So, you have a really good chance of being able to fish alone. Trout fishing in Colorado is fun to do, but you can only get a great catch if you time your trip right! Third, you can purchase one in person at their department offices or at any license vendor across the state. Read more, Carolina Rig Fishing: How to Rig and Fish. Fishing … South Platte River. One of the most popular places to fish in Colorado is Gore Creek, unfortunately, this does mean it can receive a lot of traffic during busy periods. It starts up in the mountains, and it eventually combines with Eagle River. The Gunnison River offers several public access points for wading, though fishing from drift boats when the waters are high is preferable. 1. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Kentucky. The largest of the char family, lake trout, also referred to as Mackinaw, … Rainbow trout. As a result, fly anglers often have success when fishing them. However, a lot of the pros have caught their personal bests at this river, and your chances of doing the same are fairly high. One-day licenses cost $13.75 for residents and $16.75 for non-residents. If you are looking for the best locations for trout fishing in Colorado, you’ve come to the right place. According to AllAbou Fishing.com, Twin Lakes, Williams Fork Reservoir, Stagecoach Reservoir, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, Lake Granby, Carter Lake, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Adobe Creek … It’s one of the most well-managed rivers in the country. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Washington. Access is year round and this river is perfect for fly fishermen, no matter their skill level. The lakes in Colorado are rarely fished with a fly. Other activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting and top attractions in Durango, including riding the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Dream Stream is a trout fishing spot that is maintained by Colorado’s wildlife authorities. Nonresidents can also purchase a -day license for $31.75. They frequently collect eggs from mature trout in the lake, and they won’t allow you interrupt their duties. 14 Best Places to Fly Fish in Colorado: MAPS INCLUDED. Second, you can buy one over the phone from the department as well. For more info on fly fishing Colorado lakes and choosing the best stillwater fly patterns, visit the Vail Valley Anglers fly shop in Edwards, Colorado… While the browns are somewhat tricky to catch, you’ll find lots of rainbows that are frequently biting, along with cutthroat and brook trout. Types of Tents: 17 Popular Tent Styles for Camping & Backpacking, Best Camping in Arizona – Top 50 Spots (Free & Paid), Ice Fishing in Indiana (IN) – Top Spots with Map, Ice Fishing Near Me – Top Ice Fishing Spots in the USA, Ice Fishing in Vermont (VT) – Top Spots with Map, Ice Fishing in Pennsylvania (PA) – Top Spots with Map, Ice Fishing in North Dakota (ND) – Top Spots with Map, National Parks Near Los Angeles (Map, Distances, Driving Time), Trout Fishing Tips: Beginners Guide to Trout Fishing, Best Trout Fishing Locations in California, Top Locations for Trout Fishing in Colorado (CO), How Much Is a Fishing License in Colorado, Where to Buy a Fishing License in Colorado, Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Washington, https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/FishingSeasonDatesFees.aspx, Trout Fishing in Arkansas (AR) – Top Spots with Map. That’s not all, though. Best Trout Fishing In Estes Park. Most of the fish in the river are in the 10- to 15-inch range, but the potential for a monster is real. So, you won’t have to try very hard to bring in a massive trout. They are big trout that are doing well in the river. An hour outside of Colorado Springs near Woodland Park, the Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area offers lake, pond, river, and winter ice fishing. Huge trout in the ten-pound range are not out of the question. Frying Pan River is a river than all experienced fishermen know about. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Arizona. This lake is a key part of Colorado’s trout fishing scene. There aren’t any trees or other natural obstacles that can mess up your casting attempts, either. Frying Pan River, Basalt. North Delaney Butte Lake. However, you have to be experienced to fish there. The Gunny, as it is known locally, has a reputation among Colorado natives as the scene of some of the best river and lake fishing to be found anywhere and one of the state’s best kept secrets. Gunnison River is a great spot if you want to catch rainbow trout and brown trout. This means no matter what time of year, you have the potential to catch some truly giant trout. At the crossroads of the Black Canyon National Park and Curecanti National Area, you’ll find rivers, lakes, and Colorado’s biggest lake … The rainbow trout are almost all over ten-pounds. How Do You Stay Warm in a Tent When Camping? The entire state is a fly fisherman’s dream. It’s not the place to visit if you want a peaceful day of fishing all to yourself. Try to stick to the more rapid areas of the river, and you’ll bring in tons of large trout. 5. The Gunnison River is one of my favorite rivers to fish, in part because it is year round fishing and the fish are plentiful. 3. The Roaring Fork is a famous river and in just one trip here you will see why. North Delaney Butte Lake. One of the top lake trout fishing tips is knowing the best lake trout jigging lures to use. The lake is filled with so many impressive trout that it is used to stock almost every other trout fishery in the state. Frying Pan River. Directions: North Delaney Butte Lake… So, it’s a great place to bring beginners, and they can let loose with their fly rods without constantly smacking them into trees. The north lake is of particular note, which is known as one of the best trophy lakes in Colorado. If you don’t know about the Rio Grande, you probably failed every class that dealt with America’s most famous landscapes. Famous for its catch and release waters, this is the place for big rainbow trout. For anglers, Colorado mackinaws are the angler's version of big game and provide an opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime. Horsetooth Reservoir. Lakes we feature on this website are hyperlinked. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Oklahoma. One of the last free-flowing rivers in the state of Colorado, the Animas River is a unique and rare treasure. Colorado is a little pricey compared to other states, even for non-residents to the state, but it is well worth it! This is a windy river that begins in the San Juan Mountains... 2. So, you shouldn’t expect to have a lot of space between you and other fishermen. You’ll have to travel up into the mountains to reach it, but you’ll find out pretty quickly why the lake is so popular with trout fishermen. Fishing for lake trout in Colorado's high country, rod in hand jigging for giant trout! A past state-record brown trout weighing over 20 pounds was pulled from the Animas in the 1950s. Placid waters of the Rio Grande. Found between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, the Basalt area is a big vacation destination with many recreational activities, one of which is world renowned trout fishing. From sub alpine terrain down to boulder filled canyons, this river has some of the best scenery around. You’ll have to drive quite a bit in the mountains to reach it, but this mountain stream provides one of the most tranquil fishing environments in the country, and the trout are left alone long enough to reach record-breaking sizes. 4. The Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colorado. It’s been a featured fishery in lots of fishing tournaments, and Colorado’s state officials are very serious about protecting it. However, it’s only a good trout fishing spot during June and July, and you’ll have to travel to the southern point of Colorado to access it. Is Polyester Warm Enough for Cold Weather Camping & Hiking? This river can be prone to seasonal and weather fluctuations because of its long and varying elevations and terrain, so it is important to make sure where you want to fish is open and accessible. this link to the state’s official set of regulations. The river is filled with large trout, but it’s also one of the most famous rivers in Colorado. You might not be able to reach the best spot for trout without a kayak, but your efforts won’t be wasted. 1. While it can be a little difficult to fish in some sections without a boat, this is the number one spot in Colorado for catching that fish of a lifetime! The river has many long runs and deep pools, and aquatic insects are to be found just about everywhere. Grand Lake. Upper Arkansas River, Leadville. The trout are plentiful, and the fishing spots feel like remote wilderness locations. This is probably the easiest and most convenient. The summer is also a great time to target trout, but you’ll have to fish earlier in the day. The event is usually held on the second and third of June, but it’s different some years. Annual fishing … 2. Colorado’s cold rivers and lakes makes it a prime spot for fly fishermen. The short term licenses are most often going to be ideal for visitors to the state, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Northwest Colorado also has fantastic trout fishing. Crater Lake. Here are the different trout species that you can expect to catch in Colorado: If you aren’t younger than 16, you’ll have to fork out the money for a fishing license. If you’re looking for a more intimate fishing location with large fish, you’ll want to go to Gore Creek. The Upper Arkansas River is located near the small town of Leadville, which is the country’s highest elevation city at over 10,000 feet above sea level. First, you can purchase one online from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department. With more than 250,000 acres of wilderness, 124 named peaks and 147 lakes, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park offers endless outdoor activities including hiking, camping, climbing, elk hunting and, of course, trout fishing… At almost 80 miles in length, there is plenty of water to fish and places to go to get away from the crowds. There are so many different ranges of opportunities that it would be impossible to list them all, but there is something for every angler no matter the time of year or preferences. What Are the Types of Backpacks for Hiking, Backpacking & Travel? You’ll be rewarded with some of the state’s biggest trout, and the area is rarely fished by other fishermen. You can fish alpine lakes as well as large reservoirs. 16 Best Lakes in Colorado. The Dream Stream is a trout fishing spot that is maintained by Colorado’s wildlife authorities. Free Fishing Day is an annual event that allows Colorado residents to fish without a license. It’s stocked well, and it’s very easy to access. The early spring is the best time for you to target trout in Colorado. There is a nice variety for widely skilled anglers. Gore Creek … They tend to stop biting around noon. The entire river is made out of extremely harsh rapids, and weaker trout can’t survive in it. Twin Lakes. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Animas River. Roaring Fork River is the spot you want to go to if you want to break a world record. 4. See also: Best Trout Fishing Locations in California. Williams Fork Reservoir. If driving up a dangerous mountain isn’t your idea of a good time, you can purchase a permit to hike through Black Canyon. 3. Roaring Fork River, Aspen. Credit: michaelwm25 via … Besides some of the high alpine lakes and rivers that get snowed in, most of Colorado’s trout fisheries stay open year round to fishing. Whether you are looking for whitewater rafting, kayaking, scenic views, or the fishing trip of a lifetime, the Frying Pan River is a great option. Water levels on the Arkansas River are too low to head out on a raft at this time of year, but luckily enough there’s some great trout fishing … Top Places to Fish in Colorado. Rio Grande River. The best fishing on the Green River is in the early spring when the crowds … Libraries and other public centers usually have information about Free Fishing Day a month before it takes place. Best lakes and rivers for fishing in Colorado 1. Canoe vs Kayak: How to Choose Between Kayak & Canoe. Animas River, Durango. It is home to some large rainbow and brown trout, and next to some of Colorado’s other trout rivers, is one of the best in the country. The river’s best trout population lives near the northern gate, and you have to use a kayak if you plan on fishing there. 4. So, make sure to check with your local authorities before assuming you’re allowed to fish for free on the second and third. For example, the Front Range tends to have excellent trout fishing. ), Fly Fishing Chest Packs: Reviews of 3 of the Best. Luckily, they’re not expensive, and you don’t need any other licenses like you do in other states. The Rio Grande is a narrow river that flows down from Colorado and eventually pours into the Gulf of Mexico. But, if it’s prize-winning … There a few different options for buying a fishing license in Colorado. 3. Colorado is home to over 6,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers, as well as over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. Trout Fishing in Colorado (CO) – Top Spots with Map. If you know of a good fly fishing spot in Colorado that you believe belongs on this list, please contact me at [email protected] and let me know. For more information on Colorado’s trout fisheries, the best resource is Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website at https://cpw.state.co.us/. Here are just a few to get you started! Reservoirs in the plains are renowned for walleye. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Tennessee. Colorado is the place to go for big trout, but first, you will need a fishing license. If you love to fish from a kayak, you’ll fall in love with North Platte River. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. Annual fishing licenses cost $34.75 for residents and $96.75 for non-residents. The Roaring Fork River begins high above Aspen before making its way down and meeting the Colorado River, and is considered one of the best trout fisheries in the nation. The long tailwater grows some large fish, and the Animas has a reputation for large trout. 1. The water is shallow enough for you to comfortably wade in it, and it’s clear. For a more detailed list of all of the fishing licenses available, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website at https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/FishingSeasonDatesFees.aspx. Anglers travel to this section of the river from all over the world for a chance to fight one of these big fish. It’s probably the most famous trout … The variety of landscape from high mountain to low desert is great for the fish that live here, and the brown and rainbow trout are very plentiful throughout all stretches of the river. Home Fly Fishing Tips “Simplifly” Your Boxes: Top 20 Colorado Trout Patterns By Jay December 5, 2018 Fly Fishing Tips Guide Tom Caprio shares his top 20 must have flies for fishing Colorado… However, you’ll also have to worry about Colorado’s wildlife authorities. The South Platte begins in Denver and flows out toward the northeastern part of the state. Here are the best places to trout fish in the Colorado Rockies this fall. Fishing Skillz is reader-supported. Some anglers argue that it has the best trout fishing in the whole country, especially the tailwater directly below Flaming Gorge Dam. Located in the same general area as the Frying Pan, this area is a trout fisherman’s paradise. As with many states, there are some special regulations for certain waters, and it is always smart to consult the state’s rules and regulations before fishing anywhere. You’re likely to catch a variety of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout in The Dream Stream, but you’ll likely have to deal with a lot of other fishermen, too. Broken into many different sections that specialize in something different, the Gold Medal section consistently produces 10 plus pound rainbows and also hosts giant brown, brook, and cutthroat trout. This, in turn, produces some giant trophy fish, while the upper part is a winding mountain stream that is famous for its impressive views. Colorado river fishing estes park fishing estes park best colorado winter fly fishing ners fly fishing in estes park fly fishing dream lake rocky mountain. Colorado has some of the best trout fishing locations in the world. The Animas is home to rainbows and browns. This is during the spring to the summer season, so be sure to watch out for that with excellent fishing … Best Lake Trout Lures. So, when you ask the question, “where’s the best places to fish for trout?” You’re likely to get a wide range of answers. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is also a tremendous resource for a variety of information, from stocking and fishing reports to upcoming tournaments. It’ll also be more difficult for you to control your flies. There aren’t any trees or other natural … This state has more rivers, streams, and high country lakes than almost any other, and they are all filled to the brim with trout. From gorgeous scenic views and bright blue skies, every angler owes it to themselves to come experience Colorado fishing at least once in their lives. Lake Granby. I can’t list every regulation in this article, but I can provide you with this link to the state’s official set of regulations. Gore Creek. Found between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, the Basalt area is a big vacation destination with many recreational ... 2. Just like most fish species, trout are more likely to come out as the weather and water warmth. See also: Trout Fishing in North Carolina (NC). Grand Lake. South Platte River. Best Fly Fishing Lakes in Colorado. It’s shallow enough for wading to be a viable strategy, and it’s accented by some of the most beautiful scenery that Colorado has to offer. 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