UTERWalleye fishing in Colorado freshwater
In Colorado freshwater, walleye peak April–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Pueblo, Chatfield and Horsetooth walleye on the spawning rock.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Colorado freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilSpawningPueblo, Chatfield and Horsetooth walleye on the spawning rock.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye 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 walleye
- 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.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Colorado freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. April: Pueblo, Chatfield and Horsetooth walleye on the spawning rock.
Where do walleye hold in Colorado freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around South Platte River, Arkansas River, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison River, Lake Granby, Pueblo Reservoir.
What is the best bait for walleye in Colorado freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. 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 walleye 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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All about walleye · Colorado fresh water, the whole year