Colorado offers a premier fishing experience ranging from world-class Gold Medal trout streams to expansive high-mountain reservoirs. Anglers can target native cutthroat trout in the alpine backcountry or pursue walleye and bass in the warmer waters of the eastern plains and Western Slope.
Species & Seasons
Rainbow Trout
Open year-round; the most widely stocked species in the state, found in nearly all cold-water habitats.
Brown Trout
Wild populations are active year-round with a peak spawning run occurring in the fall.
Cutthroat Trout
The state's only native trout species, found primarily in high-altitude cold water lakes and headwater streams.
Kokanee Salmon
Popular for summer trolling; specialized snagging seasons vary by location, typically occurring from September through December.
Walleye
Prime fishing occurs during the spring spawn in March and April at major front range and eastern reservoirs.
Largemouth Bass
Active in warm water reservoirs during the summer months; catch-and-release is encouraged for trophy conservation.
Lake Trout
Found in deep reservoirs; best targeted through the ice or in early spring and late fall when they move to shallower water.
Northern Pike
Aggressive predators found in reservoirs like Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain; open for fishing year-round.
Top Waters
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Colorado's largest body of water, famous for trophy-sized lake trout and abundant kokanee salmon.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
A premier Gold Medal lake known for large rainbows, cutthroats, and northern pike.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
Offers excellent shoreline and boat fishing for trout, salmon, and pike in a scenic high-mountain setting.
Gunnison River
Features the famous Black Canyon stretch with world-class Gold Medal trout fishing and a major salmonfly hatch.
Fryingpan River
Renowned for its tailwater fishery below Ruedi Dam producing exceptionally large trout due to Mysis shrimp.
Arkansas River
Provides over 100 miles of Gold Medal water, highly popular for brown trout and accessible wade fishing.
Animas River
A scenic Gold Medal river flowing through Durango offering great access for wild trout anglers.
Horsetooth Reservoir
A popular destination near Fort Collins for smallmouth bass, walleye, and rainbow trout.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Colorado's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Cutthroat Anglers
Charter/GuideSilverthorne
Full-service fly shop and outfitter located near the Blue River tailwater.
Minturn Anglers
Charter/GuideMinturn
Professional guiding services for the Eagle, Colorado, and Roaring Fork Rivers.
Ascent Fly Fishing
Charter/GuideLittleton
Biologist-backed fly selection and guided educational outings across the state.
Fly Fishing Outfitters
Charter/GuideAvon
The valley's only Orvis Endorsed Outfitter serving the Vail and Beaver Creek area.
Tightline Outdoors
Charter/GuideCentennial
Specializes in multi-species guided trips on Colorado's major reservoirs and ice fishing.
Hooked on Family
Charter/GuideHayden
Provides guided fishing experiences in the Yampa Valley and surrounding reservoirs.
Discount Fishing Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopDenver
Wide variety of gear for both warm water and cold water anglers in the metro area.
Rocky Mountain Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopPueblo
Providing live bait, terminal tackle, and supplies for Lake Pueblo State Park visitors.
Dillon Marina
MarinaDillon
High-altitude marina offering boat rentals and service access to Lake Dillon.
Navajo Marina
MarinaArboles
Full-service facility located on the northern end of Navajo Reservoir.
Elk Creek Marina
MarinaGunnison
Providing boat rentals, slips, and services on the massive Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Trouts Fly Fishing
Fly ShopDenver
Full-service fly shop and guide service specializing in Colorado's premier rivers.
St. Peter's Fly Shop
Fly ShopFort Collins
Northern Colorado's premier fly shop offering a wide range of gear and guided trips.
Taylor Creek Fly Shops
Fly ShopBasalt
Located on the banks of the Fryingpan River providing expert local knowledge and gear.
Duranglers Fly Shop
Fly ShopDurango
Expert guides for the Animas, San Juan, and Southwest Colorado high country creeks.
Angler's Covey
Fly ShopColorado Springs
A massive selection of gear and educational classes for all skill levels near the South Platte.
Front Range Anglers
Fly ShopBoulder
Adventure travel and fly fishing outfitter serving the Boulder and Front Range area.
Roaring Fork Anglers
Fly ShopGlenwood Springs
Expert fly fishing guides for the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers.
Blue Quill Angler
Fly ShopEvergreen
Educational fly shop and guide service near the legendary South Platte River.
Crystal Fly Shop
Fly ShopCarbondale
Local shop providing gear and drift boat trips on the Roaring Fork River.
Tracker Boating Center
Boat DealerDenver
Major retailer of fishing boats including Bass Tracker and Sun Tracker models.
Island Lake Marine
Boat DealerFort Collins
Family-owned dealership specializing in fishing and recreational boat sales and service.
Colorado Boat Center
Boat DealerJohnstown
Dealership offering a selection of fishing boats and comprehensive maintenance services.
Scott Fly Rod Company
Rod BuilderMontrose
World-renowned manufacturer of high-performance handcrafted fly rods.
Wright & McGill Co.
Rod BuilderDenver
Historic tackle company and home of the legendary Eagle Claw brand.
Catch more Colorado fish — free
Create a free account and unlock the full angling toolkit:
Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.