However, some of the more fishable portions of the lake are better accessible by hiking even though the state lake is a popular boating location. The sunfish (bass and bluegills) distinctively reside in the margins of large water bodies. However, due to its river canyon location, to get to the best fishing spots, you will need to either rent a boat or go out in a group. The newest addition to Colorado’s Gold Medal rivers is a section of the Upper Colorado, between Canyon Creek and Rock Creek. These baits are best used early morning, late afternoon, and at night when the light is low and the lure is easily visible to the bass. The state of Colorado does not share the fishing license with other states. However, if you’re looking for the best of the best, we’ve got you covered. If you are heading more west then you can also catch Wiper Fish, Kokanee Salmon, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Wear Sunglasses: They’ll protect your eyes from sun exposure, make your vision comfortable, and more focused on fishing. Situated 6000 feet above the sea, this reservoir abounds in trout, smallmouth, largemouth, pike, and walleye. Trust us, no amount of sunscreen will stop your skin from burning. But, if it’s prize-winning big fish you are after, this is the place to be. This serene natural surrounding should ensure that the Arkansas River tops the list for any angler looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. A close-fitted thermal, thick upper, and a waterproof insulated jacket will protect your upper body from freezing. Sunglasses also serve to protect your eyes from injury by the many fishing hooks around you. The spring spawn timing is affected due to the generally colder six and a half-mile long reservoir that lies to the west of Fort Collins. Surrounded by stunning forests and mountainside there are definitely worse lakes to spend your time on. Colorado is situated at a higher altitude. Pueblo Reservoir is home to abundant largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, walleye, and trout that can be gamed all year round. The different types of blades in the market, Indiana blade, Colorado blade, Willow blade, will affect the traveling speed of the bait. Also, there is a special accessible portion for fishers with handicaps. Anglers primarily use boats to fish at this lake, with a boat ramp for easy access. 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! All of which are permitted across all lakes. If you don’t mind crowds and are on the lookout for larger gamefish, you would do well to visit the tailwaters below the dam. Most people prefer arkie jigs. Use our resources to find all of the information you need to make your day on the water in Colorado a success. The Colorado XT Pontoon Boat is among the best on the market due to all of its great features and easy maneuverability on the water. In Colorado, a hot sunny day can turn into a chilled night with no warning. Allowing you to enjoy both a fishing and skiing trip at once. Rules for this lake are catch-and-release for browns measuring 14-inches to 20-inches and 18-inches to 22-inches for cutthroats and rainbows. No. Many of these waters feature a prolific shad-based forage. Use a thick pullover hoodie in winter. If you found this post useful, please let others know about it by sharing it. The fall is a wonderful time to fish bass at the Horsetooth Reservoir. Springtime is calmer than Summer owing to the absence of recreational sports on lake waters. Boaters must also pay attention to the boat inspection timings. Crayfish imitation bait is best used along the rocky shorelines (Plateau Creek, Beaver, and House) for Smallmouth Bass. As well as a two-trout bag limit. Northwest Colorado also has fantastic trout fishing. We offer the best selection of boats to choose from. The main fishing spots are at Big Ben, Sage Hen, Dolores, and Dry Canyon. On a float trip, you’ll be on a boat with your guide, and they will handle the navigation and rowing while providing instruction for casting and catching Colorado’s finest. Chatfield is quite close to Denver and is a recreational hotspot. Grand Lake is another very popular destination, considered the “Great Lakes of Colorado” because of the five neighboring lakes. This site is aimed at sharing what I have learned and being a resource for fellow kayakers out there. While there are many jagged spots on the eastern edge, there are majorly three coves on the southern side. You can order your license online, on phone (1-800-243-5613), or from a licensed retailer or CPW location. Fishing here is all about location though, so you must be sure to come prepared with the correct equipment, as some of the larger lake Trout can measure 16 to 18 inches. 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. We have listed the five best lakes and reservoirs to go bass fishing in Colorado. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife department needs the following details: The following are some facts you must know: Completing these steps will make you a permitted fisherman in Colorado. Home » Fishing » Bass Fishing Colorado – The Best Spots in the State. If you are fishing through a tough day on the water, be prepared in keeping your body warm. Decorated by river canyons, snow-capped Rockies, bone-dry desert, and splendid waterbodies, Colorado is home to a ballet of outdoor adventure and thrill. Most lakes put up ice-rescue stations for this season. Jig heads work best at different depths. Run crayfish baits and flies for those ten to fourteen-inch bronzeback smallies. High Capacity Personal Pontoon. 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). Boats and kayaks are allowed on the lake as long as they are not gas charged. If you do choose to go the boat route though, it can only be used on the lake after it has been inspected. Boat Lakes and Rentals Boating can be found year round in places like Navajo Lake, which runs south into New Mexico for the majority of the lake. Throughout this article, I will look to pinpoint what I consider to be 10 of the best places to fish in Colorado. With camping allowed and access to a boat ramp, Chambers Lake is perfect for anglers seeking a sense of adventure. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. There is abundant smallmouth bass in Colorado. The record largemouth bass of 11 pounds and 6 ounces was caught in Colorado. Over on the east side by the steep slopes, there is a great spot for jigging. 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. If you do come to Colorado carrying a boat, be sure it adheres to all state licensing before your hull touches water. The main rule to follow here is no snagging, besides that, if you’re heading out during the summer then we would highly recommend taking advantage of the boat ramp and trolling across the lake. For this, use a few lures that work for multiple species and just one or two fishing rods. Heavy layer: Wear a waterproof and insulated outer bib and jacket. The fall is a wonderful time to fish bass at the Horsetooth Reservoir. Multiple species such as Browns, Cutthroats, Rainbows, Lakes, and Brooks can be found across the state. Visiting in the winter months? The bass jigs are used in combination with a trailer that is an imitation, like a grass pig. Many lakes including the lake Aurora, Pueblo reservoir freeze during the winter months so that you can get on to the lake and fish out trout, bass, and walleye. Having been involved in kayaking for many years, there’s not much I enjoy more than getting out on the water on the weekend. The warmer lakes do have a shorter growth time for the fish, but there still are excellent opportunities for anglers to catch bass. Towards the north side of the reservoir and close to the river and ‘Dream Stream’ area is where you should head if your aim is to catch Kokanee Salmon. An annual long-term license needs to be renewed before 31 March the following year to continue fishing. It is a ten-mile long lake with a surface area of 4470 acres and fifty miles of shoreline. Visited September 2015. The float trip is our most popular guided trip option. Another Gold Medal Lake, meaning the big photo worthy and prize-winning catches are awaiting anyone willing to make the trip. It is "close to full-feature" fishing pontoon boat that's offered at an exceptional … If you are on the hunt for some Colorado bass though, early morning and late afternoon is the suggested time for anglers to set sail. All three variants of bass are well-nourished in the vicinity of this ideal merger of food and water. Whether you are high altitude sailing at lake Dillon, Cliff Camping in Estes Park, Canyoning in Ouray, or just sitting on the banks of a lake, Colorado is perfect for fishing bass. While it may be considered tougher than other fishing techniques, fly fishing is partly mental and partly physical work and does not necessitate using a boat. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 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