Colorado Fishing Seasons: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Towering mountain peaks, glassy alpine lakes, and streams that twist through meadows… Colorado is basically a giant playground for anyone with a rod and reel. Dreaming of flicking dry flies in a Rocky Mountain river? Or soaking up the sun while convincing a Largemouth that your lure is much tastier than its lunch? Whatever your style, there’s always something biting. You just need to know when and where.

Our month-by-month guide will walk (or wade) you through every Colorado fishing season. Expect everything from epic spring hatches and sizzling summer lake days, to crisp autumn mornings and cozy winter sessions on the ice. Choosing the perfect time to visit is half the adventure, and we’ve done the homework for you. Let’s dive into what’s biting, and when…

What fish are in season in Colorado and when?

Colorado’s fishing seasons like to keep anglers guessing – but you’ll never be disappointed by what’s on offer. Spring Trout wake up hungry for food, summer Bass lurk where you least expect, and winter Pike dare you to drill through the ice and say hello. The specific fish you’ll be targeting will change depending on the season, but something’s always ready to tug on your line. 

Colorado Fishing Seasons

If you’re looking to fish at a specific time of year, make sure to check out what local guides are saying about the angling action. Otherwise, here’s your month-by-month cheat sheet of what’s biting in Colorado throughout the year:

Looking for a more in-depth guide into what you can expect when you come and visit? Jump to your selected month, and we’ll give you a rundown of the top species, spots, and some tips on techniques:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

January

Colorado’s start to the year favors the bold! Ice fishing is the name of the game right now, so if you don’t mind the cold, there’s no reason not to visit. Dedicated anglers flock to places like Eleven Mile Reservoir and Dillon Reservoir to drill holes and drop lines. Trophy Lake Trout lurk in the depths, while Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon cruise just under the ice. Bundle up, bring your auger, and get ready for a fresh-air adventure.

If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, the South Platte River near Deckers stays open year-round and dishes up some prime winter fly fishing. Big Brown and Rainbow Trout chomp on tiny midges and nymphs in the cold, clear waters, so bring your patience and warm gloves, and get ready for action.

February

Looking to keep your new year fishing streak alive? February in Colorado might still be icy, but the bite is red-hot. Ice fishing is still going strong, with spots like Boyd Lake and Chambers Lake delivering hard-water action for Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, and even the occasional Pike if you’re lucky. Brave the chill, pack your thermos, and you might just pull up a jumbo-sized fish worth bragging about.

For those who prefer moving water over dropping lines through frozen lakes, the Arkansas River near Pueblo stays well and truly fishable all winter long. Fly anglers hunting for Brown and Rainbow Trout will meet their match here. Focus on the warmest parts of the day – late mornings and early afternoons – when hungry Trout shake off the cold and start feeding. 

March

Get ready to shake off the winter blues. March in Colorado is when everything starts waking up – and that goes for the fish, too. Ice fishing is still possible in higher-elevation lakes like Lake Granby, where big Lake Trout and Rainbow Trout still cruise beneath the frozen surface. It’s your last chance to drill a hole and pull up a trophy before the lake thaws.

Meanwhile, the spring Trout bite kicks off in earnest down in the rivers. The Blue River near Silverthorne and the Fryingpan River near Basalt are top picks, with Rainbows getting ready for their spring spawn. Expect clear water, plenty of midges and baetis hatches, and fish that’ll put up a real fight.

April

Get ready to trade those snow boots for waders. April in Colorado is the prime time to hit the streams. As the ice melts and rivers swell, Trout varieties shake off the winter chill and get seriously hungry. The Arkansas River near Salida lights up this month with its famous caddis hatch. This offers up a real dream for fly anglers chasing hungry Browns and Rainbows.

High-country lakes are waking up, too. Places like Spinney Mountain Reservoir open for the season, luring anglers looking to hook into big Rainbows, Browns, and Northern Pike in the shallows. One day’s sunshine could turn to snow the next. But that’s part of the fun! April rewards those who pack a raincoat and a sense of adventure.

May

May in Colorado means one thing. The fishing heats up right along with the weather! Rivers like the Roaring Fork and Gunnison run high with snowmelt, but that just fires up the Trout. Spawning runs for Browns and Rainbows are especially plentiful. Bring your nymphs and streamers and get ready to cover plenty of ground.

If lakes are more your scene, this is the month they really come alive. Horsetooth and Pueblo Reservoirs deliver solid action for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass as they move into the shallows to spawn. Pike are also on the prowl in places like Eleven Mile Reservoir. You’ll find ’em big, toothy, and ready to smash a lure!

June

Looking to kick off summer with a splash? June is when Colorado’s fishing scene hits its stride. The Eagle and Colorado Rivers settle down from the spring runoffs, making for clear waters and hungry Trout ready to smash dry flies. This is the prime time for float trips, wading sessions, and hatches that keep fly anglers busy from dawn to dusk.

Warm-water fans aren’t left out of the action, either. Reservoirs like Chatfield and Boyd come alive with Bass, Walleye, and Crappie as water temperatures climb. Pike are still lurking in the shallows, and Kokanee Salmon start showing signs of life, too. Long days, warm weather, and fish that can’t help but bite… That’s June in Colorado!

July

We know it sounds like a cliché, but July in Colorado means that the fishing is as hot as the weather! High-country streams and alpine lakes are at their best, with hungry Brook, Cutthroat, and Rainbow Trout rising to chomp on dry flies all day long. Hit spots like Rocky Mountain National Park or the Flat Tops Wilderness for stunning backcountry scenery and Trout galore.

Lakes like Boyd, Pueblo, and Horsetooth keep pumping out Bass, Walleye, and Catfish, too. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet to beat both the heat and the crowds, whether you’re knee-deep in a chilly creek or casting from a shady boat. July is Colorado fishing at its sun-soaked finest.

August

August in Colorado is all about chasing Trout up high and Bass down low. The lakes and streams stay cool and clear, keeping Brookies, Cutthroats, and Rainbows eager to hit a well-placed dry fly. Try the Indian Peaks Wilderness or South Platte headwaters for a true backcountry fix.

Meanwhile, reservoirs like Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and Boyd serve up steady action on a platter. Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Catfish are the main players in these waterways. Just aim for dawn and dusk when the fish (and you!) won’t melt in the midday sun. Hot days, cold streams, and fish that never take a vacation – August in Colorado takes some beating.

September

September in Colorado is when the fishing gets a golden glow all of its own. In fact, we think it may be one of the best-kept secrets out there! Rivers like the Gunnison and Arkansas mellow out after the busy summer, and Brown Trout start staging for their fall spawn. This is perfect for anglers chasing big, aggressive Trout on streamers and nymphs.

Up in the alpine lakes, Cutthroats and Brookies feed hard to fatten up before winter. Meanwhile, lower-elevation lakes like Pueblo and Horsetooth still hold water that’s warm enough for Bass, Walleye, and Crappie. Crisp mornings, golden scenery, and fish that know winter’s coming. There’s something for everyone!

October

You know that fall is peak Trout fishing time, and Colorado is no different. Brown Trout hit their peak spawn on rivers such as the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, and South Platte. Don’t overlook Rainbows either. They’re often close behind their cousins, feeding on eggs and bugs stirred up by spawning activity.

Looking for stillwater options? This is your last shot at Cutthroat and Brook Trout before the ice takes hold. Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a great bet for trophy Trout, while Eleven Mile offers solid action too. Lakes like Chatfield and Cherry Creek are still producing excellent Walleye and Smallmouth Bass action during warm afternoons, so make the most of it!

November

Winter is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean Colorado’s fishing season is over. In fact, it’s just shifting gears. The Blue River below Dillon Reservoir and the South Platte near Deckers remain ice-free, making them go-to spots for hardy anglers. Rainbow and Brown Trout remain active, especially during midday when the sun warms things up.

The stillwater season is winding down fast, but if the ice hasn’t set in yet, lakes like Pueblo Reservoir and John Martin can surprise you with late-season Walleye and Crappie bites. And if you’re into ice fishing, keep an eye on spots like Antero and Tarryall. It’s a transitional time, sure, but with the right layers and a little persistence, November can still deliver that unmistakable Colorado magic.

December

Start off winter in style with a trip to the icy waters of Colorado. For dedicated anglers, this is when the fun really begins! The Fryingpan, Blue, and South Platte remain the stars of the show, flowing steadily even as snow blankets their banks. Midges and tiny baetis are a must for fly anglers, as Rainbows feed actively in these consistent waterflows, with fewer crowds around. 

Meanwhile, ice fishing is officially ready to start. Safe ice usually forms by mid to late December. Local favorite spots include Eleven Mile, Antero, and Dillon Reservoir, as early-season Trout are hungry and active, making this one of the best times to drop a jig. Wrap up warm, bring an auger, and enjoy the calm thrill of fishing beneath the ice. December proves that Colorado’s fishing season never really ends – it just evolves.

Colorado Seasons FAQs

Colorado Fishing: A New Adventure Every Season

No matter when you choose to wet a line, Colorado keeps the action coming year-round. From icy lakes in January to sun-drenched rivers in July, every month offers its own flavor of fishing. Whether you’re casting in alpine solitude or sharing stories at a reservoir’s edge, there’s always a new challenge, a new bite – and a new reason to come back!

What’s your favorite season to fish in Colorado? Any local tips or secret spots you’d like to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

Katie

Katie is a Philosophy graduate from the UK, and now she spends her time asking (and answering!) the important questions, such as: What, exactly, are the best ways to bait a hook for Redfish? She first cast a line in Florida as a teenager, and it took her a while to circle back to angling as a hobby, but now she's hooked. Her personal fishing highlight? Reeling in a rare Golden Trevally while cruising the deep waters off the United Arab Emirates!