The 11 Best Fishing Lakes in Colorado Springs

Discover the best fishing lakes in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Learn the basics of fishing each lake, the different types of fish available, the best bait to use, and more. Plus, get tips from local experts on the best spots to cast your line.

Quincy Reservoir

Quincy Reservoir is located 10 miles northeast of Colorado Springs in El Paso County and covers 340 acres.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout.
Types of Fishing: Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at the nearby Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Fairfield Inn Colorado Springs, Comfort Suites Colorado Springs, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn.
Nearest Fishing Store: Fisherman’s Warehouse, 10 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launching, picnicking, restrooms, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 5 miles away.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir is located in southern Park County, 89 miles west of Colorado Springs, and covers 2,400 acres.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout.
Types of Fishing: Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Not available.
Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn Buena Vista, Quality Inn Buena Vista, Super 8 Buena Vista.
Nearest Fishing Store: South Park Angler, 26 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Picnicking, restrooms, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 36 miles away.

Cheesman Reservoir

Cheesman Reservoir is located in Park County, 25 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, and covers 2,400 acres.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Fairfield Inn Denver North/Westminster, Comfort Inn Denver North/Westminster, Hampton Inn Denver North/Westminster.
Nearest Fishing Store: The Denver Angler, 30 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 24 miles away.

Eleven Mile Reservoir

Eleven Mile Reservoir is located in Park County, 33 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, and covers 1,568 acres.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Best Western Plus Gold Rush Inn, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn, The Lodge at Woodloch Springs.
Nearest Fishing Store: Fishing Unlimited, 32 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 25 miles away.

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir is located in Gunnison County, 133 miles west of Colorado Springs, and covers 20,100 acres.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, and grayling.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn Gunnison, Holiday Inn Express Gunnison, Hart-Harvey House Inn.
Nearest Fishing Store: Gunnison Sportsman, 5 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 3 miles away.

Taylor Park Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir is located in Gunnison County, 132 miles west of Colorado Springs, and covers 1,100 acres.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and lake trout.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn Gunnison, Holiday Inn Express Gunnison, Hart-Harvey House Inn.
Nearest Fishing Store: Gunnison Sportsman, 5 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 3 miles away.

Chatfield Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir is located in Jefferson, Douglas and Arapahoe counties, 16 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, and covers 1,400 acres.

Types of Fish: Channel catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, sunfish, black crappie, yellow perch, and rainbow trout.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn Littleton, Clarion Hotel Denver, Staybridge Suites Denver.
Nearest Fishing Store: Angler’s Covey, 8 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 4 miles away.

Horsetooth Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir is located in Larimer County, 68 miles north of Colorado Springs, and covers 2,700 acres.

Types of Fish: Brown trout, rainbow trout, carp, white suckers, and smallmouth bass.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Comfort Suites Fort Collins North, Quality Inn Fort Collins North, Hotel Lodge.
Nearest Fishing Store: The Tackle Shop, 2 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 2 miles away.

Antero Reservoir

Antero Reservoir is located in Park County, 105 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, and covers 13,700 acres.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout.
Types of Fishing: Shore and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Platte River Inn, Iron Horse Inn.
Nearest Fishing Store: South Park Angler, 22 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 19 miles away.

Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir is located in Arapahoe County, 22 miles southeast of Colorado Springs, and covers 1,870 acres.

Types of Fish: Channel catfish, wipers, walleye, crappie, and rainbow trout.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: SpringHill Suites Denver Tech Center, Hampton Inn Denver Tech Center, Hyatt Place Denver Tech Center.
Nearest Fishing Store: Hook Line N Sinker, 18 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 15 miles away.

McPhee Reservoir

McPhee Reservoir is located in Montezuma County, 228 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, and covers 4,539 acres.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout.
Types of Fishing: Shore, boat, and float tube fishing are allowed. Fly fishing and spin casting.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Not available.
Fishing Guide Service: Available through Colorado Trout Hunter.
Closest Hotels: Best Western Plus Cortez, Quality Inn Cortez, Comfort Inn Cortez.
Nearest Fishing Store: Chinook Bait and Tackle, 4 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: Possession and use of natural, artificial or scented baits is not allowed. All non-game fish must be released. A valid Colorado fishing license with a trout stamp is required.
Amenities of the Lake: Boating, camping, picnicking, restroom, and scenic views.
Nearest Gas Station: 7-Eleven, 2 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Colorado Springs and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for a great fishing spot in Colorado Springs, then check out the Google map below. It shows many lakes and other popular fishing locations in the area. You can also explore other lakes and good fishing locations in the area. With this map, you can easily find the perfect spot for your next fishing adventure. So don’t hesitate, start exploring the map and find the best fishing locations in Colorado Springs!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Colorado Springs

The weather in Colorado Springs is generally mild and sunny, making it a great place for sport fishing throughout the year. The summers are typically warm with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and winters are cold with temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation is fairly low and usually falls as snow in the winter months. The combination of mild temperatures and low precipitation make it an ideal spot for fishing year-round.