FishKillFlea With over 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes, Colorado is an angler's dream. But to fish the legendary trout waters, you'll need to secure your $55.38 CO fishing license (which includes the mandatory Habitat Stamp for adults).
The Famous Gold Medal Rivers (Freshwater)
| Spot | Region | Species | Why Famous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaring Fork River | Glenwood/Basalt | Brown & Rainbow | Incredible freestone river with massive hatches |
| Fryingpan River | Basalt | Monster Rainbows | Famous tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir |
| Gunnison River | Black Canyon | Wild Trout | Steep canyon access to incredible salmonfly hatches |
The High Mountain Reservoirs
| Water | Region | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Reservoir | Gunnison | Kokanee, Lake Trout | Holds the state record for Lake Trout (50.35 lbs!) |
| Spinney Mountain | South Park | Trophy Pike, Trout | Vicious winds but incredible massive fish |
| Pueblo Reservoir | Pueblo | Walleye, Wiper | Excellent warm-water fishing on the front range |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Best Targets | Prime Spots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Walleye, Bluegill | Pueblo, Chatfield | Early spring walleye spawn on the front range reservoirs |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Dry Fly Trout | Roaring Fork, Alta | Hiking into high alpine lakes for cutthroat trout |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Kokanee Salmon | Blue Mesa, Eleven Mile | Aggressive bright red salmon turning during the spawn run |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice Fishing Trout | Antero, Harvey Gap | Drilling holes for massive winter rainbows on South Park lakes |
Neighboring: Wyoming for border mountain waters, Utah to the west, New Mexico to the south, and Nebraska for eastern plains reservoirs.
A CO Adult Annual License is $55.38 out the door. See full costs or buy yours.