There is no doubt that the Rocky Mountain range offers an exciting variety of Colorado fishing adventures, appealing to both fly fishermen and spin fishermen alike. From the rushing waters of the Colorado River to the tranquil lakes nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond, each destination listed below offers some of the best quality fishing in Colorado. Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of fly casting on pristine rivers or the thrill of casting lures in expansive reservoirs, Colorado’s diverse fisheries cater to every angler’s dream. Get ready to explore 22 of the best places for fishing in Colorado, where trophy trout and other species await amidst the rugged beauty of the mountain west.
1. Colorado River Fishing
One of America’s most famous and rugged watersheds occupying a staggering 250,000 square miles, the Colorado River is renowned for its diverse landscapes from its origin on the continental divide in Rocky Mountain National Park to its delta in the gulf of California. Along its path, the Colorado River runs through seven different states, providing water for between 35-40 million people. During its course, it cuts through high alpine meadows, dramatic canyons, desert basins, and key agricultural land. While the Colorado River plays a crucial role to people and agriculture across western Colorado and the American southwest, the section that concerns fly anglers is the upper river from Rocky Mountain National Park near Grand Lake to all the way downstream to the town of Rifle.
Being that our Grand Lake fly shop is just spitting distance away from the headwaters of the Colorado River, we spend a lot of time on the section in Rocky Mountain National Park and below Lake Granby which can make for fine wade fishing opportunities, exceptional dry fly fishing, and stunning views of the Rockies. This section is characterized by a variety of different landscapes and topography from classic riffles to pocket water, each full of wild trout.
While the upper section is very popular for wade anglers, when we want to float fish, we often gravitate to the section around the town of Kremling where the river is large enough to safely float. In particular, the Gore Canyon section is especially attractive for anglers who want the quintessential Colorado fishing experience. Featuring a good mix of whitewater, riffles, pocket water, and deep holes, the Gore Canyon section keeps things interesting for floating and wading anglers alike. In some years, CPW fish surveys have found up to 4000-5000 per mile, making for exceptionally high quality fishing in Colorado.
For those who are new to the Colorado River, we highly recommend booking one of our Colorado River fly fishing float trips so that you can learn how to fish the river, what to fish, and where to go with the help of our professional Grand Lake fly fishing guides.
2. South Platte River Fishing
The South Platte River is a fly fishing paradise, known for its large populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. The river’s Dream Stream section, located between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, is famous for its trophy-sized trout and epic hatches. Nymphing and dry fly fishing are highly effective techniques here. In addition to the Dream Stream, other notable areas include Cheesman Canyon and Deckers, both of which are easily accessible from the greater Denver metro area. Spin anglers can also enjoy success using small lures and spinners in this scenic river and in its numerous reservoirs that make up the watershed.
3. Gunnison River Fishing
The Gunnison River offers excellent fly fishing and spin fishing opportunities, with brown trout and rainbow trout being the primary catches. The Black Canyon section is particularly renowned for its dramatic scenery, large trout, and whitewater, making for a Colorado fishing adventure like none other. Beyond the famous Black Canyon, the Lower Gunnison basin features a 39-mile stretch of Gold Medal water extending from Blue Mesa Reservoir to the Delta. In the 18-mile Upper Gunnison Basin between Taylor Park Reservoir and Blue Mesa Reservoir, anglers can catch a variety of species and some exceptionally large trout. Fly anglers will find success with nymphs, streamers, and dry flies, while spin anglers can use spinners, spoons, and jigs. The Gunnison River is also popular for float fishing, providing access to remote sections of the river.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park provides a variety of Colorado fishing experiences in its high alpine lakes and streams. Fly fishing is particularly popular, with anglers targeting wild brook trout, brown trout, and the infamous greenback cutthroat. While Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t famous for having large trout, it makes up for it with breathtaking alpine scenery and a variety of different Colorado fishing options like the upper Big Thompson River, upper Colorado River, Cache La Poudre River, and several other creeks and alpine lakes that pepper the landscape. Another thing that makes Rocky Mountain National Park special is the abundance of greenback cutthroat trout, which were once thought to be eradicated from the area. The greenback cutthroat is prolific in some streams and lakes, making for an especially exciting experience when catching them.
If you’re interested in seeing the finest fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park, book a guided fly fishing trip with Kirks!
5. Arkansas River Fishing
The Arkansas River is a renowned Colorado fly fishing destination from its headwaters to the lower tailwater section. Originating near Leadville, the upper Arkansas is a formidable river with a prolific whitewater run rated at Class IV. Famous sections are called The Numbers, Browns Canyon, Bighorn Canyon, Royal Gorge, and Cañon City. While you might see more whitewater rafters than anglers in some of these sections, there is some exceptional angling that can be done from the headwaters to below Cañon City. Below the Pueblo Reservoir offers a more typical tailwater fly fishing experience with fine dry fly fishing and large trout. For spin anglers, casting small lures and crankbaits in the depths of the deeper holes on the upper freestone section or lower tailwater can produce some exceptionally large trout.
6. Roaring Fork River Fishing
The Roaring Fork River offers excellent fly fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout in the upper reaches. The river’s Gold Medal Waters provide some of the best fishing in Colorado between its headwaters upstream of Aspen to its confluence with the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. While quality fishing can be found along its entirety, it is mostly wade fishing in the upper section while the lower section below Carbondale is most effectively fished by drift boat or raft.
7. Big Thompson River Fishing
The Big Thompson River, flowing from Rocky Mountain National Park to the plains, offers excellent fly fishing for brown trout and rainbow trout in the lower stretch below Lake Estes and brown trout, cutthroat, and brook trout in the upper. While the upper section may have smaller fish, the exceptional alpine views of the Rocky Mountains make it a bucket list destination for anglers nationwide. The upper section is best fished in the summer months post-runoff while the lower tailwater section is nearly year-round depending on winter temperatures and flows. Expect to find larger fish in the lower Big Thompson canyon characterized by bouldery pools and towering canyon walls.
Want to know the best tactics for catching trout on the Big Thompson River? Check out our guided Estes Park fly fishing trips hosted by our Estes Park fly shop! We guarantee you’ll catch fish and become a better angler at the same time.
8. Spinney Mountain Reservoir Fishing
Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a premier stillwater fly fishing destination west of Colorado Springs, known for its large rainbow trout, brown trout, and northern pike. Fly anglers often use nymphs, streamers, and chironomid patterns to target trout, while spin anglers can use spoons, spinners, and crankbaits. The reservoir’s abundant insect life and clear waters make it a top choice for both fly and spin fishing enthusiasts. Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a large lake coming in at approximately 2500 surface acres and while boat fishing is often the best method, shore-bound anglers can have success by covering water and walking the shallows. It pays to cover water and fish the right lures or flies depending on the time of year and water conditions.
9. Fryingpan River Fishing
The Fryingpan River is famous for its trophy-sized rainbow trout and brown trout, particularly in the Gold Medal Waters below Ruedi Reservoir and features a small-to-medium-sized river fishing experience. From the dam to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River, expect solid access and exceptional opportunities at large trout. While the Fryingpan River is no secret in the world of Colorado fly fishing, there are abundant pull-offs and places where you can wet a line. Above the Ruedi Reservoir, the Fryingpan River takes on freestone characteristics with banks lined with vegetation, pocket pools, and ample populations of wild trout, albeit smaller than their downriver counterparts below the dam. Fly fishing is the preferred technique, with nymphs, dry flies, and small streamers being highly effective. However, like many of Colorado’s tailwater fisheries, a properly presented Mysis Shrimp will do the trick for those below the dam. Spin anglers can also find success using small spinners and spoons.
10. Blue River Fishing
The Blue River is a fly fishing gem and consists of four main sections including the upper near Breckenridge, the Gold Medal tailwater section flowing through the town of Silverthorne, the middle section near Green Mountain Reservoir, and the lower section below Green Mountain Reservoir. With such a variety of different areas to fly fish the Blue River, techniques vary from classic tailwater fishing to high country creek fishing. While there is great Colorado fishing along nearly the entire length of the Blue River, most anglers focus their time on the tailwater section below the Dillon Reservoir for a shot at catching one of the trophy trout that reside in its waters. Due to the cold water coming out of the dam year-round, think small and fish mayfly, midge, and mysis shrimp imitations for your best chance at success.
11. Rio Grande River Fishing
Originating in the beautiful San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado, the Rio Grande is one of the largest and most notable rivers in the state. While there is a variety of opportunity from its headwaters, the real draw to Rio Grande River fly fishing is the large brown trout that inhabit the area around Box Canyon below the reservoir to Del Norte where most of the float fishing occurs. Depending on where you’re fishing, a variety of techniques can be effective from small dries, nymphs, and streamers to small lures and crankbaits. For anglers that want a chance at catching some of Colorado’s largest trout, the Rio Grande River is a good option.
12. Eleven Mile Reservoir Fishing
Eleven Mile Reservoir is another piece of the greater South Platte River drainage and makes up the bottom side of the Dream Stream. Anglers can expect to be most effective fishing from a boat either by trolling lures in the depths of the lake or fly anglers will often find the shallow flats and drop-offs where fish like to cruise and look for food like mayflies, chironomids, leeches, and baitfish. While fishing by boat is going to be the most effective approach, shore-bound anglers can find success by covering water or fishing those places where trout will often swim by on the search for food. A cast and retrieve approach or fishing under a float can be effective.
13. Grand Lake/Lake Granby/Shadow Mountain Lake
Being that the three lakes mentioned above are in close proximity to the town of Grand Lake, they are all worth fishing in a single multi-day trip. With Lake Granby being the largest of the three, it often gets the most attention. Each of the lakes has ample populations of trout but for boat anglers, the real draw is the lake trout or “mackinaw” that reside in the depths. The best techniques for catching trout in these lakes are trolling or jigging with a variety of lures.
For those who want to ply the depths of Grand Lake, Lake Granby, or Shadow Mountain Lake and want the help of a professional guide, book one of our guided Grand Lake fishing charters! Our guides have all the gear, the boats, and the expertise to put you on fish.
14. Animas River Fishing
Originating in the Needle Mountains and flowing through beautiful Durango, the Animas River is an exceptionally good option for those who want a true Southwest Colorado fishing experience. The Animas River near Durango is a large river with great float fishing options and the opportunity to catch some truly memorable brown trout, while those who want to catch fish on dry flies will have success with an abundant population of rainbow trout. For wading anglers, the best shore fishing access occurs around the town of Durango with approximately 7 miles of river access. While there is some access upriver, the river eventually turns into a whitewater canyon accessible only by hikers or expert rafters. Most anglers who want to fish the upper river head toward the town of Silverton for small stream fishing, light rods, and dry flies.
15. Clear Creek Fishing
Clear Creek’s easy access and proximity to Denver make it a convenient destination for those bound to the greater metro area. While it doesn’t offer much in the way of large fish, Clear Creek is a classic mountain stream with bouldery plunge pools, fast riffles, and easy access off I-70, particularly on highway 6 for access to Clear Creek Canyon. Fly fishermen will have great success with a variety of different techniques from dry flies to nymphing and small streamers while the conventional spin angler should use small lures like rooster tails, kastmasters, etc.
16. Taylor River Fishing
The Taylor River is renowned for its trophy-sized rainbow trout and brown trout, particularly in the 20-mile tailwater section below Taylor Park Reservoir which features eleven miles of publicly accessible shoreline at seven different river sections. Due to the consistent water coming out of the dam, the Taylor River is a year-round fishing destination providing opportunities from the dog days of summer to the doldrums of mid-winter. While fishing at the Taylor Dam (aka the “Hog Trough”) is very popular and large fish are often caught here, you’ll find more solitude and ample populations of brown and rainbow trout downstream by parking at the several access points and trailheads. Anglers will find the most success with nymphing and subsurface presentations, particularly with Mysis Shrimp imitations near the dam. However, with the right conditions, dry fly fishing can be exceptionally good through the reach of the Taylor River below the reservoir to its confluence with the Gunnison River.
17. Blue Mesa Reservoir Fishing
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest body of water at a staggering 9000 acres, offering solid fishing opportunities for rainbows, browns, lake trout (mackinaw), and kokanee salmon. Most anglers fish the reservoir by boat and troll or jig for kokanee or lake trout while shore anglers have great success with rainbow trout and the occasional brown trout. Known for its large fish, Blue Mesa Reservoir is a fishery where you can have a serious chance at catching trophy fish including lake trout up to 50 lbs. For those without boat access, anglers have access to 96 miles of shoreline, making it an accessible fishery for all. The best methods from shore are cast and retrieve with small spoons or lures, suspended presentations under a float, or bait fishing with a weight.
18. Chatfield Reservoir Fishing
Chatfield Reservoir, located near Denver, offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and walleye. Spin fishing is the most common technique, with anglers using crankbaits, jigs, and spinners to target fish. Fly fishing can also be productive, especially for trout, using streamers and nymphs. The reservoir’s proximity to the city and diverse fish populations make it a popular choice for local anglers.
19. Vallecito Reservoir Fishing
Vallecito Reservoir is known for its excellent Colorado fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. While Vallecito Reservoir has been managed as a coldwater fishery with most anglers catching rainbow trout, there are ample opportunities to mix up your approach and target fish typical of warmwater fisheries like smallmouth bass and pike. Boat anglers will experience the most success with a variety of tactics including trolling, casting/retrieving, jigging, and bait fishing. While the Vallecito Reservoir used to be a top Kokanee fishing destination in years past, the population has struggled in recent years and anglers focus more of their attention on the other species that reside in its depths.
20. McPhee Reservoir Fishing
McPhee Reservoir is Colorado’s second largest reservoir at 4,470 surface acres and offers diverse fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, crappie, perch, and trout with occasional encounters with largemouth bass and walleye. Being a mixed fishery, anglers need to come to McPhee Reservoir with a wide variety of lures and techniques to be most effective. The most popular species to target is smallmouth bass and anglers who target the rocky shorelines and creek arms will experience solid fishing. Additionally, with healthy populations of crappie and perch, anglers will stay busy with the large size of these species.
21. Eagle River Fishing
Last but not least, the Eagle River is a prolific freestone river located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and runs near iconic resorts such as Vail and Beaver Creek before its confluence with the Colorado River. The majority of access is found along the I-70 corridor between Minturn and Gypsum while there is quality fishing to be found in its entirety from the upper river above its confluence with Gore Creek to the lower river in Dotsero. Because of its freestone nature, expect a variety of hatches including stoneflies, mayflies, and caddis.
Have questions about fishing in Colorado, especially for our local fisheries like Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake fishing, and Colorado River fly fishing? Give our Grand Lake fly shop a call and we’d be happy to steer you in the right direction!
