Guide To Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Fishing In Colorado

All about fishing for walleye, sauger and saugeye.

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

Colorado offers fantastic walleye fishing opportunities for anglers looking to target this prized freshwater species. While walleye may not be as abundant in the state as other fish species, there are several lakes and rivers where anglers can pursue them.

Lakes such as Cherry Creek Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, and Pueblo Reservoir are well-known for their walleye populations. These lakes provide excellent habitat for walleye, with their rocky structures, submerged points, and drop-offs attracting these predatory fish. Anglers can often find success by trolling with crankbaits or using live bait rigs to entice walleye in these lakes.

Colorado's rivers also offer opportunities for walleye fishing. The South Platte River, particularly the section below Chatfield Reservoir, is known for its walleye populations. Anglers can target walleye in river systems using techniques like jigging, casting with soft plastics, or live bait presentations. River walleye fishing can provide a dynamic and exciting experience, as these fish are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights.

Colorado's state records reflect the impressive walleye catches that can be found in its waters. The current state record for walleye stands at over 18 pounds, showcasing the potential for trophy-sized fish in Colorado. Anglers who manage to land a walleye of such size have the opportunity to etch their names in the state's fishing record books.

While walleye fishing in Colorado may require some knowledge and strategy, the rewards can be well worth the effort. Whether you prefer the serene ambiance of a lake or the rush of a river, targeting walleye in Colorado's waters provides an exciting angling experience. With the right techniques, persistence, and a bit of luck, anglers can enjoy memorable walleye fishing outings in the beautiful landscapes of Colorado.

Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Lakes

If you want to catch tasty walleye in Colorado you have several lakes to choose from, including Adobe Creek Reservoir, Aurora Reservoir, Bonny Reservoir, Carter Lake, Chatfield Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Lathrop State Park, McPhee Reservoir, North Sterling Reservoir, Pueblo Reservoir, Rifle Gap Reservoir, Stagecoach Reservoir, Standley Lake and Williams Fork Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top lures for walleye in Colorado

Jigs work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons and ice jigs are ideal for active walleye in cold water. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes can enhance your chances of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

Standley Lake produced the current state record walleye.

Horseshoe Reservoir served up the state record sauger.

The state record saugeye came from John Martin Reservoir.

Albert Goode with a nice birthday present - a really nice walleye he caught on a Mister Twister grub.

Colorado walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Fishing For Sauger

Closely related to the walleye and similar in appearance, sauger are generally smaller than walleye, reaching 4 to 5 pounds (or more) and up to about 20 inches. Often found in muddier rivers, it thrives in larger, silty lakes. They spawn in the shallows at night, without creating or guarding specific nests.

Fishing For Saugeye

This hybrid is created by mating sauger with walleye. The walleye influence allows the hybrids to grow larger than sauger, often to sizes equaling walleye. Saugeye tend to survive best in turbid/silty water and are caught in the same general areas and habitat populated by walleye and sauger.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.