Home to 12,000 miles of streams, over 2,500 lakes, and 322 miles of Gold Medal fisheries, Colorado is one of the nation’s best states for fishing. The entire state is above 3,000 feet, so you’ll combine the incredible fishing with stunning views. Explore expansive rivers, narrow mountain streams, and natural and man-made lakes in any of the following that we consider to be the best fishing towns in Colorado.
Most of Colorado’s greenery and mountain ranges are found in the center and west of the state. It’s no surprise, then, to find the best fishing cities in Colorado near these peaks. The dry eastern plains offer little in the way of fishing opportunities, so stick to the Rockies and you won’t go wrong!
Fort Collins
We start our tour of the best fishing towns in Colorado in the north. Fort Collins is the last city on the road to Wyoming, and is a vital hub for the Rocky Mountain State. The fourth-largest city, it’s the gateway to the Rockies and nearby Roosevelt National Forest, where you’ll find plenty of natural beauty to explore.
Fishing
From the heart of the city to the “The Big T,” up to the state parks and national forests, there’s no end to the fishing grounds in Fort Collins. With over 15 designated natural areas that allow fishing, there’s no need to worry about fishing on restricted land.
The waters here are stocked with a variety of fish almost unrivaled anywhere else in the state. Just a stone’s throw from downtown, you’ll hit Horsetooth Reservoir. The 1,900-acre lake offers exciting angling opportunities from shore or by boat. Stocked on a yearly basis, the man-made lake is now home to Trout, Walleye, Perch, Crappie, White Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill, giving you more bang for your buck!
If it’s more Trout you’re searching for, then a trip to the famous Cache La Poudre River is your best bet. The narrow upper section of the river lies surrounded by incredible mountain wildlife and yields the best and biggest fish. Fly fishing is almost a way of life up here, with experienced anglers casting their line to fill up on Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout year round. Hop on a charter, but beware, the waters get very shallow. You may need a kayak to navigate, or cast from the shore.
Things to Do
Other than the obvious outdoor activities, Fort Collins also has a bustling downtown where you can while away a few hours. Unwind after a good day’s fishing with a cool brew in “Colorado’s Craft Beer Capital” before taking advantage of the lively culinary scene.
The old town is also full of history. Pay a visit to the “certified Colorado creative district” that is home to wonderful independent galleries and bookstores, along with an old trolleybus and Victorian house that double up as museums! You could spend a few days in Colorado’s northern powerhouse and not get bored.
Walden
Cross the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and around 100 miles later, you’ll reach the charming little town of Walden. This remote habitat gives the best access to the North Platte River as it enters the North Gate Canyon. Surrounded by five mountain ranges, you won’t know where to look, as you revel in the stunning nature. You may even get to find out why the area is known as the state’s “Moose capital,” as well as one of the best fishing towns in Colorado.
Fishing
The fishing is so good here that anglers like to keep it a secret. With the productive and nutritious waters trickling down from the mountains, the North Platte is a fruitful environment for monster fish. Brown Trout are biting all year round, and it’s no wonder that an 18-mile stretch of this river has been awarded Gold Medal status.
These rocky waters can be difficult to navigate, though, so your best bet is to try wade fishing and walking along the shore. You could also grab a raft or kayak to get you from A to B. However you make it, rest assured that you’ll be in awe of your surroundings and the delicious fish you’ll land.
Things to Do
Being so isolated, most forms of tourism in Walden center on its wealth of outdoor activities. Get out and enjoy the nature and see rural Colorado. During summer, view the Walden Rodeo for a taste of the local culture, while in August, the “Sky’s the Limit” hot air balloon show will light up the skies.
Glenwood Springs
Head southwest to the edge of the Rockies and you’ll come to Glenwood Springs. Known for its wealth of hot springs and steamy caves, the town is already a tourist hub without thinking about fishing. Named by PBS as one of the country’s “most walkable” communities, everything is easily accessible, and the fishing is no different.
Fishing
World-class is the only way to describe the fishing here. Downtown is located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, so you can imagine what that brings with it. Four kinds of Trout call these waters home, along with mountain Whitefish, giving you the chance to test your skills and strength over and over again.
With the waters being so accessible, you can decide how you’d like to get to the sweet spots. Grab a bike, head out on foot, or raft down the rivers. Cast from shore or remain still when wading in the shallows, to make sure you don’t spook the fish. There’s plenty of fly and spin action, so you don’t want to ruin it by being too noisy! Grab your fishing license and join in on the fun.
Things to Do
Unwind after a long and productive day of fishing with a trip to one of the hot springs or spas that have made Glenwood Springs so famous. But you don’t need to spend money to relax! Make sure to visit the Hanging Lake Trail and visit the two waterfalls (pictured). You could spend hours and hours just gazing at the beauty, so get ready to be blown away.
Basalt
There’s just so much of the Rockies to explore that we couldn’t resist adding another town to the list of best fishing towns in Colorado. Just 30 minutes from Glenwood Springs on the road to Aspen, the touristic town of Basalt is a must-visit for anglers in Colorado. Sandwiched between the Sopris and Basalt mountains, the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers meet in stunning surroundings to give you an incredible fishing experience.
Fishing
With 36 miles of Gold Medal waters in the vicinity, this is Trout heaven. As the fish hatch in winter, there’s fishing year round! Hit up the 14-mile long Gold Medal stretch of the Frying Pan river, or the 22 miles along the Roaring Fork and test your skills against trophy-sized Trout. Unfortunately, you’ll only get to keep two Trouts each in these waters, but don’t worry, there’s another option.
Ruedi Reservoir holds plenty of Lake and Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon, with more lenient limits on your catch. Nestled between the peaks, you’ll have the added bonus of also being surrounded by beauty, and there are plenty of camping and recreational opportunities in the vicinity.
Things to Do
The obvious thing to do when in Basalt is go fishing and exploit the nature around, but you should also take advantage of its proximity to some other popular tourist hotspots. It’s less than 20 miles from Aspen, giving you the chance to pop into the famous resort town to explore the boutique shops and wealth of dining options, before heading back to your much more affordable accommodation in Basalt.
Gunnison
To get to the next on our list of best fishing towns in Colorado, you’ll have to cross 100 miles of peaks to find what may be the state’s fishing highlight. At the crossroads of the Black Canyon National Park and Curecanti National Area, you’ll find rivers, lakes, and Colorado’s biggest lake – the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Explore some of North America’s deepest canyons and get your fish on in surroundings that are sure to blow you away.
Fishing
Whichever way you head along the Gunnison River, you’re in for a treat. Going northeast, you’ll discover some of the most productive natural fishing grounds in the state. Near the North Fork and Crystal Dam, you’ll come across a huge opening where the Trout mirror their surroundings. In fall, you’ll also get tot take advantage of the largest Kokanee Salmon run in the US, so it’s not just about the Trout!
Head the other way and you’ll make your way through the canyons to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Fly anglers particularly relish the chance to fish here, with excellent casting opportunities from the 96 miles of shoreline and the chance to go wading in the shallows. Explore the mouths of the rivers as they open up into the lake for trophy-sized Brook Trout, or go after Rainbow and Brown Trouts in the middle of the lake. Head on foot or by boat, and take advantage of this angler’s paradise.
Things to Do
The views speak for themselves and you could spend all day just gazing in awe. There are plenty of trails to explore, with biking, hiking, and rock-climbing adventures. However, if you have some more time to spend, there are a whole host of other things to visit in the area.
This area was once an integral part of the mining industry and several towns sprang up in response to the increasing demand for workers. Now, many of these towns lay deserted and make for an intriguing, if eery, place to visit. Take a trip to nearby Ohio City and learn about the rise and fall of the town and industry.
These peaks are also ideal for looking at the stars. The almost deserted mountains mean that there’s no light pollution and it’s no surprise that it’s an ideal location to conduct research. Visit the local observatory and take a peek through Colorado’s largest research-quality telescope to discover what lies beyond earth.
Aurora
From the wilderness to the metropolis. While officially a separate entity, Aurora makes up the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area. Although, with 113 parks and 98 miles of trails, you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in the countryside! Take advantage of excellent fishing and plenty of urban recreational activities and see why we think Aurora is one of the best fishing towns in Colorado.
Fishing
You may think that fishing in Colorado is all about the Rockies, but Aurora proves otherwise. Cherry Creek and Aurora Reservoirs are full of exciting fish, just waiting to be caught. Filled with Walleye, Perch, Crappie, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Tiger Muskies, there’s enough to keep you entertained during the day, and plenty to target to take home.
These urban waters can get crowded in peak season, but that’s just a testament to how productive they are. Fish from shore or hop on a boat to the middle of the lakes and cast away there. Four state records were landed on Cherry Creek Reservoir, so get ready to test your strength!
Things to Do
The parks around the reservoirs offer horseback riding, hiking, and shooting. But the beauty of a trip to Aurora is that everything is on your doorstep. Just a stone’s throw from downtown Denver, you actually won’t need to venture into the capital at all. Take advantage of the shopping, dining, theatre, and even gambling opportunities at the race track! There’s something for everyone in this bustling city.
Colorado Springs
An hour south from the capital, Colorado’s second biggest city lies at the eastern foot of the Rockies. Its proximity to some of the state’s best rivers and lakes puts it among the best fishing towns in Colorado. Marvel at some geological wonders, discover some of the West’s lost history, and engage in world-class fishing all in a day’s work.
Fishing
Back to the Rockies, and the stunning peaks overlooking Colorado Springs yield plenty of hidden gems. Fountain Creek winds its way through the Pikes Peak region, spreading out into small lakes and reservoirs, offering plenty in the way of fishing. Follow it up to Green Mountain Falls and you’ll come across some seriously productive waters. Even beginners can expect to max out their limit of Trout here!
Head further up the creeks and you’ll encounter the Manitou Lakes. These well-stocked, small bodies of water offer incredible angling opportunities, all just 30 minutes out of downtown Colorado Springs. At a high altitude, you’ll battle it out with exciting and delicious fish in unbeatable surroundings.
Things to Do
While the Rockies as a whole offer incredible scenery, the peaks out of Colorado Springs are a cut above. The geological formation, known as “the Garden of the Gods,” is not to be missed. Like something from a sci-fi film, the red rocks rise up from the ground like arms clawing out from the earth!
Other than nature, Colorado’s second city has plenty to offer. Discover the town that refused to become a city in Manitou Springs. The locals rejected urbanization and still live in some sort of hippy commune, running galleries and cute boutiques. You can also discover the state’s first capital – Colorado City. Find out all about the Centennial State’s rich history, before unwinding in one of Colorado Springs’ famous spas.
Durango
Last, and certainly not least, on our list of best fishing towns in Colorado is the southwestern town of Durango. Where the Southwest meets the Old West, the city is rich in history and extraordinary nature. Explore the San Juan Forest and Animas River or wander around the historical downtown and immerse yourself in the town’s riches.
Fishing
The Animas River flows through town and it’s a good place to start when fishing in Durango. The 126-mile long winding waterway opens up to widths of 100 feet just out of town, making for some serious Trout action. Along a 7-mile stretch near the town, you’ll have access to the river to cast your line and battle it out with some monster fish.
Work your way up the mountains and discover narrow creeks that numerous delicious fish call home. Surrounded by greenery and rockery, you may view the fishing as a bonus, but don’t forget to take your eye off the prize. The waters open up into Vallecito Lake about 45 minutes from town, where you’ll have the serene surroundings to yourself as you cast for Pike, Walleye, and Bass. The fishing can be tricky here, but that just adds to the excitement!
Things to Do
There’s no shortage of things to do when visiting Durango. The historic downtown is like a step back in time. You’ll see why the legendary Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was filmed here, as the town is full of traditional old western buildings. Relax in the bars, soak in the culture at the museums, and hole up in a boutique hotel for the night.
The steam-powered narrow-gauge railway will take you to some breathtaking vantage points as it works its way around the mountain. Head up to the Mesa Verde settlement and discover a 1,000-year old Native American settlement, or learn more about the fish you’ve been going after in the Fish Hatchery Museum.Marketed as “a dozen vacations in one destination,” you really can do it all here.
And Much More
With thousands of other streams and lakes that we haven’t mentioned, there’s plenty more of Colorado to explore. This short list definitely doesn’t go all the way to covering the whole state, but we think it’s a good place to start your Colorado fishing adventure. The only question is, which one to visit first? Start planning your next getaway and grab a Colorado fishing charter!
Have you ever visited any of the towns listed above? How do you rate our choices for the best fishing towns in Colorado? If you think we’ve missed something out, let us know in the comments below!
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