water fishing. Only artificial flies and lures may be used to fish these waters, but there’s a good chance you’ll leave with a story to tell after catching one of the trophy-size trout. The river flows through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, so you’ll have views aplenty. Make sure to check the fishing guidelines before setting out for the day.
Blue River
Summit County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 84 miles
- Best time to fish: Midsummer
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Breckenridge Outfitters, Mountain Angler
Another tributary of the Colorado River, if you can believe it, is the Blue River. This river is about 65 miles long and is lined with gorgeous cottonwood and pine trees. It’s broken into sections that offer varying fishing experiences year-round: the Upper Blue, the tailwater below Dillon Reservoir, and the Middle and Lower Blue. The tailwater section spans 34 miles and is designated Gold Medal Waters. Coming here will ensure you experience some of the best fly fishing in Colorado.
Conejos River
Conejos County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 260 miles
- Best time to fish: Summer
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Conejos River Anglers
With easy access along over 60 miles of its course, the Conejos River is a top spot for flyfishers. The Conejos is a tributary of the Rio Grande and is about 93 miles long. You’ll be sure to get your hands on a beautiful trout in this well-stocked river. While making the journey to your designated fishing spot, you’ll likely encounter cascading waterfalls and colorful wildflowers.
Best Spots for Ice Fishing in Colorado
Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir
Lake George, CO
- Distance from Denver: 125 miles
- Best time to fish: December-early March
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout; Kokanee Salmon, Northern Pike, Carp, Rainbow Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Eleven Mile General Store, Tumbling Trout Outfitters
The Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir measures six miles long and sits at 135 feet above the South Platte riverbed — and has been there for nearly 100 years. This body of water, located in Eleven Mile Canyon State Park, is considered by anglers to be a prime location for ice fishing, with ice typically forming around December. If you want to try your hand at ice fishing, you can even book a guided trip with Ice Fish Colorado. To fish at Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir, you can purchase a daily vehicle pass for $10 or an individual pass for $4 at a state park kiosk, the park’s office, or online.
Twin Lakes Reservoir
Lake County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 117 miles
- Best time to fish: December-early March
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Twin Lakes General Store
The Twin Lakes Reservoir is a pair of alpine lakes situated against the backdrop of Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the state, which stands at over 14,000 feet. By taking an ice fishing trip to the Twin Lakes, you can catch trophy-size trout while admiring the snowy-topped mountains. If you like some competitive edge when fishing, visit in February and enter the Twin Lakes Ice Fishing Derby hosted by the Leadville Rod and Gun Club.
Trinidad Lake
Trinidad, CO
- Distance from Denver: 203 miles
- Best time to fish: December-late February
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Bluegill, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow trout, Walleye, Wiper
- Tackle shops nearby: Big R Stores, Fishers Peak Outfitters
Located in Trinidad Lake State Park, this 800-acre lake boasts a diverse community of fish and offers a serene escape for anglers. The park is situated near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and features 73 campsites, so you can spend a few days exploring and fishing while enjoying the striking sight of snowy peaks and wildlife. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can purchase a daily vehicle pass for $10 or an individual pass for $4 at a state park kiosk, the park’s office, or online.
Best Parks for Fishing with the Family
St. Vrain State Park
Firestone, CO
- Distance from Denver: 33 miles
- Best time to fish: Fall/Spring
- Fish species: Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Reader Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch
- Tackle shops nearby: Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop
Just an hour outside Denver lies St. Vrain State Park, a nature lover’s safe haven. Along 689 acres of land, the park boasts 87 campsites and 14 picnic sites. The park is situated adjacent to the Blue Mesa Reservoir and features 11 ponds of its own, spanning 228 acres of water. At St. Vrain State Park, you’re sure to have a memorable yet peaceful getaway. Head out to the water for fishing or swimming, watch for birds and the diverse range of wildlife, have a picnic with the family, or explore the park’s seven miles of trails. The park’s hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can purchase a daily vehicle pass for $10 or an individual pass for $4 at a state park kiosk, the park’s office, or online.
Yampa River State Park
Hayden, CO
- Distance from Denver: 184 miles
- Best time to fish: Summer/Fall
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
- Tackle shops nearby: Steamboat Flyfisher, Straightline Outdoor Sports
Divided into 13 different river sections, Yampa River State Park truly offers something for everyone. Across the entire park, visitors can access both cold-water and warm-water fishing, observe wildlife on nature trails, camp at one of its 60 campsites, or brave the waters with whitewater rafting. If you’re looking to fish, the river offers 20 miles of float-fishing and a few access points for walk-wade fishing. The park’s hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can purchase a daily vehicle pass for $10 or an individual pass for $4 at a state park kiosk, the park’s office, or online.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Larimer County, CO; Grand County, CO; Boulder County, CO
- Distance from Denver: 70 miles
- Best time to fish: June-October
- Fish species: Brown Trout, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, Colorado Speckled Dace, Eastern Brook Trout, Greenback Cutthroat Trout, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Sucker, Rainbow Trout, Western Longnose Sucker, Western White Sucker, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
- Tackle shops nearby: Scots Sporting Goods, Kirks Flyshop, Estes Angler
You could spend weeks at Rocky Mountain National Park and still leave wanting more. This 415-mile park is one of Colorado’s top attractions and encompasses majestic mountains, meadows, over 300 miles of hiking trails, and 147 lakes. The park tends to get busy, so make sure to plan your trip wisely. Standard entrance passes range from $15-$35, with prices depending on your mode of entry (vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot). Annual passes may also be purchased for $70. Passes can be purchased at park entrance stations or online. To learn more about entry at Rocky Mountain National Park, visit the park’s website.
Reel By the Rules: How to Buy a Fishing License in Colorado
If you’re over 16, you typically need a fishing license to fish in Colorado, with the exception of free fishing days.
It’s important that you know the difference between fishing licenses in order to understand their pricing. Annual licenses are the most popular and come in a few different types, depending on your age and residency:
- Resident Annual License: This license is for Colorado residents over age 18.
- Resident Youth Annual License: This license is for Colorado residents ages 16 or 17.
- Resident Senior Annual License: This license is for Colorado residents ages 64 and up.
- Nonresident Annual License: This license is for anglers ages 16 and up who do not reside in Colorado.
Annual fishing licenses go on sale March 1 every year and are valid through March 13. Daily fishing licenses are also available for purchase. In order to purchase a fishing license, you need:
- Government-issued identification
- Proof of residency
- Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Number
All anglers must also purchase a Habitat Stamp with their license. If you’re wondering where to buy a fishing license, there are a few ways: online at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, over the phone, or in person at a retail location.