UTERLake trout fishing in Colorado freshwater
In Colorado freshwater, lake trout peak January–March and May–June and October and are around year-round, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Blue Mesa and Granby lakers after ice-off.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Lake trout in Colorado freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayPeakBlue Mesa and Granby lakers after ice-off.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish lake trout near South Platte River, Arkansas River, Blue Mesa Reservoir
Gold-medal trout rivers — the South Platte, the Arkansas, the Gunnison, the Frying Pan — high mountain lakes, big reservoirs for lake trout and kokanee, and Front Range plains reservoirs for walleye and wipers.
What to use for lake trout
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–60°F water, best at 44–54°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lake trout in Colorado freshwater?
Peak season is January–March and May–June and October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Lake trout are here year-round. May: Blue Mesa and Granby lakers after ice-off.
Where do lake trout hold in Colorado freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir — around South Platte River, Arkansas River, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison River, Lake Granby, Pueblo Reservoir.
What is the best bait for lake trout in Colorado freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for lake trout in Colorado freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and change — read the current rule at https://cpw.state.co.us/rules-and-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-licenses-and-dates.
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