Spring in Colorado marks the beginning of prime trout fishing season, as warming waters trigger active feeding patterns in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers across the state. If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, a guided trip with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters (NoCo Fishing) offers the perfect opportunity to target trout on some of the region’s best waters. From trolling Boyd Lake in Loveland or hunting trophy trout at Lake John to casting on the Cache La Poudre River near Fort Collins, here’s what you can expect on a spring fishing adventure.
Located just west of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir is a prime spot for targeting rainbow trout in the spring. The rocky coves, drop-offs, and submerged structures create the perfect habitat for hungry trout emerging from winter lethargy. Trolling crankbaits and spoons along deeper shorelines can produce excellent results, while casting, spinngers, minnow baits, jigs and swimbaits near submerged rock piles often entices aggressive strikes. The clear waters of Horsetooth make fishing possible on calm days, adding an exciting element to your guided trip.
Loveland Fishing: Boyd Lake & Lon Hagler Reservoir
Boyd Lake, one of Northern Colorado’s largest reservoirs, offers excellent spring fishing for rainbow trout. As the ice recedes and water temperatures climb, trout move into shallow areas, making them highly active. Trolling from a boat is a productive technique, with crankbaits, spoons, and inline spinners enticing aggressive strikes. Jigging around structure and casting near rocky shorelines can also yield great results.
Just southwest of Boyd Lake, Lon Hagler Reservoir provides a more secluded fishing experience on a smaller water at the base of the mountains. This small but productive lake is stocked with rainbow trout that eagerly hit small jigs and spinners worked along the shorelines and submerged structures. Spring mornings and evenings are prime times to troll & cast from a boat, allowing for precise presentations near trout feeding zones.
Berthoud & Loveland Fishing: Carter Lake Reservoir
Carter Lake, a deep, clear reservoir near Loveland, is known for its large rainbow trout. In early spring, trout move into shallower water, making them more accessible to anglers using trolling, casting and jigging techniques. Slow trolling with spinners or stickbaits near the dam and around rocky points can be highly effective. Jigging with soft plastics or small spoons along steep drop-offs is another proven method. Casting spinners, jigs, & jerkbaits can hook a giant trout. This lake’s scenic beauty and quality fishing make it a favorite destination for Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters guided trips.
Berthoud Fishing at Flatiron Reservoir
Flatiron Reservoir may be smaller than some of the other destinations, but it provides excellent spring shoreline fishing opportunities for stocked rainbow trout. The lake’s structure and controlled water levels make it ideal for casting spinners, spoons, and jigs from the shoreline. The trout here are often eager to strike in the cool spring waters, offering fast action for anglers. Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters guides can help you target the best areas and adjust tactics for an exciting day on the water.
Loveland Fishing at Pinewood Reservoir
Nestled in the foothills near Carter Lake, Pinewood Reservoir is a hidden gem for shreline trout fishing. This scenic lake is home to a healthy population of rainbow trout, with some occasionally reaching impressive sizes. Casting small crankbaits, inline spinners, and bait along the deeper shorelines is an effective way to cover water and locate feeding fish. For those who prefer casting, working spoons and jigs along the sandy shorelines can produce steady action. Pinewood’s peaceful setting and productive fishing make it a fantastic springtime destination.
Red Feather Lakes: Dowdy Lake
Located in the scenic Red Feather Lakes area, Dowdy Lake is a spring hotspot for anglers targeting trout. The clear mountain water and abundant stocked fish make it a fantastic location for a guided trip. Casting small spoons and spinners along the rocky shoreline is a proven method, as trout actively chase moving baits while trolling in the cool water. Jigging in deeper sections can also produce fish, especially as the season progresses. NoCo Fishing’s guided boat trips at Dowdy Lake offer an opportunity to cover water, locating schools of feeding trout and adjusting tactics as needed. Whether you’re trolling small crankbaits or working soft plastics with a slow retrieve, the spring action is steady and rewarding.
Walden (North Park): Lake John & Delaney Butte Lakes
North Park is a premier destination for anglers seeking Colorado trophy trout, and Lake John and the Delaney Butte Lakes are among the best in the state. These high-elevation waters are home to hefty rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout that aggressively feed in the spring. At Lake John, trolling is a top technique for covering water and locating active fish. Spoons and crankbaits mimicking baitfish are particularly effective. Jigging near weed beds and structure can also produce large trout, as they ambush prey in these areas.
The Delaney Butte Lakes (North, South, and East Delaney) are known for producing some of Colorado’s largest trout. Casting lures, spinners and swimbaits near shorelines can result in explosive strikes. The trout in these lakes are often more aggressive in the spring, making it an ideal time to land a personal best.
Spin Fishing the Cache La Poudre River
For those who enjoy the challenge of river fishing, the Cache La Poudre River near Fort Collins offers excellent opportunities to catch wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. With its fast-moving currents and deep pools, this river provides a dynamic fishing experience. Spin fishing with small inline spinners, jerkbaits, jigs, and soft plastics can be highly effective in the spring, as trout are actively feeding on emerging insects and baitfish. Targeting slower-moving pools and eddies where fish are holding can lead to consistent action. Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters expert guides can help you dial in the best spots and presentations for success on the river.
Book Your Spring Fishing Trip with NoCo Fishing
Whether you’re looking to troll the open waters of Boyd Lake, hunt trophy trout in Walden, jig for trout at Dowdy Lake, or cast for brown & rainbow trout on the Cache La Poudre River, a guided fishing trip with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters ensures a top-notch experience. With expert local knowledge, a fully equipped boat, and the right techniques, you’ll have the best chance at landing quality trout this spring.
Ready to book your trip? Contact Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters at:
📍 Website: NoCoFishing.com
📧 Email: NoCoFishingOutfitters@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 970-219-0952
Get out on the water and experience some of the best spring trout fishing in Colorado with Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters!
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