If you’re thinking Denver is only good for stream fishing, think again! While there are many local opportunities for fishing in streams and rivers, and even fly fishing in streams and rivers, there are a variety of lakes and reservoirs locally available as well.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife reminds us that Colorado is home to some 35 species of both warm- and cold-water fish with 6,000 miles of streams and over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs. The state has a number of great spots located throughout, but even here in the Metro Denver area the fishing is still great. If you’re looking for a great place to fish this fall, here are three suggestions from the fifteen listed on the Colorado Fishing Network.
(Don’t forget: fishing licenses are required year-round with only one annual exception in June. Licenses can be purchased online and are good from April 1 of the current year to March 31 of the next year.)
Hot Spot for Fall Fishing in Denver: Chatfield Reservoir of Chatfield State Park
Chatfield Reservoir boasts having a healthy population of trout and bass as well as having walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and carp. Periodically stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the reservoir gets refilled with new rainbow trout and other fish. Fall fishing in the reservoir is perfect for catching trout with the season’s cooler temperatures drawing the fish out of the deep water into that which is shallower.
A daily pass into the park costs $7 with an annual pass starting at $60. Located one mile south of C-470 on Wadsworth, the main entrance to the State Park is fairly easy to find. You can call 303-791-7275 or email [email protected] for more information.
Hot Spot for Fall Fishing in Denver: Standley Lake Regional Park
Standley Lake is known as a popular destination for fishing in the Metro Denver area. Home to the state record catch of walleye, Standley Lake hosts a variety of species you can fish for including rainbow trout, brown trout, walleye, yellow perch, channel catfish, large mouth bass, small mouth bass, wiper, striper, sunfish, bluegill, and carp–the rainbow trout and carp being among the most commonly available. In accordance with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, statewide fishing limits will be enforced.
Located in Westminster, the entrance to Standley Lake Regional Park is situated on the south side of 100th Avenue and Simms Street. You can call 303-425-1097 or email [email protected] for more information.
Hot Spot for Fall Fishing in Denver: Bear Creek Lake Park
Bear Creek Lake is open year-round and typically restocked during the summer through September. Among other species, here you can find rainbow trout, saugeye, small mouth bass, and yellow perch. There are some special fishing restrictions enforced given the lake’s sensitive circumstances. Boating on the lake is confined to motor sizes of 10 horsepower or less. There are also minimum size requirements for being able to take walleye and saugeye and an overall limit as well.
Situated on West Morrison Road in Lakewood, Bear Creek Lake is easily accessible for those in the Denver area. For more information, you can call 303-697-6159 or email [email protected].
For more fall fishing hot spots in the Denver area, you can visit Denver Parks and Recreation Fishing page.
Sources:
Activities at Chatfield State Park, Colorado.” Parks.State.CO.US.
City of Lakewood Fishing and Boating.” Lakewood.org.
“Colorado Division of Wildlife Total Licensing System.” WildlifeLicense.com.
Colorado Fishing Network: Denver Metro Fishing.” Colorado Fishing.net.
“Fishing – City of Westminster, Colorado.” CI.Westminster.CO.US.
“Where to Go – Colorado Division of Wildlife.” Wildlife.State.CO.US.
