Fishing Chatfield Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Chatfield Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
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Chatfield Reservoir, CO

Popular Fish Species Chatfield Reservoir, CO

Chatfield Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Chatfield Reservoir is on the rise. Catching rainbow trout here often involves using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, and crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Chatfield Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a healthy population of sizeable walleye are now thriving in the waters of Chatfield Reservoir this year. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate on flats and ledges off the river channels. The best results for catching walleye here is most often by trolling, however casting live bait, jigs, worms, spoons and deep-diving crankbaits also work well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish prior to icing over.

Chatfield Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Chatfield Reservoir, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Other bass to be caught here include largemouth bass and spotted bass. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Chatfield Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill and yellow perch at Chatfield Reservoir in Colorado.

With 1,500 surface acres, Chatfield Reservoir is an ideal location for boating and fishing just outside Denver. There are over 25 miles of shoreline to fish from boats or from the bank. Hiking paths around the lake provide accessibility to sections of the lake for fishing from the bank. Chatfield Reservoir is home to trout, walleye, bass, catfish, and crappie. Check out fishing reports for popular species at Chatfield Reservoir.

Fish Species in Chatfield Reservoir, CO

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Chatfield Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rentals: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Concessions: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Chatfield Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
303 791-5555

Marinas

Chatfield Marina
Inside Chatfield State Park
303 791-5555

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Chatfield Lake North Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Chatfield Lake South Boat Ramp
Located in Chatfield State Park, on the south side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and excellent, paved parking.