Colorado has more designated Gold Medal trout water than any other state in the Rocky Mountain region — a designation reserved only for waters with exceptional trophy trout potential. The combination of quality tailwaters, high-altitude alpine lakes, and wild freestone rivers gives Colorado trout fishing a diversity few states can match.
Gold Medal Waters
- South Platte River — Deckers, Cheesman Canyon, and Spinney Mountain sections
- Frying Pan River — tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir near Basalt
- Arkansas River — Salida to Cañon City section
- Blue River — below Dillon Reservoir near Silverthorne
- Gunnison River — the Black Canyon section
- Taylor River — Taylor Park tailwater
Top Colorado Rivers
South Platte River
The most technically demanding and most rewarding trout fishing in Colorado. The Cheesman Canyon section — foot access only — holds some of the largest and most selective brown trout in the state. Tiny midges (sizes 18–24) and precise presentations required. Best fished October through May.
Frying Pan River
A 14-mile tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir producing exceptional rainbow and brown trout year-round. Consistent cold releases maintain stable temperatures. Best large dry fly fishing in Colorado during summer PMD and midge hatches.
Arkansas River
The Brown’s Canyon section is prime freestone fishing with wild brown and rainbow trout. Less technical than the South Platte and more forgiving for wading anglers. Best October–April.
Alpine Lake Fishing
Colorado’s high country above 10,000 feet contains hundreds of alpine lakes with Colorado River cutthroat, greenback cutthroat, and stocked rainbows. Accessible by hiking or horseback. Rocky Mountain National Park, the Weminuche Wilderness, and the Flat Tops Wilderness all contain excellent high lake fisheries.
When to Fish Colorado
April–May: Pre-runoff window on tailwaters — often the best fishing of the year.
June–July: Alpine lakes open. Excellent dry fly fishing on freestone rivers.
August–September: Late summer low water — best hopper fishing. Alpine lakes at peak.
October–November: Brown trout spawning — most aggressive fish of the year. Tailwaters fish well through winter.
Book a Guided Trip
➜ Browse Colorado Fly Fishing Guide Trips — Viator
Where to Stay
➜ Browse Hotels Near Colorado Trout Water — Booking.com