Northwest Colorado also has fantastic trout fishing. Anglers looking to wade should check out Gore Canyon or the upper river near Parshall. When learning how to catch lake trout, it’s important to know that they prefer light lures so consider stocking up on small spinners and spoons. A boat or small personal watercraft is the best way to fish this lake. When nothing else is happening, fish in the upper sections of the tailwater will eat midges any day of the year. This is the best rod to use for trout fishing and allows you to use a variety of techniques to catch your trout. Make sure to bring extra gear, like men’s fishing shirts, as the fast waters and colder climes may warrant many layers. Fish some bitch creeks or pats rubber legs starting in march, and you will have some excellent spring fishing opportunities for 14-16 inch brown trout all day long. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is also a tremendous resource for a variety of information, from stocking and fishing reports to upcoming tournaments. 9,180-acre Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's premier trophy lake trout fishery. Created in 1950, when the Granby Dam was built, it is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline. One of the best lake trout lures to stand the test of time the original Worden's flatfish lure has landed many a trophy trout when trolled from a boat. The lake has a boat ramp available. Don’t overlook some of the tributary streams as well. 5. Deckers is probably some of the most pressured water on the river because of its proximity to Denver. Its native-fish only designation makes this river a top spot in the United States. Brook Trout Brook trout are actually a char, in the same family as lake trout and bull trout. There are far more fly shops in Colorado then we can possibly share here, but some of the very best are the following. Besides lake trout and kokanee, Green Mountain has a good population of both brown and rainbow trout. The moose are most likely to be found in areas with lots of willows. Solitude at Conejos … Wading anglers should focus on the stretch between Basalt and Aspen. Famous for the big Mothers’ Day caddis hatch, the Arkansas features amazing fishing throughout the season. This major tributary of the Colorado River begins as a small stream in the high country above Aspen. On this 250 acre lake, you can catch lake trout that can be between 16-18 inches. Another great thing is that you can go fishing at any time of the year if you are not afraid to stay outside in the cold. Places such as Deer Lakes and Big Blue Creek have abundant, but small trout, which are ideal for a fishing trip with children. December through January- Hot rainbow and brown trout action; Mid January through Mid March- Excellent fishing for kokanee salmon, lake trout, and rainbow and brown trout; It’s cold, snowy and dark! What is the best thing about this tailwater stretch? Each season has its perks and downsides, though. Located near Island Park in eastern Idaho, this river is a tributary of the famed Snake River. The water temperature at the boat ramp in Arboles is currently 71 degrees. Rio Grande Cutthroats can be found in the drainages of […] Dogs are allowed on leash in the Arapaho National Forest, but check with the ranger station for any local restrictions. The water stays colder here than in the lower regions, so it’s still possible to catch trout as late as July or August. Have any you want to add? The two main brands available today are the Yakima Bait Flatfish and the Lure Jensen Kwikfish. The crowds will be below the dam trying for one of the giant trout in the Toilet Bowl or just downstream. If you are more interested in numbers, then try Elevenmile Canyon. Most of your fishing in Colorado can be done with a good 9’ 5 weight fly rod. It features good fishing for quality trout, however. Updated: September 12, 2019. Trying to get lightweight lures down to where the fish will most likely to be is a waste of time. Brown trout as well as large rainbows call this river home. This is probably the best way to target big brown trout in the fall and rising trout in the spring. In particular the Taylor River features great fishing for some truly giant trout in the short catch and release section below Taylor Park Reservoir. BLUE MESA RESERVOIR. The rewards are worth the effort to get there, however. Add a name or favorite quote. Eleven Mile Reservoir is known for its large rainbow trout that can range from 14-20 inches long. The Rocky Mountain State is home to 6,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers as well as some 2,000 reservoirs and lakes. Rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and brown trout all call this river home. We’ve put together a list of the 8 best lakes for ice fishing in Colorado. One of Colorado’s gold medal stillwater fisheries, North Delaney is known for producing huge rainbow, brown, and cutthroat/rainbow hybrid trout. Northeast Region One of Colorado’s gold medal stillwater fisheries, North Delaney is known for producing huge rainbow, brown, and cutthroat/rainbow hybrid trout. The monster fish measured 39 1/4 inches in length. The best time to fish the lake is early and late in the season. A large arbor reel allows you to quickly reel in the excess line as the fish begins to tire out. The reservoirs throughout this system are fantastic as well. Home Fly Fishing Tips “Simplifly” Your Boxes: Top 20 Colorado Trout Patterns By Jay December 5, 2018 Fly Fishing Tips Guide Tom Caprio shares his top 20 must have flies for fishing Colorado’s rivers and streams. Best Fishing Windows. That said, there are places where a lighter rod is a better choice. #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. Early or late in the season is best. Conditions Report - Southwest Colorado. You can visit the official state fishing page here at: Colorado Parks and Wildlife – link https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx, The official regulation book and fishing guide is found here: https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Brochure/fishing.pdf, Recent trout stocking information can be found here at: https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/StockingReport.aspx, Trout Unlimited is very active in Colorado. In this river crowds will be smaller brown, rainbow and brown trout under hard! 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