Find a Fishing Buddy in Denver
Colorado
Denver anglers get two fisheries in one: warmwater reservoirs on the plains and world-class trout water in the mountains, both within an easy drive. The front-range reservoirs — Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Aurora, and the high-country gems like Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile — hold trout, walleye, bass, pike, and even kokanee salmon. Then, up the canyons, the South Platte River and its tailwaters (Deckers, Cheesman, the Dream Stream) are among the best trout fisheries in the West. MyFishingBuds connects Denver-area anglers so you can share a boat on a reservoir, split a mountain trout day, or find a partner who knows the flows.
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When to fish Denver
The plains reservoirs fish from ice-out in spring through fall — walleye and bass in spring and summer, trout stocked and catchable most of the year, and kokanee salmon best in late summer and fall. The mountain trout rivers and tailwaters fish year-round: the tailwaters below the dams (South Platte, Blue River, Arkansas) stay open and productive even in winter because the water is cold and steady. High-country lakes and streams are best from summer after ice-out through fall. Winter turns many reservoirs into ice-fishing destinations for trout, walleye, and perch when the ice is safe.
→ Today's best fishing times in Denver (sunrise, sunset & moon)Top species
- 🎣 Rainbow Trout
- 🎣 Brown Trout
- 🎣 Walleye
- 🎣 Largemouth Bass
- 🎣 Northern Pike
- 🎣 Kokanee Salmon
Where to fish
- 📍 Chatfield Reservoir
- 📍 Cherry Creek Reservoir
- 📍 Spinney Mountain Reservoir
- 📍 South Platte River
- 📍 Eleven Mile Reservoir
Local tips for Denver
Chatfield and Cherry Creek reservoirs are the closest to the city for a quick boat or shore trip — trout, walleye, bass, and pike. For trophy trout, the South Platte tailwaters (Deckers and the Cheesman Canyon walk-in, plus the Dream Stream between Spinney and Eleven Mile) are the destinations, and flows dictate everything — a buddy who watches the gauges makes the difference. High-altitude reservoirs like Spinney and Eleven Mile are trophy trout and kokanee waters but open later after ice-out. Bring layers year-round; mountain weather turns fast.
🪪 Colorado fishing license
Anglers fishing in Denver need a valid Colorado fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete state-by-state guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
See Colorado license prices →Denver fishing FAQ
Do I need a fishing license in Denver?▾
Yes. Colorado requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older, valid statewide on both the reservoirs and the mountain rivers. See our Colorado license guide for current resident and non-resident prices and short-term options.
Where is the best trout fishing near Denver?▾
The South Platte River tailwaters — Deckers, Cheesman Canyon, and the 'Dream Stream' between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile reservoirs — are among the best trout fisheries in the state, fishable year-round. Clear Creek and Bear Creek offer closer, easier trout water right up the canyons.
Can I fish for walleye or bass near Denver?▾
Yes. The plains reservoirs — Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Aurora, and Chatfield's neighbors — hold walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and northern pike, best from spring through summer. Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile are also known for big trout and kokanee salmon.
Is there ice fishing near Denver?▾
Yes. Many front-range and high-country reservoirs freeze and offer ice fishing for trout, walleye, perch, and pike from roughly December through late winter. Ice conditions vary a lot with elevation and weather, so check reports and go with a partner.
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