Top 10 Fishing Spots in Colorado

Forget everything you’ve heard about Colorado showcasing its ski resorts. Colorado is a fishing paradise with varied species stocked in the state’s beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers.

Just stop by the Leadville National Fish Hatchery (in operation since 1889), and you’ll see what we mean.

Like the mountains for skiers, the fish here are hard to tame but a joy to catch. And they taste yummy pan-fried with olive oil and fresh herbs. Imagine having that for dinner every night.

You could spend an entire summer reeling in some of the best fish at the top fishing spots in Colorado (in no particular order) while enjoying the good RV life.

Best Time of Year to Fish in Colorado

Late spring is the perfect time to fish in Colorado, so pack some winter clothing because it can still get below freezing at night, and the mountains might still get some snow. 

May and June are ideal for two reasons. Fish are spawning, which means they are more active. Water levels are also lower, meaning the fish have fewer places to hide from your bait. June is also when the hatcheries release their fish into the waters.

Fishing licenses go on sale for anglers 18 and over on March 1. An annual fishing license is $102.40 for non-residents, plus an annual habitat stamp of $10.59. Resident fishing licenses are $36.71 plus the stamp for 2022.

Rent a boat with your RV and spend a few months at some of the best fishing spots in Colorado!

Fish to Catch in Colorado

Trout and salmon are two popular game fish in Colorado, and you’re limited to keeping four per day during your Colorado fishing vacation. You can keep up to five walleye and largemouth bass, as well as ten white bass per day. You can view daily limits and other fishing regs here. 

Look for these other fish to catch in Colorado:

Kokanee salmon. These river fish taste great, and it’s rare to find them any further south because they enjoy cooler waters.

Lake trout. The largest trout species in North America, the Mackinaw is a fighter and won’t get in your cooler easily because they enjoy deep waters. They taste fantastic, though, and can reach up to 50 pounds in weight!

Mountain whitefish. Another native species and a tasty one at that.

Where to Start Your RV Journey for Fishing in Colorado

As you might expect, Denver is the place to start your Colorado RV vacation if you plan on spending May and June enjoying the challenges of reeling in your favorite game fish.

There are plenty of great RV rentals in the capital region. Although Denver has some excellent lake fishing around it, you’ll want to head out of the city to explore mountain fishing at its finest.

If you spend a few months fishing in Colorado, you must take in the entire experience. Tall peaks, snowy caps, rocky canyons, dry deserts, and rushing mountain streams all await your discovery in the Rocky Mountain State’s best fishing destinations.

1. Fraser River Canyon

Start your RV journey by heading 80 miles west-northwest of Denver to Granby. There, you’ll find Fraser River, a tributary of the Colorado. Catch brown, rainbow, and brook trout here. If you’d rather go lake fishing, Lake Granby is nearby as a gentle fishing spot in Colorado.

This short jaunt from Denver whets your appetite for more challenging and remote areas for Colorado’s top fishing spots.

Lake Granby offers several beautiful RV campgrounds for rest and relaxation after a fun day of fishing.

2. Spinney Mountain State Park

Head due south about 140 miles to Spinney Mountain State Park. You’ll truly test your fishing abilities here because only artificial lures are allowed. Try your hand at trophy-sized northern pike (with no limits!) and trout, both of which are supplied by the hatchery.

There are two reservoirs to fish in. You have opportunities for river fishing here, too, along the South Platte River.

Pull your RV into Lake George Cabins & RV Park to snag one of 14 RV spots starting on May 1st.

3.Gunnison County

From Spinney Mountain, head west about 140 miles to the heart of Gunnison County. This is your place if you’re looking for well-stocked waterways and big ones to reel in for a fishing spot in Colorado. The Gunnison River, in particular, offers fly fishing and lure fishing only to catch those elusive salmon and rainbow trout. You’ll need to hike to this secluded river, and the views are stunning.

The East River and Taylor River also provide copious river fishing opportunities. Blue Mesa Lake and Taylor Reservoir provide lake fishing at its finest. Gunnison County has seen several record catches in its history.

RV resorts and campgrounds are plentiful within this national recreation area.

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4. Rio Grande River

The Rio Grande is a bit smaller in Colorado before it heads south to the Gulf of Mexico. But in mountain country, you can catch some of the best river fish in the state.

From Gunnison County, head south-southeast 120 miles to Del Norte. It’s between here and South Fork where the best fishing happens in the San Juan Mountains. 

Reserve your spot at the Woods & River RV Park on the outskirts of Del Norte. 

5. Animas River

Drive another 120 miles southwest to Durango as you head closer to the four corners region with New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Durango can get a bit touristy, but the Animas River is a great fishing destination in Colorado as one of the last free-flowing rivers in Colorado. Put your line in for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, German brown trout, northern pike and walleye.

If you’re feeling adventurous, use Durango as your base before heading southwest to the San Juan River in the four corners area. The San Juan sees up to 10,000 fish per mile in June and July when the state hatcheries stock this baby full. The canyon here is stunning.

6. Carter Lake

The first five on this list took you to the south. Now, we’ll head a bit north. 

Just north of Denver is a place to practice your fishing ahead of getting into wilder territory.

Carter Lake is an 1,100-acre reservoir filled with trout, bass, and plenty of other lake fish to test your mettle before heading out on your journey to the north.

7. Glenwood Springs

Known for its world-class fly fishing, Glenwood Springs is about 150 miles west of Denver and 125 miles west of Fraser (mentioned above). The Roaring Fork River and Colorado River are both Gold Medal waters and prime fishing spots in Colorado, with Roaring Fork Valley providing one of the longest stretches of Gold Medal fishing in the state.

Check out the Fryingpan River with 10-pound rainbows, then head to Ruedi Reservoir for lake trout. Carbondale, another great spot for Roaring Fork fishing, is just south of Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Canyon Resort and Ami’s Acres have RV camping here as you soak up the beautiful scenery.

8. Arkansas River in Leadville

Home of the Leadville Fish Hatchery, the Upper Arkansas River near Leadville gives you ample amounts of brown and rainbow trout to reel in. You’ll get lost in the stunning views of snowcapped mountain peaks, even if you visit in the early summer.

Leadville RV Corral, Sugar Loafin’ Campground, and Molly Brown Campground provide RV spots for you along gorgeous Turquoise Lake.

9. Delaney Buttes

Head north 150 miles to Walden, near the Wyoming border, to discover three mountain reservoirs: North Delaney Lake, South Delaney Lake, and Walden Lake. The North Platte River also has copious amounts of river fishing near North Park, another 10 miles north of Walden as one of the premier fishing spots in Colorado.

Healthy trout populations at the reservoirs mean you won’t have any trouble landing a few big ones.

Hoover Roundup Motel & RV Park as well as Granite Corner RV Park await you.

10. Meeker

Hop in your RV for a 150-mile jaunt to the southwest for Meeker, a rustic fishing destination and home of the White River Valley. These are protected waters, so you’ll have to pay a small fee and get permission to fish here. But the owners of the land use the fees to keep these waters safe for naturalists and fishermen alike in an unspoiled part of Colorado. Cast your line for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout as well as large whitefish.

Nearby Lake Avery also provides great trout fishing in Colorado. Head a little further west to Rio Blanco Lake for fishing and a quiet place to relax. Trappers Lake is an absolute gem.

Meeker Riverbend RV Park, River Camp RV Park, and Trailer & Hitch RV Park provide places for your rolling accommodations.

PS Find Your RV n Fishing Spot Today!

We hope you enjoy these fishing holes that offer the challenges of lure fishing and fly fishing as well as the beauty and wide-open spaces of the Rocky Mountains. 

Book your RV now for a vacation to some of the finest fishing spots in Colorado you won’t soon forget. Forget the hotels or resorts. Renting an RV is STILL Less Expensive than staying at a resort. Be sure to read our Road Trip Packing Check List and Great Meals For Road Trips. 

The average Guest saves 30% when renting through RVnGO. Read more about them in the article – Who Is RVnGO?