Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In Colorado

Guide To Hybrid Stripers & Striped Bass Lakes

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes.

Colorado offers exciting opportunities for striped bass fishing, particularly in certain lakes where hybrid stripers are stocked. Hybrid striped bass, a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, thrive in the state's waters and provide anglers with an exhilarating fishing experience.

Major lakes in Colorado, such as Pueblo Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, and Cherry Creek Reservoir, are known for their thriving populations of hybrid striped bass. These fish are highly sought after for their size, strength, and aggressive feeding behavior. Hybrid stripers are known to grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching weights exceeding 20 pounds.

Anglers targeting hybrid striped bass in Colorado often rely on techniques such as trolling, casting with swimbaits or crankbaits, or using live bait such as shad or anchovies. These fish are known for their powerful fights and can put up quite a challenge for anglers, making each catch a thrilling experience.

Colorado recognizes state records for various fish species, including hybrid striped bass. The current state record for hybrid striped bass stands at around 27 pounds, caught in Aurora Reservoir. Anglers who manage to land a hybrid striper of substantial size have the opportunity to etch their names in the state's fishing record books.

Colorado's striped bass fishing, particularly for hybrid stripers, offers anglers a chance to reel in big, hard-fighting fish. With the right techniques and a bit of luck, anglers can have an unforgettable day on the water and potentially break state records. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice looking for an exciting challenge, striped bass fishing in Colorado's major lakes is an adventure worth pursuing.

Striper Lakes In Colorado

Barr Lake, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Jackson Lake, John Martin Reservoir, Lonetree Reservoir, Martin Lake, North Sterling Reservoir, Prewitt Reservoir, Pueblo Reservoir, Trinidad Lake and Union Reservoir offer wiper fishing.

There is limited striped bass fishing in Colorado. The state record striped bass came from the Arkansas River. Since then stocking has been reduced or eliminated. If you are willing to travel, Arizona Striped bass fishing is excellent along the string of Colorado River lakes.

Click the images and links above for species details.

The state record striped bass came from the Arkansas River.

The state record hybrid striped bass (wiper) was taken from Pueblo Reservoir.

Fishing for Stripers in Colorado

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Colorado fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.