Best Fishing Near Denver
There’s nothing quite like sitting down with the guys and cracking open a couple of nice cold beers over a bit of fishing. Sometimes, one of the biggest problems is finding the right spot for your tastes. Looking for that quiet, undisturbed spot with all of the biggest catches? Or perhaps you don’t mind the crowds and just want somewhere close to town and convenient to get to? We’ve compiled a list of the best fishing near Denver to help you find the best place suited to your own needs.
1. Cherry Creek Reservoir, Aurora
- Fish: Walleye, Wipers, Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Perch, Largemouth Bass
- Distance From Denver: 19 Miles
Found within the Cherry Creek state park, the size of this lake and it’s location in the middle of the park make for some of the best fishing spots available. Because it is one of the most well known and popular fishing locations in Denver, you’ll be sure to see many other anglers there to try and catch a bite. Despite this there’s still plenty of opportunity to find and claim a good peaceful spot of your own if you are willing to walk around for a bit first.
2. Sloan’s Lake
- Fish: Northern Pike, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
- Distance From Denver: 4 Miles
A popular spot for recreational activities of all types, Sloan’s lake is surrounded by a number of popular restaurants for a bite to eat before or after a long day of fishing. While being smack dab in the middle of an urban environment means that it’s not densely packed with large fish, it also means that this spot is incredibly convenient and accessible.
3. Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood
- Fish: Trout, Bass, Bluegill, Perch
- Distance From Denver: 19.6 Miles
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life in Denver without going too far from home? Bear Creek Lake Park straddles the outer edges of the city, being just far enough to make the perfect fishing retreat without being too far away.
4. Grand Lake, Granby
- Fish: Kokanee, Mackinaw, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
- Distance From Denver: 102 Miles
Those looking for a true get away should give Grand Lake some consideration. Nestled in the heart of the famous Colorado Rocky Mountains, Grand Lake is perfect for a multi-day trip. Rent a cabin and head on down with the guys to enjoy some peace and hopefully land a few catches.
5. Westminster City Park Pond
- Fish: Bluegill, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish
- Distance From Denver: 14.2 Miles
The best spots often don’t remain a secret for long- locations with optimal conditions and a variety of fish often inevitably end up seeing higher traffic. Westminster City Park Pond for whatever reason is an exception to this rule however, as the traffic here never gets too out of hand despite it’s amazing fishing conditions.
6. Cheesman Lake, Sedalia
- Fish: Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Sucker, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass
- Distance From Denver: 83 Miles
Despite having undergone some serious damage in the past on behalf of a fire, restoration efforts have made this park once again a lively and beautiful fishing location.
7.Chipeta Lake, Montrose
- Fish: Trout, Sunfish, Bass, Catfish
- Distance From Denver: 299 Miles
One of the furthest spots on this list is Chipeta Lake, located right at the base of the San Juan mountains. While not the biggest lake, Chipeta still sports a varied selection of fish available to catch. It’s relatively low elevation compared to some of the other mountain parks makes it easy to reach by car.
8. Corn Lake, Grand Junction
- Fish: Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie
- Distance From Denver: 240 Miles
Sometimes it’s all about the amenities. Corn lake has plenty of fishing spots with nearby picnic and hiking areas. This means you can settle down and get to fishing while allowing the rest of the family to set-up nearby. Looking for clean and well stocked bathrooms? Corn Lake’s also got you covered there as well.
9. Georgetown Lake, Georgetown
- Fish: Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout
- Distance From Denver: 43 Miles
Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, you’ll find Georgetown Lake to be a popular fishing location all year round. While lively and energetic during the Spring as one would expect, once Winter rolls around ice fishing keeps the lake as interesting and full of potential as it was during warmer seasons.
10. Waterton Canyon
- Fish: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Distance From Denver: 39 Miles
While not a lake like the other entries, Waterton Canyon is still a fantastic spot absolutely rife with aquatic wildlife. Those looking for running water will find what they’re looking for here. The hiking trail which runs along the canyon also makes this location a great choice to get in a walk among the beautiful scenery on your way out.
