Colorado Fishing: Your Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Northern Colorado
What draws anglers to Colorado season after season? Is it the 2,500 pristine lakes and reservoirs or the 12,000+ miles of streams threading through the "Centennial State"? Perhaps it’s the stunning high-alpine waters framed by jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Whatever the reason, Colorado fishing in Northern Colorado promises an unforgettable adventure.
Picture yourself casting a line in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, boating on a northern Colorado lake & reservoir, or wading knee-deep in a crystal-clear river. With miles of rivers teeming with Trout, and numerous ponds, lakes, & reservoirs with trout, bass, & walleye. Northern Colorado is an angler’s paradise. The only question is: where do you begin, and when’s the perfect time to visit?
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Colorado fishing in Northern Colorado—from the top species to target, to the best techniques and prime locations. Let’s kick off your journey with the region’s fish options.
Top Fish to Catch in Northern Colorado
What’s on the Colorado fishing menu in Northern Colorado? With numerous fish species swimming in its waters, there’s something for every angler. Here are the primary fish targets in Northern Colorado fishing:
Trout
Trout reign supreme in Colorado’s Colorado fishingscene. From Rainbow to Brown Trout and the rare Greenback Cutthroat—Colorado’s official state fish—these amazing fish thrive in Colorado cold waters. Spin fishing for Trout is a beloved pastime, with countless hotspots like productive rivers, trout-rich lakes & reservoirs, and 37 state parks. Several waters hold the prestigious “Gold Medal” designation from Colorado Parks and Wildlife such as North Delaney Lake found in Walden in the center of North Park.
Trout are a diverse group of freshwater fish, primarily from the Salmonidae family, celebrated for their beauty, fight, and flavor. In Colorado, species like rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and native cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) thrive in the state’s pristine rivers, streams, front range reservoirs and mountain lakes. Known for their vibrant colors—rainbows with iridescent bands, browns with golden hues, and cutthroats with distinctive red slashes—these fish attract anglers year-round. Colorado’s trout fishing is world-class, with hotspots like Boyd lake, Poudre River, Lake John, and high-altitude lakes in Walden & Red Feather Lakes. They favor cold, oxygen-rich waters, often hiding near riffles, undercut banks, or deep pools. Spin fishing reigns supreme here, with go-to choices, using spinners and jigs . Spring summer and fall offer peak action, while winter ice fishing is an amazing winter fishing option.
Walleye
Walleye are a popular game fish and they are a top prize in Northern Colorado. Found in lakes and reservoirs from Fort Collins to Loveland, these delicious fish bite from mid-April through fall and a great option ice fishing in the winter. Walleye (Sander vitreus) are a prized freshwater fish native to North America, known for their excellent taste and challenging catch. These slender, olive-gold fish with large, reflective eyes thrive in cool, deep waters, making them a favorite among anglers. In Colorado, walleye fishing is popular in reservoirs and lakes like Boyd Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Carter Reservoir, where they were introduced to diversify sportfishing. They prefer low-light conditions, so dawn, dusk, or cloudy days are prime times to target them. Anglers often use bait (minnows or nightcrawlers) or lures like jigs and crankbaits, focusing on drop-offs, weed edges, or rocky structures where walleye hunt. Colorado’s walleye season peaks in spring and fall, though ice fishing in winter also draws enthusiasts.
Bass
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass bring excitement to Colorado fishing in Northern Colorado. These hard-fighting fish lurk in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds throughout the region. Spring and summer are prime times to target Largemouth in weed beds and along shorelines, while Smallmouth thrive in rocky, clear lakes & reservoirs. Whether you’re casting from a boat or the bank, Northern Colorado’s Bass fishery delivers thrills and trophy potential. Bass, particularly largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), are aggressive, hard-fighting freshwater fish that have become a staple of sportfishing in Colorado. Largemouth bass, with their dark green backs and cavernous mouths, prefer warmer, weedier waters, while smallmouth bass, bronze-toned and feistier, thrive in rocky, cooler streams and lakes. In Colorado, prime bass fishing spots include reservoirs like Boyd Lake, local ponds, and Horsetooth Reservoir. Largemouths lurk near lily pads, submerged logs, or shorelines, ambushing prey, while smallmouths favor gravel beds and rocky breaks. Anglers target them with plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures, especially during warm months—late spring through early fall—when bass are most active. Dawn and dusk are peak Feeding times. Colorado’s bass fishery, though not native, has flourished since introductions in late 1800's and early1900s.
White Bass
White Bass add a spirited twist to Colorado fishingin Northern Colorado. Known for their aggressive strikes and schooling behavior, these fish are a blast to catch in reservoirs and larger lakes like Boyd Lake and Lon Hagler Reservoir. Spring spawning runs bring them closer to shorelines, making them a prime target for spin anglers from March to May. Smaller than their Striped bass cousins, White Bass still pack a punch and offer fast-paced action. White bass (Morone chrysops) are spirited, silvery freshwater fish known for their aggressive strikes and schooling behavior, making them a thrilling catch for anglers. In Colorado, these striped cousins of striped bass are not widespread but can be found in select reservoirs like Boyd Lake, Boedecker Reservoir, Lon Hagler, and Horsetooth Reservoir, where they were introduced to enhance fishing opportunities. With their sleek, silver bodies and faint horizontal stripes, white bass thrive in open waters, often chasing baitfish like shad in large schools. They’re most active in spring during their spawning run—April to May—when they migrate up rivers and tributaries, offering fast-paced action. White bass are great targets through the summer and fall during the warm water months. Anglers target them with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, focusing on windblown shorelines or deeper channels where schools feed. Summer brings deeper fishing, while fall & summer can spark surface-feeding frenzies. Though not as prized as trout or walleye, white bass offer tasty fillets.
Colorado offers Various Fish Species Options
Don’t stop at Trout, Walleye, Bass, and White Bass. Northern Colorado’s waters teem with Carp, Catfish, & Crappie. Whether you’re with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters or exploring solo, the possibilities are endless.
How to Master Colorado Fishing in Northern Colorado
Ready to hook your trophy or a day of fishing action? Here’s how Colorado anglers are successful fishing:
Spin Fishing
Spin fishing is a Northern Colorado past time, especially for Trout, Bass, Walleye and White Bass. With numerous Colorado fishing opportunities at Colorado ponds, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs northern Colorado is a fishing paradise. For a True fishing adventure Gold Medal waters wait for your visit in North Park, one trip might not be enough to conquer them all. Wield a spinning rod and lightweight lures to tempt fish from shorelines, boats, or wading in streams. New to spin fishing? Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters offers expert-guided trips to perfect your cast.
Winter Fishing
Cold weather doesn’t slow Colorado fishing in Northern Colorado. Winter unlocks prime ice fishing on frozen lakes, where anglers drill holes & set up shelters to reel in trout, walleye and white bass. Safety first—check conditions and consider a guided outing with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters for gear and know-how. Ice fishing in Colorado transforms the state’s frozen lakes and reservoirs into a winter angler’s paradise, blending serene solitude with the thrill of the catch. From December to March, when ice thickens to a safe 4+ inches, popular spots Dowdy Lake, Lake John, Delaney Butte Lakes and Boyd Lake draw enthusiasts targeting trout, walleye, and white bass. Rainbow and brown trout dominate mountain lakes, while trout, walleye and white bass thrive in front range reservoirs. Anglers drill holes with augers, set up portable shelters, and use short rods tipped with jigs, spoons, or live bait like waxworms and minnows. Electronics like fish finders boost success in depths ranging from shallow bays to 30+ feet. Mornings and late afternoons often yield the best bites, especially under clear skies. Colorado’s high altitude means cold, unpredictable weather, so dressing in layers and checking ice conditions are musts.
Trophy Trout Fishing in North Park, Colorado
For anglers dreaming of monster catches, North Park, Colorado, is a Colorado fishing gem in Northern Colorado. Nestled between the Park Range and Medicine Bow Mountains, this high-plains basin boasts some of the state’s best trophy Trout waters. The lakes found in North Park outside of Walden, Colorado —are renowned for hefty Rainbow, Brown, Cutbow and Cutthroat Trout, often exceeding 20 inches. Spin fishing with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters in North Park offers access to these secluded, productive waters, where solitude and big fish go hand in hand. Trophy trout fishing in Walden, located in Colorado’s North Park, centers on the renowned Lake John and the Delaney Butte Lakes (North, South, and East), offering anglers a shot at massive rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and hybrid cutbow trout. Lake John, a world-class fishery, boasts stunning mountain views and consistent catches of hefty trout, thriving in its nutrient-rich waters. Just a short drive away, the Delaney Butte Lakes shine as a trio of still-water gems, with North Delaney earning Gold Medal status for its giant cutbow and brown trout—some exceeding 10 pounds—thanks to abundant food like scuds and crayfish. South Delaney excels with robust rainbows and cutthroats, while East Delaney offers fast-growing fish in a quieter setting. Spring ice-off, early summer and fall are peak times, when trout cruise shallow shorelines. Accessible from Walden, these lakes blend rugged beauty with trophy potential.
Premier Northern Colorado Fishing Spots
Northern Colorado is a Colorado fishing haven—here’s where to cast your line:
Cache La Poudre River
Northern Colorado opens the door to the Rockies with lush forests, winding rivers, and the state’s only “Wild and Scenic” river. The Cache La Poudre River offer diverse catches, plus stellar fishing views. Fishing the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado’s only federally designated Wild and Scenic River, offers anglers a rugged, rewarding experience amid stunning canyon scenery. Flowing from Rocky Mountain National Park through Fort Collins, this freestone river hosts healthy populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Prime stretches like the Poudre Canyon provide diverse habitats—deep pools, rocky runs, and pocket water—where trout thrive on abundant insects and baitfish. Spring, Late Summer and fall are peak seasons, with fish feeding aggressively near undercut banks and riffles. Anglers use a variety of techniques and tackle, targeting trout in the low to mid teens, though larger catches occur. Access is plentiful via Highway 14, but wading can be tricky due to swift currents and slick rocks.
Fort Collins & Loveland
From urban front range reservoirs to mountain lakes & streams, Fort Collins and Loveland blend accessibility with wild beauty. Target Trout, Bass, White Bass, and Walleye with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters for a seamless experience. Fishing in and around Fort Collins and Loveland, Colorado, offers anglers a diverse mix of urban and wild waters teeming with trout, bass, walleye, and more. Nearby, Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of Fort Collins, spans 6.5 miles and holds smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and walleye, perfect for shore or boat fishing. In Loveland, Boyd Lake State Park’s 1,700 acres harbor walleye, white bass, catfish, and trout, with easy access near town. Carter Lake, southwest of Loveland, and West of Bethoud, nestled in the foothills, yields bass, trout, and walleye amid stunning views. Smaller gems like natural area ponds in Fort Collins’ natural area provide quick in-town action for trout and panfish. Other local small gems include Flatiron Reservoir & Pinewood Reservoir offer great family shoreline fishing for several trout species including rainbow & brown trout. Spring, summer and fall bring peak bites, though summer boating and winter ice fishing keep the region active year-round.
High-Country Hidden Fishing Hot Spots
Venture into Northern Colorado’s alpine reaches for solitude and stellar fishing. Crystal-clear waters yield all day trout action—perfect for a quiet escape. Trout fishing in Red Feather Lakes at Dowdy Lake and West Lake, located northwest of Fort Collins in Colorado’s Roosevelt National Forest, draws anglers seeking a serene yet productive experience. Dowdy Lake, the largest at 115 acres, is a no-wake gem stocked with rainbow & brown trout. Its 3-mile shoreline and 25-foot depth offer ample fishing from shore or boats, with trout often hitting jigs, spoons, or bait near weed beds and drop-offs. Spring and fall see aggressive feeding, while summer pushes fish deeper. West Lake, a smaller 25-acre lake at 8,200 feet elevation, also teems with rainbow and occasional brown trout, plus. Electric motors are permitted, and shore anglers find success along its edges, especially near the campground. Both lakes peak in spring post-ice-off, early summer and fall, with trout chasing abundant insects.
Tucked away near Berthoud and Loveland, Colorado, Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir offer anglers serene shoreline fishing opportunities that feel like well-kept secrets amidst the state’s more famous waters. Flatiron, a quiet 47-acre gem surrounded by 200 acres of public land, prohibits boating, making its shores a peaceful haven for casting lines. Stocked with catchable trout, it’s perfect for a laid-back day with fishing with bait or spinners, especially at the accessible fishing areas that cater to all skill levels. Just a short drive up the foothills, Pinewood Reservoir spans 100 acres and boasts three miles of fishable shoreline, teeming with rainbow, brown, and lake trout, plus the elusive tiger muskie. Its wakeless waters ensure a tranquil experience, with spots like Fisherman’s Cove drawing those seeking a quiet escape. Both reservoirs, part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, require a Larimer County permit, but their off-the-beaten-path charm and abundant fish make them hidden treasures worth exploring.
Book Your Northern Colorado Fishing Adventure
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When to Fish in Colorado
The beauty of Colorado fishing in Northern Colorado? It’s a year-round thrill. April to September brings peak season for ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and river, while winter transforms reservoirs into ice fishing wonderlands. Whatever the season, Northern Colorado delivers. Timing your fishing trip in Colorado depends on species, location, and seasonal patterns, with each offering prime windows for success. Spring (April to June) kicks off post-ice-off, as trout, bass, and walleye become active in warming waters—rivers swell with runoff, but lakes and reservoirs like Boyd Lake, Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir, Lake John, Dowdy Lake, and Delaney Butte Lakes shine early. Summer (June to August) brings peak accessibility, with trout thriving in high-altitude rivers and lakes, while bass and walleye feed aggressively in warmer front range waters; early mornings or late evenings dodge the heat and crowds. Fall (October - November) is a sweet spot—cooler temps spark feeding frenzies for trout, bass, walleye and white bass, with stunning foliage as a bonus, especially in places like Boyd lake, Lake John, and the Delaney Butte Lakes. Winter (December to March) slows river action but opens ice fishing on frozen reservoirs like Dowdy Lake, Lake John, Delaney Butte Lakes, and Boyd Lake, targeting trout and walleye through thick ice. Year-round, dawn and dusk often yield the best bites, and checking for Colorado weather, and water conditions, fine-tunes your timing.
Start Your Colorado Fishing Journey Today
Northern Colorado beckons with world-class fishing, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities. Whether you’re chasing trophy Trout in North Park or battling trout, bass, walleye and white bass at Boyd Lake, Carter Laker, & Horsetooth Reservoir with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters, your next great catch awaits. Plan your trip now and discover why Northern Colorado is the heart of Colorado fishing! Book a trip with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters to experience the best Colorado fishing has to offer.
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