What Are The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Colorado?
When it comes to bass fishing in Colorado, the state’s diverse lakes offer plenty of opportunities for both amateur and seasoned anglers. Whether you’re seeking largemouth or smallmouth bass, Colorado’s reservoirs, natural lakes, and man-made waters deliver in quantity and quality. This guide dives into the top bass fishing spots across the state and provides tips to enhance your fishing experience.
The Top 5 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Colorado
- Pueblo Reservoir
- John Martin Reservoir
- Corn Lake
- Echo Canyon Reservoir
- McKay Lake
Learn more below about each body of water mentioned and what makes them the best bass fishing lakes in Colorado.
Pueblo Reservoir
Pueblo Reservoir, located near the city of Pueblo, Colorado, is one of the state’s most renowned bass fishing destinations. Spanning over 4,500 surface acres, this expansive reservoir offers anglers diverse fishing conditions with an average depth of 30 feet and a maximum depth of 135 feet.
The reservoir is fed by the Arkansas River, providing a steady flow of water that helps sustain a healthy ecosystem for various bass species. Pueblo Reservoir is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and white bass, making it a prime spot for multi-species bass fishing. The lake’s rocky points, submerged trees, and steep drop-offs provide excellent habitats for bass, while its proximity to Pueblo and the Front Range makes it easily accessible for local and visiting anglers alike.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Pueblo Reservoir:
For successful bass fishing at Pueblo Reservoir, focus on fishing along rocky points and drop-offs. Early morning and late evening hours are ideal for using crankbaits and topwater lures to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass near submerged structures.
John Martin Reservoir
John Martin Reservoir, located on the eastern plains of Colorado near the town of Las Animas, is one of the largest reservoirs in the state, covering approximately 11,600 surface acres. Known for its vast, open waters and relatively shallow average depth of 12 feet, with a maximum depth of around 50 feet, this reservoir is a haven for bass anglers.
The warm, shallow waters make it an ideal location for largemouth bass, which are abundant in this reservoir. Additionally, John Martin offers great opportunities to catch white bass, particularly during their seasonal runs. The combination of grassy shorelines, rocky outcrops, and submerged structures provides excellent cover for bass, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking trophy-sized fish.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for John Martin Reservoir:
When fishing John Martin Reservoir, focus on casting spinnerbaits and soft plastics near the weedy shorelines and rocky drop-offs. Early morning and evening hours tend to be the most productive, especially when targeting largemouth bass in the shallow areas.
Corn Lake
Corn Lake, located near Grand Junction in western Colorado, is a small but productive fishing destination, particularly for largemouth bass. Covering roughly 90 acres, the lake has an average depth of 10 feet and reaches a maximum depth of around 25 feet in certain areas.
Corn Lake is part of the Colorado River State Park system and benefits from its proximity to the river, which supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Its weedy shorelines and submerged vegetation make it an excellent habitat for largemouth bass, which are the primary species targeted by anglers here. The lake’s manageable size allows anglers to easily cover the entire body of water, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced fishermen. The surrounding park provides easy access and a peaceful setting, making Corn Lake a hidden gem for bass fishing in Colorado.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Corn Lake:
Focus on fishing near the weedy shorelines with Texas-rigged soft plastics or weedless jigs. Topwater lures, such as frogs, can be particularly effective in the early morning or late evening when bass are actively feeding near the surface.
Echo Canyon Reservoir
Echo Canyon Reservoir, located near Pagosa Springs in southern Colorado, is a picturesque and productive fishing spot known for its bass fishing opportunities. The reservoir covers approximately 118 acres and has an average depth of 15 feet, with a maximum depth of around 40 feet.
Its clean, cool waters create an ideal environment for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake’s natural structure, including rocky shorelines, submerged trees, and ledges, provides plenty of hiding places for bass to ambush prey. The serene location, combined with easy access from nearby towns like Pagosa Springs, makes it a great spot for anglers looking to catch quality bass in a peaceful setting. Both bass species thrive here due to the rich aquatic life and suitable water conditions, drawing anglers year-round.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Echo Canyon Reservoir:
Target bass around submerged trees and rocky ledges using slow-moving jigs or soft plastics. During cooler hours, early in the morning or late in the evening, topwater lures can be particularly effective as bass become more active near the surface.
McKay Lake
McKay Lake, located near Westminster in northern Colorado, is a popular urban fishery known for its largemouth bass population. This small lake covers around 130 acres, with an average depth of about 8 feet and a maximum depth of approximately 12 feet.
Its proximity to Denver makes it a convenient spot for local anglers looking for a quick fishing trip. McKay Lake features weedy shorelines and shallow waters, which create an ideal habitat for largemouth bass. The combination of aquatic vegetation and easy access makes this lake a favorite among both beginner and experienced bass fishermen. Although smaller than other bass fishing destinations, McKay Lake consistently delivers in terms of bass quality, with largemouth bass often found in the dense cover near the shoreline.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for McKay Lake:
The best technique for McKay Lake is to focus on shallow, weedy areas using soft plastics like Senkos or weedless jigs. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for bass to be feeding, and using topwater frogs in these areas can be particularly effective for triggering strikes.
Why You Should Consider Bass Fishing In Colorado
Colorado may be better known for its trout fishing, but it offers excellent opportunities for bass fishing as well. With diverse habitats ranging from high-altitude reservoirs to lowland lakes, the state is home to several prime bass fishing spots, including Pueblo Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir, Corn Lake, Echo Canyon Reservoir, and McKay Lake. These bodies of water support healthy populations of largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass, providing anglers with a variety of bass fishing experiences. Pueblo Reservoir alone spans over 4,500 acres, while John Martin Reservoir offers 11,600 acres of prime fishing territory, making them top destinations for bass anglers.
Colorado’s scenic landscapes, accessible fishing spots, and abundant resources for anglers, including state-managed parks and boat ramps, make it an ideal location for bass fishing. Whether you’re looking for large trophy bass or simply a peaceful day on the water, Colorado’s diverse waters and well-maintained fisheries provide everything a bass angler could ask for, combining natural beauty with plentiful bass fishing opportunities.
