Denver fishing presents the angling enthusiast with numerous possibilities, and for those who want to stay close to town, there are some lakes and reservoirs in the immediate area. In the nearby Rocky Mountains, more lakes await, as do mountain streams that are teeming with trout. Anyone looking to do some Denver fishing can also hope to catch catfish, bass, walleye pike, and crappie, and there may be no finer thing than cooking your catch over an open fire while camping at one of the great Denver campgrounds.

Colorado boasts thousands of miles of streams and around 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, many of which are within reach of Downtown Denver. Near town on the Front Range, Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park figure among the top Denver fishing destinations. At Chatfield State Park, the lake is periodically stocked with trout, yellow perch, walleye, crappie, and carp. Chatfield State Park is also an excellent place to do some catfish fishing in Denver, thanks to the healthy catfish population. Summer is the best time to go fishing at Chatfield State Park, though it's also possible to fish in the winter, spring, and fall.

When it comes to the best fishing in Denver, Cherry Creek State Park gives Chatfield State Park a run for its money. In addition to casting lines from the shore, those who come to fish the large reservoir at Cherry Creek State Park can also hop in a boat and ply the waters. At the park's marina, it is possible to rent a boat, get boating lessons, and stock up on bait and tackle during the summer months. After a good day of fishing, taking advantage of the barbecue grills that the campsites offer will be a tempting endeavor.

Denver Map

In addition to Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park, those who are looking to enjoy some of the best fishing in Denver can also venture over to Bear Lake Creek State Park in Lakewood. Both lake and river fishing can be enjoyed at this park, and it can be especially fun to fish from a canoe or a small boat in the slow-moving Willis River. Part of the river winds its way through a forest, offering a tranquil escape from everyday life.

Catfish fishing in Denver has grown in popularity in recent years, and the area lakes are ideal places to snag these often large bottom dwellers. Main Lake, the Ketring Park Lake, and Berkeley Lake are just some of the area lakes where the catfish are usually biting. For those who prefer fishing for trout or walleye, Barr Lake might be a better option. When it comes to the best fishing in Denver, local guides are available to help visitors find the right spots, and they are worth taking advantage of. Stopping by a local sporting goods store can also be a good idea when looking for tips on Denver fishing.

Whether you want to go catfish fishing in Denver or focus on other species, lessons are easy to arrange, and as long as you have a Colorado fishing license, it can be fun to venture out on your own after you get your technique down. Fly fishing is one of the most popular kinds of fishing in Colorado, and when the weather warms, it's not uncommon to see people standing thigh deep in the mountain streams. If you are in the mood for more traditional fishing, venturing off to any number of regional destinations and finding a good spot to cast your lines for a few hours can be an excellent way to spend the better part of a day.