Best Fishing Lakes In Colorado

Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in CO.

Aurora Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir, Lake Granby, Lake Pueblo, Navajo Reservoir, Sloan Lake, Spinney Mountain Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir are the most popular places for fishing in Colorado, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. Marinas are located on many of the larger lakes in the state. Many of these lakes offer fishing boats for rent.

Colorado is home to a diverse range of fishing lakes, offering anglers the opportunity to target various species and enjoy the state's natural beauty. The lakes in Colorado can be broadly categorized into warm water lakes and cold water lakes, each providing unique fishing experiences.

Warm water lakes in Colorado are characterized by their higher water temperatures, particularly during the summer months. These lakes are home to species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and various panfish like crappie and bluegill. Anglers seeking the thrill of bass fishing can find success in lakes like Cherry Creek Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, and Pueblo Reservoir. Warm water lakes are also excellent destinations for those targeting catfish, with species like channel catfish and flathead catfish thriving in these waters.

On the other hand, cold water lakes in Colorado offer anglers the opportunity to pursue trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. These lakes are typically located at higher elevations and are often fed by mountain streams and rivers, ensuring cool water temperatures. Popular cold water fishing lakes include Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and Eleven Mile Reservoir. These lakes provide excellent trout fishing opportunities, with some trophy-sized fish waiting to be caught.

Colorado's fishing lakes are also known for their panfish populations, which include species like crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. Anglers looking for a relaxing day on the water, targeting panfish, can explore lakes such as Boyd Lake, Jackson Lake, and Trinidad Lake.

It's important for anglers to research and understand the specific regulations and fishing limits for each lake they plan to visit in Colorado. This ensures the sustainability of the fish populations and maintains the integrity of the fishing experience. Whether you prefer the excitement of warm water species or the tranquility of cold water trout fishing, Colorado's lakes offer a wide range of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Bass Lakes

Aurora Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Echo Canyon Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Lake Pueblo, Lathrop State Park, McPhee Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, North Sterling Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir and Rifle Gap Reservoir are considered some of the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Adobe Creek Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Bonny Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Echo Canyon Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Lake Pueblo, Lathrop State Park, Navajo Reservoir, North Sterling Reservoir, Pueblo Reservoir and Sloan Lake are favorite options for channel, blue, white and flathead catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Bonny Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Lake Pueblo, Lathrop State Park, North Sterling Reservoir, Northglenn Lake and Rifle Gap Reservoir are among the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Aurora Reservoir, Bonny Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Hollenbeck Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Lake Pueblo, Lathrop State Park, Navajo Reservoir, North Sterling Reservoir, Rifle Gap Reservoir, Ruedi Reservoir, Sloan Lake and Williams Fork Reservoir are popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

Bonny Reservoir, Carter Lake, Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Lake Pueblo, Lathrop State Park, North Sterling Reservoir, Rifle Gap Reservoir, Standley Lake and Williams Fork Reservoir are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Adobe Creek Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Carter Lake, Chambers Lake, Crystal Creek Reservoir, Dillon Reservoir, Echo Canyon Reservoir, Gross Reservoir, Lake Granby, Lake Pueblo, McPhee Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir, North Delaney Lake, Ridgway Reservoir, Rifle Gap Reservoir, Shadow Mountain Lake, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Twin Lakes Reservoir, Taylor Park Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir are the favorite options for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown and lake trout. More...

Salmon Lakes

Blue Mesa Reservoir, Chambers Lake, Dillon Reservoir, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Green Mountain Reservoir, Lake Granby, Ruedi Reservoir, Taylor Park Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir are the most popular for chinook and kokanee salmon fishing. More...

Visit the Colorado fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Colorado map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in CO at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

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