Few activities can match the peaceful and relaxing nature of fishing and boating in a secluded mountain locale, and Colorado is one of the best states in the United States to enjoy these outdoor pursuits. The health benefits of paddling a canoe and fishing in Colorado lakes and streams are undeniable: the physical activity exercises your body, the incredible scenery invigorates you mentally, and if you catch a fish you'll have a high-protein, low-fat dinner.
Canoe Fishing Gear Requirements
Fishing from a human-powered watercraft is much simpler and quieter than power boating, and most cars are easily capable of hauling a canoe on top with minimal trouble. Aside from the boat, all you need to enjoy canoe fishing are your fishing tackle, life preservers and other safety equipment, and your cooler with lunch and refreshments. If you're fishing on public water, make sure you have the proper license--use the link in the Resources section to Colorado's Division of Wildlife Web site for details and to purchase online.
Depending on the size of the water course and your familiarity with it, you may want to have a map or GPS unit on hand to navigate your way around.
Renting a Canoe in Colorado
Even if you don't own a boat, you shouldn't be deterred from trying canoe fishing in Colorado. There are a number of Colorado lakes and rivers with canoes and kayaks available for rent on an hourly or daily basis. If you don't have the boating skills and experience to feel comfortable on your own, there are also many reputable guide services that can help to ensure your fishing success. It may cost a little more, but it can be even more relaxing to let someone else handle the paddling and fish-finding.
Fishing Colorado Lakes by Canoe
No matter where you are in Colorado, you're not far from a good fishing spot in the Rocky Mountains. In the north, near the Steamboat area, a couple of popular lakes are Steamboat Lake and the even quieter Pearl Lake. In the central region you can try Turquoise and Twin Lakes near Leadville and Aspen. Farther west, the Flattops region holds hundreds of remote fishing lakes, with one of the best being Trappers Lake. If you're close to Denver and can't get away for a longer trip, try Pinewood Reservoir west of Longmont, a beautiful gem tucked in the foothills.
Fishing Colorado Streams by Canoe
For the fishing purist, nothing beats floating down a river, drifting a dry fly and trying to "match the hatch." Luckily, some of Colorado's best fishing occurs on its world-famous rivers, and using a boat means you can get to water that's unreachable by bank fishermen. Colorado's most productive trout fisheries are, from north to south, the Yampa River, Colorado River, Arkansas River, and Gunnison River. When fishing a large river for the first time, it's usually best to hire a guide so you can get tips on locations and the best techniques. For a current list of other Colorado fishing hot spots, check the Division of Wildlife's "Hot Spots" page link in the Resources section.
Colorado Fish Species and Fishing Methods
While Colorado's lower elevations hold warm-water species like bass, catfish, and walleye, the state is best known for its many species of trout. The most commonly caught types are rainbow, brook, brown, and cutthroat. Lake trout, or mackinaw, are found only in lakes and grow to prodigious sizes. There are many ways to successfully catch trout, with perhaps the easiest tossing out an earthworm or bait under a bobber. However, many of Colorado's best trout streams are designated as Gold Medal waters, with special regulations including the use of artificial lures only. Make sure that wherever you go, you read the specific rules that apply to that area.
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