UTERRainbow trout fishing in Colorado freshwater
In Colorado freshwater, rainbow trout peak March–April and June–October and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: South Platte and the Arkansas before runoff — midges and BWOs.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Rainbow trout in Colorado freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakSouth Platte and the Arkansas before runoff — midges and BWOs.
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JunePeakRunoff fades: green drakes and stoneflies.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeakThe best month in the Rockies.
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish rainbow 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 rainbow trout
- 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.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 48–62°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch rainbow trout in Colorado freshwater?
Peak season is March–April and June–October. Rainbow trout are here year-round. March: South Platte and the Arkansas before runoff — midges and BWOs.
Where do rainbow trout hold in Colorado freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, pond / pit — around South Platte River, Arkansas River, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison River, Lake Granby, Pueblo Reservoir.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout in Colorado freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe), wax worms. Nightcrawlers: Whole 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. 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 rainbow 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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