Smallmouths longer than twenty inches and even larger largemouth bass are easily spotted. Probably compression suits that’ll keep you covered and protected from sun damage. If heading out on the lake is more your scene, boat access is available, or you can find a shaded spot on the shore instead and pass away the day reeling in catch after catch. They can be useful in almost all types of fishing environments. For most, it’s enjoyable to cover more distance without exerting much effort. Chatfield Lake. Pueblo Reservoir, McPhee Reservoir, Rifle Gap Reservoir, and Aurora reservoir have bulks of smallies in their waters. If you are heading more west then you can also catch Wiper Fish, Kokanee Salmon, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. The first weekend of June, every year, is a free fishing day in Colorado. Horsetooth is home to those sleek cylindrical rainbow smelts, spot tail shiners, emerald shiners, gizzard shad, and of course some Colorado bass. Get the latest tips, reviews, and in-depth guides as well as subscriber-only content when you sign up to our monthly newsletter. It is a ten-mile long lake with a surface area of 4470 acres and fifty miles of shoreline. Underwater rock humps and rock points are bass’ favorite spots. Colorado is the abode of over two thousand lakes and reservoirs and about six thousand fishable miles of rivers, streams, and estuaries flow through the land, making it a fisherman’s heaven. The depth you are fishing at determines the weight of the bait. #20 Best Value of 20 Fishing Resorts in Colorado “ From the idyllic setting on the banks of the Platt River, and the wonderful staff, fantastic food to the world-class fishing , this is the place to come if you want to relax and breathe. Likewise, The 14’er and Mount of the Holy Cross are only a short drive from town and come highly recommended if you have the time to spare. Smallmouth bass and Trout are the predominant species found at Chatfield Reservoir, with a surface area of 1500 acres and a shoreline of twenty-five miles. If you want to get in a little education while you’re there, a museum of archaeology and local history, the Anasazi Heritage center on the southern margin of the lake, depicts prehistoric Native American cultures. When bass fishing, use lures that imitate the local feed of bass, resembling rainbow smelts and gizzard shads. Plus, of course, the natural beauty that can be found within Colorado’s dense pine forests, towering mountains and mile after mile of pristine waterways. ⅜ oz spinnerbaits are most commonly used. Use our resources to find all of the information you need to make your day on the water in Colorado a success. the minimum size for trout is 16-inches and of course, the catch-and-keep limit is two (although obviously taking 0 is better for the stock levels). Fishing in winter and cold water will require more insulation. Other factors that attract smallmouth bass to the coves are the presence of crayfish and forage fish in the lanky cove water. Learn about fishing environmental issues, how to buy your fishing license, and where to take a boating education course. In addition to the Frayser River to Troublesome Creek section near Granby, the Upper Colorado is home to some of the best trout fishing on the West Slope of Colorado. We offer the best selection of boats to choose from. There are a few simple rules to follow whilst in Gore Creek to help preserve the stock and make it fair game for all visitors; Don’t forget to check out nearby Eagle River while you’re in the area, it’s not too far away and really worth the trip, often times being quieter than Gore Creek. Mysis shrimp flies are the bait of choice for the locals here. In the side canyons, wakeless boating zones have been established to allow still-water fishing. It is important to stay comfortable and light. Trust us, no amount of sunscreen will stop your skin from burning. Allowing you to enjoy both a fishing and skiing trip at once. This lure is capable of avoiding weeds the best. Miles and miles of fishable lakes, rivers, and streams may be one answer. Initially created in 1965 after the damming of the Gunnison River, the Blue Mesa Reservoir is the States second largest reservoir, providing a whopping 96 miles of shoreline. It is at a little distance from Mesa Verde, Dolores, and Cortez. A long-term fishing license must arrive within fourteen days by mail.A Short-term license will expire at midnight on the last day of validity. The Mariner 4 is an Intex … Eleven Mile Reservoir is an angler’s dream, and with its sheer size, currents and landscape, offer a perfect spot for novices and experts alike. Mini-leeches in gray, black, olive, brown, and wine also serve you well and remain a favorite amongst locals. With camping allowed and access to a boat ramp, Chambers Lake is perfect for anglers seeking a sense of adventure. Use a thick pullover hoodie in winter. Another Gold Medal Lake, meaning the big photo worthy and prize-winning catches are awaiting anyone willing to make the trip. Captain Jed Thompson runs the trips in Norther Colorado’s lakes, ponds, and rivers year-round. A close-fitted thermal, thick upper, and a waterproof insulated jacket will protect your upper body from freezing. However, due to its river canyon location, to get to the best fishing spots, you will need to either rent a boat or go out in a group. Take a look at this article to get all the guidance you need in making your purchase. The smaller coves along the north shore and the shallow rocky waters are ideal locations for fly fishing. Ice fishing is available throughout the winter months, with bow fishing for Suckers, Pike, and common Carp being allowed, as well as kayak fishing. For bass fishing, small and largemouths of ten to fifteen inches long are not allowed to be caught, while big bass over 15 inches are limited to five. In Colorado, a hot sunny day can turn into a chilled night with no warning. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Located west of Pueblo, the lake is located at a high altitude of 4690 feet and is spread across 4500 surface acres, lined by 60 miles of shoreline. If you are a fan of bass hunting, you’d definitely want to catch it amidst a high altitude lake surrounded by mountains. Surrounded by stunning forests and mountainside there are definitely worse lakes to spend your time on. Reservoirs in the plains are renowned for walleye. It is one of the largest lakes in Colorado with a maximum water depth at the dam of 270 feet. The two-mile-long lake is popular for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. Be warned, this lake is home to a large mosquito population and I would advise bringing repellent for the trip. Brook … Wear your outermost layer on arriving at the lake and use hand warmers to protect your hands from freezing. Traditional baits for Trout fishing or trolling near the shoreline. They create ripples on the surface of the water and create splashing sounds which the bass is unable to resist. This fishing pontoon boat is economical, handy and you get to explore nature on rivers or lakes. Set across 4,470 acres with over 50 miles of fishable shoreline, the man-made McPhee Reservoir is located on the Dolores River, close to the town of Dolores. Run crayfish baits and flies for those ten to fourteen-inch bronzeback smallies. Best Colorado Bass Fishing Spots Pueblo Reservoir. High Capacity Personal Pontoon. McPhee abounds in smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike, kokanee salmon, and perch. 5 bag Bass limit, no limit on Walleye, 4 for Trout, 10 for Kokanee. What’s cool about McPhee Reservoir is that guided fishing trips and boat rentals are available on the spot. No. Towards the north side of the reservoir and close to the river and ‘Dream Stream’ area is where you should head if your aim is to catch Kokanee Salmon. Likewise, if you are heading over for the winter then Vail is a very popular ski resort, so you could kill two birds with one stone so to speak, and split your time between fishing and skiing. While there are many jagged spots on the eastern edge, there are majorly three coves on the southern side. Likewise, no swimming or any other water-body contact activities are allowed. The record largemouth bass of 11 pounds and 6 ounces was caught in Colorado. 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