Photo Credit: Dragon Fly Yoga

Northern Colorado:

1. Horsetooth Reservoir:

   Horsetooth Reservoir, located just west of Fort Collins, is a picturesque water body renowned for its diverse fish populations. The best time to fish here is in the spring and fall. Anglers have had great success using a variety of lures, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. The main target species are smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and trout. In June 2021, a trophy-sized walleye weighing 12 pounds was caught here.

2. Boyd Lake:

   Boyd Lake, near Loveland, is a popular destination for SUP fishing enthusiasts. This lake offers excellent opportunities for catching largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Soft plastic worms, topwater lures, and jigs work well here. Early summer and late fall are prime times to target largemouth bass. In August 2022, a 6-pound largemouth bass was landed by an angler using a topwater frog lure.

3. Poudre River:

   The scenic Poudre River, known for its stunning canyon views and pristine waters, is a fantastic SUP fishing spot. This river boasts healthy populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Fly fishing with nymphs, streamers, and dry flies is a popular technique. Spring and early summer offer excellent trout fishing opportunities, while smallmouth bass are more active in the warmer months. In May 2023, a 20-inch brown trout was caught using a woolly bugger.

4. Carter Lake:

   Carter Lake, located west of Loveland, is a beautiful reservoir that provides great fishing prospects year-round. This lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, and catfish. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and live minnows are effective baits to use here. Spring and fall are optimal for trout fishing, while largemouth bass are more active in the summer. In October 2022, a 5-pound walleye was landed by an angler using a swimbait.

5. North Sterling State Park:

   North Sterling State Park, situated near Sterling, offers anglers a vast reservoir to explore. This location is known for its exceptional walleye fishing. Popular lures include jigging spoons, jerkbaits, and crawler harnesses. Spring and early summer are ideal for targeting walleye, while catfish can be caught throughout the year. In April 2021, a whopping 10-pound walleye was caught by an angler using a jigging spoon.

Western Colorado:

1. Blue Mesa Reservoir:

   Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water, provides an exceptional SUP fishing experience. It is renowned for its trophy lake trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. Jigging spoons, swimbaits, and trolling with downriggers are effective techniques. Late spring and early summer are prime times for trophy lake trout, while kokanee salmon fishing is excellent in the fall. In July 2022, a 30-pound lake trout was landed here.

2. Ridgway State Park:

   
   

   Ridgway State Park, nestled in the beautiful Uncompahgre Valley, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts. This park offers excellent angling opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Fly fishing with nymphs, streamers, and dry flies is productive, while spinning anglers can try small crankbaits and spoons. Spring and early summer are prime times to target trout, while smallmouth bass are more active in the warmer months. In June 2023, a 24-inch rainbow trout was caught using a woolly bugger.

3. Taylor Park Reservoir:

   Taylor Park Reservoir, near Almont, is a picturesque destination nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This reservoir is renowned for its large lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Trolling with deep diving plugs, casting spoons, and jigging are effective techniques. Late spring and early summer provide excellent opportunities to target trophy lake trout, while brown trout fishing is productive throughout the year. In May 2022, a 35-pound lake trout was landed here.

4. Rifle Gap State Park:

   Rifle Gap State Park, situated near Rifle, offers SUP fishing enthusiasts a peaceful setting with excellent fishing opportunities. This reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Anglers can have success using various lures, including spoons, crankbaits, and jigs. Spring and early summer are prime times for trout fishing, while smallmouth bass are more active in the warmer months. In April 2023, a 22-inch rainbow trout was caught using a spoon lure.

5. Lake San Cristobal:

   Lake San Cristobal, located near the charming town of Lake City, is a breathtaking alpine lake that offers a unique SUP fishing experience. This lake is famous for its trophy-sized lake trout and rainbow trout. Trolling with spoons, casting swimbaits, and jigging are popular techniques. Late spring and early summer are prime times to target trophy lake trout, while rainbow trout can be caught throughout the year. In July 2021, a 28-pound lake trout was landed by an angler using a spoon lure.

Eastern Colorado:

1. Jackson Lake State Park:

   Jackson Lake State Park, located near Orchard, is a fantastic destination for SUP fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, wiper, catfish, and white bass. Jigging spoons, crankbaits, and live minnows work well here. Spring and fall are prime times for walleye fishing, while white bass fishing is excellent in the summer. In September 2022, a 9-pound walleye was landed using a jigging spoon.

2. Queens Reservoir:

   Queens Reservoir, situated near Lamar, is a lesser-known fishing spot that offers peaceful surroundings and good angling opportunities. This reservoir is home to largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Crankbaits, jigs, and live bait are popular choices. Spring and summer provide excellent chances to target largemouth bass, while catfish are more active in the warmer months. In June 2022, a 4-pound largemouth bass was caught using a crankbait.

Southern Colorado:

1. Trinidad Lake State Park:

   Trinidad Lake State Park, near Trinidad, is a popular destination for SUP fishing enthusiasts. This reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, bass, trout, and catfish. Jigging spoons, soft plastic baits, and live bait are effective options. Spring and fall are prime times for walleye fishing, while bass fishing is productive throughout the year. In September 2023, a 5-pound smallmouth bass was caught using a soft plastic crawfish imitation.

2. Lake Pueblo State Park:

   
   

   Lake Pueblo State Park, located near Pueblo, is a renowned fishing spot with picturesque views. This reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, bass, catfish, and trout. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and live bait are popular choices. Spring and fall offer excellent opportunities for walleye and bass fishing, while catfish can be caught throughout the year. In May 2022, a 8-pound walleye was landed using a swimbait.

3. John Martin Reservoir State Park:

   John Martin Reservoir State Park, situated near Hasty, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts in southern Colorado. This reservoir is known for its walleye, saugeye, bass, and catfish. Jigging spoons, crankbaits, and live bait are effective options. Spring and fall are prime times for walleye and saugeye fishing, while bass and catfish can be targeted throughout the year. In June 2023, a 6-pound largemouth bass was caught using a crankbait.

4. Rio Grande River:

   The Rio Grande River, flowing through Alamosa, offers a scenic and rewarding SUP fishing experience. This river is home to trout species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. Fly fishing with nymphs, dry flies, and streamers is productive. Late spring and early summer provide excellent opportunities for trout fishing. In May 2022, a 22-inch brown trout was caught using a nymph fly.

Conclusion:

Colorado offers a plethora of incredible fishing destinations for SUP enthusiasts, from tranquil reservoirs to scenic rivers and alpine lakes. Whether you prefer chasing trophy-sized lake trout or targeting feisty smallmouth bass, there is a perfect location for you. Remember to adhere to fishing regulations, obtain the necessary permits, and practice catch-and-release to preserve the health of these beautiful water bodies. So grab your SUP board, pack your fishing gear, and embark on an unforgettable angling adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado.

Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips. 

Paddle board fishing a comprehensive guide. 

Sup fishing tips for bass. 

The Glide O2 Angler. Fishing sup board perfect for your next fishing adventure. Glide makes the right paddle board for all your paddle boarding adventures.

Glide beginners tips to sup fishing. 

Paddleboard fishing, can you fish from a sup?

Landing fish while SUP fishing: Tips and techniques.

Fishing from a Paddle Board: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Experience!

What is a fishing sup?

What do I need to start sup fishing?

How to Fish from a Paddle Board: A Beginner's Guide to Spring SUP Fishing.

 If you're interested in wildlife tips, you can visit their blog and read their article titled "Beginners Guide To Bird Watching" Additionally, we have an article on "Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Wildlife Encounters.," which provides insights on encountering wildlife while paddle boarding.

For paddle boarding enthusiasts, they offer a comprehensive guide to paddle boarding in every state in the United States. It's called "The Best Places to Paddle Board in the United States," and it provides a state-by-state tour of recommended paddle boarding locations, featuring Glide Paddle Boards.

If you're looking for international paddle boarding destinations, we have two articles to help you out. The first one is the "Ultimate Guide on Finding Places to Paddle Board Near You," which provides tips and tricks for discovering new and exciting paddle boarding spots close to your location. The second article, titled "Epic Spots Globally To Paddle Board," focuses on highlighting amazing international locations for paddle boarding.