Arkansas River
This is a classic western trout stream with 148 miles of challenging and scenic water from its headwaters above Leadville to Pueblo Reservoir. The Arkansas boasts high catches of browns and rainbows to 20 inches. Browns dominate the fishery. Cutthroats are also caught. Notable stretches include Brown's Canyon near Buena Vista to several miles downstream of Salida and in the Granite area. The Arkansas offers fishing opportunities for every type of angler, from the bank or from a boat. The Caddis hatch during warm weather results in hot action. There are public fishing areas that are accessible from U.S. Highways 24, 50, and 285 as well as some requiring more of a hike.

The trout population in the Arkansas is 90% self-reproducing brown trout and 10% Colorado River rainbows. Expect about 2,000 fish per mile on the average. The fishing is the best when the flows are lower and the water is clear. The river starts to clear up at around 1,200 cubic feet per second.  The river can be a placid stream or a raging river crashing through rocky gorges. The better fishing is going to be found where the water is a little calmer, but don’t be mistaken, the river is a powerful force and care must be taken when wading. Float fishing offers the greatest potential for a trophy trout.

The Arkansas is also a good winter fishery with a surprising number of moderate days. Water temperatures near 40 degrees usually means good fishing. Your chances of landing a real trophy trout are as good here as any place in Colorado.

South Platte River/South & Middle Forks
East of U.S. Hwy 285 near Fairplay the oxbow sections of the Platte flows through a high plain area known as South Park. Over 50 miles of public access to this Gold Medal water are well marked. Brown trout up to 10 lbs. migrate up the Middle Fork in the summer. Excellent surface fishing with fast action when fish rise to the many summer hatches on the South Fork above and below Antero Reservoir. Below Spinney Mountain Reservoir it's catch and release year round. The South and Middle Forks of the Platte are small to medium sized. The Middle Fork within the Tomahawk State Wildlife Area is designated as Wild Trout water. Green and white signs mark the Middle Fork access and are scattered along Highway 9 from Garo to Hatsel.

Eleven mile Reservoir
Discover incredible fishing at one of Colorado's largest reservoirs. Sports writers across the state have written volumes about Eleven Mile's fantastic fishing. Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike are all found within the waters of this 3,400 surface-acre reservoir. Scenic vistas, larger than average rainbow, cutthroats and browns plus some of the biggest kokanee salmon in the state make Eleven Mile a best bet for all fishermen visiting the Central Rockies. The reservoir is open year-round, offering spectacular Rocky Mountain sunsets and plenty of room to breathe. Eleven mile is a winter anglers delight and Colorado's premier ice fishing hole. Large northern pike, rainbows, and browns are consistently pulled out every winter. Reached via U.S. Hwy 24, south on County Road 90, then follow signs.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir
This reservoir consistently produces large rainbows measuring 16-inch and more, browns and trophy-sized cutthroat trout, as well as northern pike. The reservoir is designated as Gold Medal water. Best fishing is right after April ice-out. Excellent belly boat and shore fishing. Located east of Antero Junction, take U.S. Hwy 24 to County Road 23. Drive south for 2.8 miles and then east on Country Road 59 for 1 mile to entrance. This 2,500 surface-acre reservoir serves as an isolated retreat for visitors seeking beautiful views of the Collegiate Mountain Range. 

The reservoir is open seasonally from approximately May 1 through November 15. Camping is available at nearby Eleven Mile State Park. Spinney Mountain is one of Colorado's finest lake fisheries. It has given anglers many rewarding days for over ten years. Despite its popularity and heavy pressure, production remains generally good and one should not be discouraged by what appears to be a crowd. Spinney is one of the few reservoirs in Colorado designated a Gold Medal water. When fishing is good at Spinney Mountain, you'll have to look hard to find any better.

Turquoise and Twin Lakes
Two of the most scenic reservoirs in Colorado located at the base of the Continental Divide. Both have excellent campgrounds and boat ramps. Turquoise offers rainbow, brown, cutthroat and lake trout fishing. Twin Lakes is noted for large lake trout. Fishing is also good for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Turquoise Lake is 4 miles west of Leadville. Twin Lakes is 17 miles north of Buena Vista, then 6 miles west on State Hwy 82.

Clear Creek Reservoir
This reservoir produces good catches of nice-sized brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. The kokanee salmon fishery is improving with a good fall run up Clear Creek. A boat ramp and other facilities are good with camping available nearby. Clear Creek is located 13 miles north of Buena Vista on U.S. Hwy 285.

Colorado Division Of Wildlife--The Colorado Division Of Wildlife regulates sports fishing in the state of Colorado. Their publication Colorado Fishing Season Information & Wildlife Property Directory is available online at the Divisions website. This document is sometimes referred to as the "Colorado Fishing Brochure". It provides the sports fishing regulations and other information about fishing in the state including descriptions of "Gold Medal Waters" and "Wild Trout Waters".

Fish Explorer -- Extensive fishing, boating, and camping information for Colorado Lakes.