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Fishing in Colorado

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

Colorado has over 4,000 lakes and 393 major reservoirs, including the Grand Mesa network with over 300 alpine lakes. From gold medal trout waters to warm-water bass lakes, Colorado offers incredible fishing diversity.

Topographic map — click to view full size

Northern Colorado & Front Range

Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Poudre River, Big Thompson -- Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon

Central Rockies & Summit County

Dillon Reservoir, Blue River, Arkansas River, Leadville, Twin Lakes -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Kokanee

Southwestern Colorado & San Juans

Gunnison River, San Juan River, Durango, Silverton, Lake City -- Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Pike

Eastern Colorado & Plains

Pueblo Reservoir, John Martin Lake, Arkansas River, Nee Noshe -- Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish

Western Colorado & Grand Mesa

Grand Mesa (300+ lakes), Colorado River, Roaring Fork, Fryingpan -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee, Lake Trout

Northwestern Colorado & Steamboat

Yampa River, White River, Steamboat Springs, Flat Tops -- Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass