Trout Fishing In Colorado

Guide to fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown and lake trout in area lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts. Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous Colorado lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. Whether fly fishing in the iconic South Platte River or casting in scenic mountain lakes like Blue Mesa Reservoir, anglers have ample opportunities to pursue rainbow trout in Colorado's waters. More...

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Fishing For Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout call the Pacific northwest home, however they are also stocked in many lakes. Cutthroat trout fishing holds a cherished place among anglers. While fly fishing reigns supreme as the preferred method, these prized fish are also susceptible to various artificial lures mimicking minnows or grubs, as well as live bait presentations. Cutthroat trout fishing is renowned for the spectacular battles while landing. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore Colorado's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select Colorado lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. Renowned locations like the Fryingpan River, the Gunnison River, and the Roaring Fork River provide excellent habitats for brown trout. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. More...

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Colorado is renowned for its world-class trout fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to target a variety of trout species in both its pristine lakes and picturesque rivers. The state's waters are home to several trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and lake trout. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state.

Colorado's rivers, such as the Arkansas River, the Colorado River, and the Yampa River, offer exceptional opportunities for anglers to target native cutthroat trout. Cutthroat trout are highly valued for their beauty, historical significance, and the challenge they present to anglers. These trout are often caught using dry flies or nymphs in swift-moving, crystal-clear streams, providing a thrilling experience for those who appreciate the art of fly fishing.

Colorado's trout fishing opportunities are a haven for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. Whether casting lines in serene mountain lakes or wading in rushing rivers, the state's diverse trout species and stunning fishing locations make it a premier destination for trout enthusiasts.

Trout Lakes

Adobe Creek Reservoir, Aurora Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Carter Lake, Chambers Lake, Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Crystal Creek Reservoir, Dillon Reservoir, Echo Canyon Reservoir, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Grand Lake, Green Mountain Reservoir, Gross Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir, Lake Granby, Lake Isabel, Lake Pueblo, Lake San Cristobal, Lathrop State Park, McPhee Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, North Delaney Lake, North Sterling Reservoir, Pueblo Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir, Rampart Reservoir, Ridgway Reservoir, Rifle Gap Reservoir, Ruedi Reservoir, Shadow Mountain Lake, Sloan Lake, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Stagecoach Reservoir, Standley Lake, Taylor Park Reservoir, Twin Lakes Reservoir, Williams Fork Reservoir, Wolford Mountain Reservoir are some of the major lakes in CO and all have a trout population.

Rivers & Streams

Most streams, creeks and rivers in the state provide some level of trout fishing. Some of the top destinations include Blue River, Frying Pan River, Gore Creek, North Platte River, Rio Grande, Roaring Fork, South Platte River, The Animas River, The Arkansas River Headwaters, The Colorado River, The Dream Stream, The Gunnison River and The Yampa River.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

The state record rainbow trout came out of Morrow Point Reservoir.

Twin Lakes produced the state record native cutthroat trout.

Blue River produced the state record Snake River cutthroat trout.

The state record brook trout was caught from Upper Cataract Lake.

The state record brown trout came form Roaring Judy Ponds.

Blue Mesa Reservoir served up the state record lake trout (Mackinaw).

The state record golden trout was taken from Kelly Lake.

For information regarding trout stocking in Colorado, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website. Also readthis article - Native Colorado Cutthroat Trout Fishing.

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Aaron Grondin caught this excellent trout at Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

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This 19" cutthroat trout was caught by Gary Cudmore. Here's how. I practice catch and release and find the Cutthroat trout to be a beautiful looking fish native to Colorado. I live at Copper Mountain Colorado and start many of my days with a 1-2 hour fishing session. I fish the Clinton Gulch reservoir about 10 minutes from Copper Mountain. This reservoir is very cold and about 230 feet deep and does get heavy fishing pressure.Most fishermen either use bait or flies- I prefer lures and ultra light tackle for a couple of reasons.It is a more active style of fishing than still fishing with bait and with lures I can catch and release without harming the fish. I use a 3/8 ounce silver spoon, fairly big for the ultrahigh tackle but if you want to catch big fish you need to use a big lure.The fish in the picture is 19\", just 1" short of receiving a Master Angler certificate from Colorado DOW, the requirement is 20". Please enjoy the photo of a handsome male Cutthroat that was released to be caught another day.

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Jamie Jackson, of Longmont CO., says she is a proud girly girl that is a member of the "20/20 club".

Jamie caught this nice rainbow trout and cutthroat trout both from the Frying Pan River, in Basalt Colorado - Spring break 2015.

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Additional trout information

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.

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