The Angler’s Paradise: Colorado’s Premier Fishing Destinations

Colorado’s resplendent natural beauty, bolstered by its diverse landscapes and pristine water bodies, offers a range of unrivaled fishing experiences. Whether you’re a novice wetting your first line or an experienced fly-fishing enthusiast seeking new challenges, the Centennial State caters to every angling predilection. In this post, we explore seven of Colorado’s premier fishing spots, discussing their unique features, average depths, sizes, and the types of fish you can hope to catch.

1. Fryingpan River

Sourced from the austere peaks of the Rockies near Aspen, the Fryingpan River winds its way to the quaint town of Basalt. It is a relatively shallow river with an average depth of about 3-4 feet, offering comfortable wading opportunities for anglers.

The Fryingpan is a Gold Medal Water destination, an accolade awarded to only the top-tier fishing waters in Colorado. It teems with brown and rainbow trout that average 14 inches, providing a rewarding challenge for fly fishermen. The river’s bounty of aquatic insects leads to frequent surface feeding frenzies, creating an angler’s paradise and a dream come true for those with a penchant for fly fishing.

2. Blue Mesa Reservoir

The Blue Mesa Reservoir, encompassing a vast 20-mile stretch and plummeting to depths of 340 feet, stands as Colorado’s largest body of water. Its size provides diverse fishing opportunities, whether you prefer casting your line from the shore, trolling from a boat, or venturing onto the ice in winter.

The reservoir’s depths hide a variety of species, including yellow perch, brown and rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon. The Kokanee salmon can reach an impressive length of 14 to 18 inches, while the lake trout, the reservoir’s behemoths, can exceed a whopping 50 inches, adding a thrilling dimension to the angling experience.

3. The Dream Stream

The South Platte River’s segment between Spinney and Elevenmile Reservoirs, fondly nicknamed the “Dream Stream,” is an angling utopia. With an average depth of about 2-3 feet, the river is perfect for wading and offers an exceptional environment for fly fishing.

The Dream Stream hosts significant rainbow and brown trout populations. Although these fish average between 14 to 20 inches, the real allure lies in the legendary leviathans that frequently surpass 24 inches, particularly during the spring and fall migration seasons.

4. Animas River

Winding through the scenic city of Durango, the Animas River offers a picturesque backdrop to an exciting fishing adventure. The river’s depth is relatively consistent, averaging about 4 feet, with some deeper pools reaching up to 6 feet.

The Animas River is particularly famous for its wild rainbow and brown trout populations. These fish generally fall within the 12 to 16-inch range, but patient and determined anglers might have the chance to reel in a 20-inch trophy trout, making the Animas a favored spot for trout enthusiasts.

5. Rio Grande River

Weaving its way through the dramatic landscapes near Creede, the Rio Grande River presents ample opportunities for fly fishing. The river’s depth fluctuates significantly, ranging from just a few feet in some areas to an impressive 20 feet in others.

The Rio Grande River teems with rainbow and brown trout, earning its reputation as a gold medal water fishing destination. These fish typically average around 16 inches in length. However, the Rio Grande is known for its trove of trophy-sized trout, with some individuals growing well over 20 inches, promising a thrilling fishing experience.

6. Spinney Mountain State Park

Nestled within the tranquil high-altitude environs of Spinney Mountain State Park, the Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a much sought-after fishing location. The reservoir plummets to a maximum depth of about 50 feet, offering an expansive 2,500-acre fishing arena.

Home to robust populations of large rainbow and brown trout as well as formidable northern pike, Spinney Mountain State Park is a beloved destination for fly fishers. Rainbow and brown trout average between 16-18 inches, while the mighty northern pike, with their sleek bodies and sharp-toothed grins, can reach lengths exceeding 40 inches.

7. The Gunnison River

Carving its path through the breathtaking Black Canyon, the Gunnison River presents an exhilarating and somewhat secluded fishing experience. Framed by the canyon’s dramatic cliffs, the river reaches an average depth of 5-6 feet, with some deep pools extending over 20 feet.

In these gold medal waters, anglers will encounter a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout. The trout typically measure between 10-16 inches, but the Gunnison is no stranger to larger specimens, with frequent catches exceeding 20 inches. This makes it an appealing destination for those seeking both an adventure and the chance to land a memorable catch.

Fishing in Colorado is more than just the pursuit of the catch. It’s about connecting with nature, accepting its challenges, and reveling in the tranquility it offers. Each location presents a unique facet of Colorado’s vast natural beauty, ensuring a rich and diverse angling experience. So whether you’re in search of a challenging catch, the peace of being on the water, or the chance to explore new territory, these spots have you covered. Pack your fishing gear, and set off on an unforgettable journey through the remarkable fishing destinations that the Centennial State has to offer.