Fishing in Colorado: The Local's Guide to Gear and Spots.
Colorado has more Gold Medal trout water than almost any state in the country. The Arkansas, South Platte, and Frying Pan rivers are bucket-list destinations for serious trout anglers. But the mountain reservoirs? Walleye, pike, and bass that most people completely overlook.
Colorado at a Glance
Annual fishing license required. Gold Medal and Wild Trout waters require a separate $9 habitat stamp. Day licenses available for visitors.
Get Your License →The Best Spots in Colorado
The Arkansas River
Gold Medal Trout Country
The Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge and Cañon City corridor is one of Colorado's premier trout destinations. It's designated Gold Medal water — meaning the fish density and size here are managed to exceed standard fisheries. Expect wild rainbow and brown trout stacked in the riffles.
Cold, clear freestone river. Spring runoff (May–June) turns water muddy and unfishable. Best conditions are July through October when water drops and clears. Water temps rarely exceed 60°F even in summer.
- Cañon City Public Water
- Salida Corridor
- Coaldale to Cotopaxi Stretch
- Five Points Recreation Area
During spring runoff (May–June), the Arkansas runs chocolate brown and fast. Don't fight it — wait until early July when it drops and clears. Nymphs like Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear under an indicator will out-fish dry flies 3-to-1 until mid-June. Slow your retrieve — Colorado water is cold and fish are deliberate.
South Platte River
Tailwater Trophy Fishery
The Dream Stream section of the South Platte near Spinney Mountain Reservoir is famous for giant trout. We're talking 20-inch fish being a realistic expectation, not a lucky day. It's heavily fished, but the fish are wild and smart — which makes landing one all the more satisfying.
Controlled tailwater below Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir. Water temp stays cold and consistent year-round. Crystal clear — fish can see you and your line from 20 feet away. Approach with extreme caution.
- The Dream Stream
- Elevenmile Canyon
- Deckers Area
- Spinney Mountain State Park
The Dream Stream fish are spooky. Use 5X or 6X tippet and size 18–22 midges in the winter. In summer, Pale Morning Dun hatches (sizes 16–18) start around 10am and last two hours — that's your best dry fly window all year. Wear drab colors and approach from downstream.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Kokanee Salmon & Walleye
Colorado's largest body of water, Blue Mesa is criminally underrated by people who come here expecting only trout streams. The kokanee salmon fishing in August–September is spectacular, and walleye in the 18–24 inch range are common throughout the year.
High-altitude reservoir (7,519 ft elevation). Cold, clear water with significant depth. Wind can be brutal in the afternoon — plan to be off the water by 1pm in summer.
- Elk Creek Marina Area
- Lake Fork Arm
- Sapinero Narrows
- Cimarron Arm
For kokanee at Blue Mesa, troll flasher rigs with kokanee corn behind a dodger at 25–35 feet in August. They school tight — mark them on your fish finder before you commit to a troll path. The early morning bite before the afternoon wind is your golden window.
High Alpine Lakes
Wilderness Cutthroat
Colorado has hundreds of high-altitude lakes above 10,000 feet that most anglers never visit because you have to hike to reach them. The reward? Wild cutthroat trout that have rarely seen a lure. A simple 1/16 oz spinner will cause a full feeding frenzy in an alpine lake.
Ultra-clear, extremely cold water even in summer. Altitude means thinner air and aggressive afternoon thunderstorms. Most alpine lakes are ice-free only July–September.
- Holy Cross Wilderness Lakes
- Rawah Wilderness
- Indian Peaks Wilderness
- Weminuche Wilderness
Alpine lake cutthroats are naive — a #12 Royal Wulff dry fly will get strikes all day. But afternoon thunderstorms above treeline are dangerous. Be below 12,000 feet by noon in July and August, period. Check weather before you leave the trailhead. This is not an overreaction.
The Gear You'll Need in Colorado
Every state fishes differently. Here's what actually belongs in your tackle bag for Colorado water.
Common Questions for Colorado Anglers
Yes. In addition to your standard fishing license, Colorado requires a separate $9 Habitat Stamp for Gold Medal and Wild Trout designated waters. It's cheap but mandatory. Buy both at the same time at cpw.state.co.us.
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During spring runoff (May–June), the Arkansas runs chocolate brown and fast. Don't fight it — wait until early July when it drops and clears. Nymphs like Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear under an indicator will out-fish dry flies 3-to-1 until mid-June. Slow your retrieve — Colorado water is cold and fish are deliberate.