In the summer, Trout Lake is a trout fisherman’s paradise. See also: Best Trout Fishing Locations in California. Boasting an inlet bay for Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, I would suggest using medium sized spinners and spoons. Anglers travel to this section of the river from all over the world for a chance to fight one of these big fish. Access is year round and this river is perfect for fly fishermen, no matter their skill level. It’s possible to fish from shore, from a boat or with waders. Subscribe to our newsletter to received exlusive specials and travel deals! And Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn and Pilot Knob are also present in the peaks around Trout Lake. There are three boat launches and the Lake Granby Yacht Club here. If you’re headed to the river and want to try someplace new, here are eight of the best trout fishing spots in the United States. Lake Trout Bait. Your Colorado lake trout fishing guide will provide everything you need to catch fish including all the rods and reels, tackle, fishing gear, and bait needed to have a successful day on your fishing trip in Colorado. Is Polyester Warm Enough for Cold Weather Camping & Hiking? Fishing here is all about location though, so you must be sure to come prepared with the correct equipment, as some of the larger lake Trout can measure 16 to 18 inches. Then go south on CO-145 at the gas station. Plus, some notable mentions below! The Animas is home to rainbows and browns. Search a full list of license agents in Colorado here: https://www.cpwshop.com/issuerlist.page. Colorado River From the town of State Bridge upstream to the upper end of Gore Canyon. Nonresidents can also purchase a -day license for $31.75. Trout and large carp are said to swim in the lake’s waters, which are ideal for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Frying Pan River, Basalt Found between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, the Basalt area is a big vacation destination with many recreational activities, one of which is world renowned trout fishing. Most of the fish in the river are in the 10- to 15-inch range, but the potential for a monster is real. Third, you can purchase one in person at their department offices or at any license vendor across the state. Trout Lake is a reservoir located just 7.3 miles from Mountain Village, in San Miguel County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Ophir Loop, CO. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brook trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brown trout here. Note: Data from Colorado Parks & Wildlife information. Rocky Lake - Colorado Level 5; Rocky Lake - Colorado; Charts; As the weather gets colder, it’s better to go fishing around midday, when the water temperature is warmer. You can fish for a rainbow trout in a cool Rocky Mountain stream or troll for walleye on a sunny plains reservoir. Found between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, the Basalt area is a big vacation destination with many recreational activities, one of which is world renowned trout fishing. Trout Lake, Colorado, is a half-hour drive from Telluride along CO-145. Colorado is a little pricey compared to other states, even for non-residents to the state, but it is well worth it! North Delaney Butte Lake One of Colorado’s gold medal stillwater fisheries, North Delaney is known for producing huge rainbow, brown, and cutthroat/rainbow hybrid trout. There are also countless alpine lakes, small streams and beaver ponds located in the High Country. Whether you are looking for whitewater rafting, kayaking, scenic views, or the fishing trip of a lifetime, the Frying Pan River is a great option. Fish Hermosa Creek. Trout Lake is a 15-minute drive from Ophir via Colorado State Highway 145 and a 30-minute drive from Telluride. For more information on Colorado’s trout fisheries, the best resource is Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website at https://cpw.state.co.us/. This means no matter what time of year, you have the potential to catch some truly giant trout. From gorgeous scenic views and bright blue skies, every angler owes it to themselves to come experience Colorado fishing at least once in their lives. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. Trout Fishing in Lake County Fishing in Colorado High Country When Spring breaks and the ice lefts off the lakes it’s time to go fishing. Sport Fish Colorado focuses on fishing for Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Trophy Lake Trout on the open lake waters of Blue Mesa, Antero, Taryall, Taylor, and McPhee reservoirs and can also accomodate trips on Spinney, 11 Mile, Pueblo, Harvey, and Rifle Gap reservoirs via our partners Fish Head Outdoors and Apex Sport Fishing! This state has more rivers, streams, and high country lakes than almost any other, and they are all filled to the brim with trout. Colorado Fly Fishing: The Fish Species. Fraser River The Gunnison River offers several public access points for wading, though fishing from drift boats when the waters are high is preferable. A water tank and bridge still stand from the old Rio Grand Railroad. You’ll have to travel up into the mountains to reach it, but you’ll find out pretty quickly why the lake is so popular with trout fishermen. The variety of wild and stocked trout always leads to an entertaining day on the water. They prefer 50 degrees waters. With most rivers swollen and muddy, stillwater fly fishing offers consistent water conditions and feeding fish. The state has tons of perfect mountain streams, lakes and rivers that are a pristine habitat for rainbows, browns and cutthroats. Walleyes … Trout is one of the most common fish species in the Front Range and Northwest Colorado. The Roaring Fork River begins high above Aspen before making its way down and meeting the Colorado River, and is considered one of the best trout fisheries in the nation. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! For lake trout fishing, a 150-meter line is enough. Rainbow Trout. Mature lake trout feed primarily on fish. For a more detailed list of all of the fishing licenses available, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website at https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/FishingSeasonDatesFees.aspx. As with many states, there are some special regulations for certain waters, and it is always smart to consult the state’s rules and regulations before fishing anywhere. From the stunning red canyons of Colorado to the crystal-clear mountain lakes of the Wind Rivers to the beaver flows of New Hampshire, you can find lots of fly-fishing destinations that have excellent fish action. The short term licenses are most often going to be ideal for visitors to the state, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. History. Your Colorado lake trout guided fishing trip will be on a state-of-the-art 20 ft Lund fishing boat. At almost 80 miles in length, there is plenty of water to fish and places to go to get away from the crowds. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Washington. If you are looking for the best locations for trout fishing in Colorado, you’ve come to the right place. Younger fish … One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake Granby is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon. Colorado offers everything in between, too. The Upper Arkansas River is located near the small town of Leadville, which is the country’s highest elevation city at over 10,000 feet above sea level. While it can be a little difficult to fish in some sections without a boat, this is the number one spot in Colorado for catching that fish of a lifetime! Additionally, the alpine lake is a stand-up paddle board destination. Created in 1950, when the Granby Dam was built, it is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline. The flannelmouth sucker inhabits large streams and rivers with turbid waters and sand or muddy bottoms. The Roaring Fork is a famous river and in just one trip here you will see why. Regulations enforced by the Colorado Division of Wildlife cover many aspects of trout fishing in the state. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Arizona. See also: Best Spots for Trout Fishing in Oklahoma. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Kentucky. Give us a follow if you want to be kept up to date about what’s happening! Trout lake was originally explored by American fur-trappers and pioneers, who often used the lake as a stopping point for their expeditions. Known as a bottom feeder, the flannelmouth sucker will feed on algae and invertebrates. Annual fishing licenses cost $34.75 for residents and $96.75 for non-residents. Among the trout that inhabit the lakes, ponds, and flowing waterways of Colorado are the cutthroat trout, the lake trout, the brown trout, the brook trout and the rainbow trout. Described by online reviewers as “pleasantly surprising,” Quail Lake is a popular suburban fishing spot located in southern Colorado Springs near 1-25. You can fish from shore or take a boat out. Wet your fishing line for Colorado River Cutthroat Trout. Like its name implies, the lake holds plenty fish, and who could ask for a more scenic lake to drop a canoe into? How Do You Stay Warm in a Tent When Camping? The lake is also a great place to teach kids or beginners the basics of casting. The variety of landscape from high mountain to low desert is great for the fish that live here, and the brown and rainbow trout are very plentiful throughout all stretches of the river. Conejos River From Aspen Glade Campground 4 miles upstream to Menkhaven Ranch. So, when you ask the question, “where’s the best places to fish for trout?” You’re likely to get a wide range of answers. There are many fish species in Colorado depending on the region. The lack of traffic hasn’t made the tranquil lake useless, however. Located in the same general area as the Frying Pan, this area is a trout fisherman’s paradise. Colorado is home to over 6,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers, as well as over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. Ask anyone which western states are the best for trout fishing, and Colorado is sure to be on the list near the top. From sub alpine terrain down to boulder filled canyons, this river has some of the best scenery around. The 50,000 gallon tank and railroad bridge still stand, but the days of Rio Grande have long passed. Colorado has some of the best trout fishing locations in the world. Second, you can buy one over the phone from the department as well. If you’re brought along but don’t feel like fishing, your best bet is to relax and soak up the views, it doesn’t get much prettier than this! Stocked by the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery, you’re sure to reel in some quality rainbows and brown trout. Throughout the year, anglers come from all over the state, region, and even the country to fish some of Colorado’s top trout fishing destinations. Trout Fishing in Arizona – Top Spots with Map, Trout Fishing in Arkansas (AR) – Top Spots with Map, 5 Different Types of Fishing Rods and Their Uses, 10 Locations for the Best Trout Fishing in the US, Trout Fishing in Tennessee (TN) – Top Spots with Map, Trout Fishing in Pennsylvania (PA) – Top Spots with Map, By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc. See also: Best Trout Fishing Spots in Tennessee. Canoe vs Kayak: How to Choose Between Kayak & Canoe. Here are just a few to get you started! The Gunny, as it is known locally, has a reputation among Colorado natives as the scene of some of the best river and lake fishing to be found anywhere and one of the state’s best kept secrets. Fishing in Colorado equals opportunities to catch some 35 speci es of warm-water and cold-water fish. While popular destinations include Roaring Fork, Frying Pan River, Gunnison River, North Delaney Lake, Animas River, and Blue River, there are thousands of potential fishing destinations in Colorado. Trout Lake was once an integral part of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, filling steam engines with water as they rested under the shadows of skyscraper peaks. Other activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting and top attractions in Durango, including riding the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. See also: Trout Fishing in North Carolina (NC). To reach Trout Lake CO, head west from Telluride. This, in turn, produces some giant trophy fish, while the upper part is a winding mountain stream that is famous for its impressive views. What Are the Types of Backpacks for Hiking, Backpacking & Travel? The Gunnison River is one of my favorite rivers to fish, in part because it is year round fishing and the fish are plentiful. Lake County is one of the premier places in Colorado to fish for trout with 2 large reservoirs, Turquoise and Twin Lakes and The Arkansas River. Lake John, Colorado fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. The river has many long runs and deep pools, and aquatic insects are to be found just about everywhere. Once you get there though, you will not want to leave because of how many fish you are catching. The lower section of the Roaring Fork is a raging river, which means only the strongest trout can survive in its waters. It is home to some large rainbow and brown trout, and next to some of Colorado’s other trout rivers, is one of the best in the country. Besides some of the high alpine lakes and rivers that get snowed in, most of Colorado’s trout fisheries stay open year round to fishing. Connect with travelers planning a visit to Telluride Colorado. We advise beginners to go for pre-rigged lines. Colorado is the place to go for big trout, but first, you will need a fishing license. Keep in mind that twilight is considered the best time for going after a range of fish species, such as Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye and many others. This river can be prone to seasonal and weather fluctuations because of its long and varying elevations and terrain, so it is important to make sure where you want to fish is open and accessible. Emerald Lake 270 acres of lake trout fishing in the Weminuche Wilderness. With its rich history, plentiful trout and tranquil mountain setting, Trout Lake is only a half-hour drive from These fish grow a lot slower than most trout or char species, but can live to be 60 years old in the right conditions! Trophy lake trout live in several Colorado lakes and reservoirs. The lake is filled with so many impressive trout that it is used to stock almost every other trout fishery in the state. Read more. Wow! This is probably the easiest and most convenient. The current state record came out of Blue Mesa reservoir in 2007 and weighed a whopping 50 lbs 5 ounces! Just like most fish species, trout are more likely to come out as the weather and water warmth. Trout fishing in Colorado is fun to do, but you can only get a great catch if you time your trip right! Lake trout are roamers, moving widely and may go several hundred feet deep. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June–October. One-day licenses cost $13.75 for residents and $16.75 for non-residents. Colorado trout fishing guide charters on Eleven Mile Reservoir and Spinney Mountian Reservoir will redefine what you think about trout fishing, with trout often averaging 20 inches and 3.5 pounds. Since 1995, we've built travel guides that promote great outdoor destinations. Top Locations for Trout Fishing in Colorado (CO) 1. Broken into many different sections that specialize in something different, the Gold Medal section consistently produces 10 plus pound rainbows and also hosts giant brown, brook, and cutthroat trout. Right after ice out is normally excellent. Choose from 24 fishing rivers and lakes in Colorado where you and your family can vacation. Hermosa Creek Trail is an 18.4 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Durango that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as moderate. 2016 to Present Links to Colorado’s Fishing Atlas. For lake trout fishing, the reel should neither be too large nor too small. Native to Colorado, ranged in the western slopes and waters of Colorado. SENIORS: Colorado residents age 65 and older can obtain an annual senior fishing license for $9.85 NEW or an annual senior combo small game/fishing license for $29.75 , both of which include the 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and the $1.50 Wildlife Education First, you can purchase one online from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department. The best time to fish the lake is early and late in the season. East River Downstream for 1 mile from the bridge at Roaring Judy Hatchery. They are big trout that are doing well in the river. This lake is a key part of Colorado’s trout fishing scene. For anglers, Colorado mackinaws are the angler's version of big game and provide an opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime. Fishing is possible from the shore, with waders or by boat. Famous for its catch and release waters, this is the place for big rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are the most common trout found throughout Colorado. 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