Fishing in Colorado

Friday, 13 April 2007

Colorado boasts some of the best trout fishing in the world. Aside from over 6,000 miles of streams and over 2,000 lakes, Colorado also affords anglers the chance to fish for the rainbow trout in the Rocky Mountains or catch a walleye on one of its many reservoirs.

Some of the fish abundant in Colorado include the cutthroat trout, the rainbow trout and the brown trout. The cutthroat trout, the only specie native to Colorado, is identified by a reddish cut on both sides of its throat, underneath the lower jaw, hence its name. Unfortunately, because of competition from non-native fish, destruction of habitat and overfishing, most cutthroat cannot be found in their original homes. Anglers can fish for cutthroat in the Twin Lakes, the Turquoise Lakes, Taylor Reservoir, Clear Creek, Lake John, among others. The Trappers Lake holds the biggest population of indigenous Colorado cutthroat trout.

The rainbow trout, introduced to the state in the late 1800s, is identified by a crimson stripe on its side, along with black spots. They spawn in spring and can be fished almost anywhere in the state. Fishermen can catch one of these in the Rio Grande Rivers, the Arkansas River, the Stagecoach Reservoir, just to name a few.

One of the most abundant species found in Colorado is the brown trout. It is distinguished by its black and reddish orange spots. The largest brown trout ever caught registered a staggering 30 pounds, 8 ounces, caught at Roaring Judy Ponds in 1988.

Anglers hoping to experience the thrill of Colorado fishing would need a license, as well as good sense. Rivers may look tranquil, but they can also be hazardous for swimmers and waders. Summer and spring storms have been known to arrive without warming, so fishermen should always check with local officials regarding safety rules and regulations.

One of the best places to fish in Colorado is said to be in Fourteener Country, with Arkansas River as its crown jewel. It is renowned for its “wild” brown trout and record-busting rainbow trout. Fishermen can choose from spin fishing or watching caddisfly hatching during the spring and summer. Caddisfly hatching is actually what the Arkansas River is known for. During this time, the area is filled with caddisfly that it seems like it’s snowing! The hatch moves up the river during May, and following the caddis hatch is a fun way to explore this River. Most anglers in Colorado obey the “catch and release” dictum. This makes it possible for the fish you caught to grow even bigger, so you can fish for him again next year. This is testified by the “ripped lips” of some of the fish caught.