Colorado Fish Species

Common Colorado Fish Species Questions

1. What are the most common fish species you target in Colorado?

At Brad Petersen Outdoors, we commonly target species such as walleye, striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, yellow perch, rainbow trout (steelhead), sunfish, and white bass.

2. What time of year is best for catching walleye in Colorado?

Walleye fishing is excellent in Colorado from late spring to early summer, typically from May to June. However, fall can also be productive as the fish prepare for winter.

3. Which lakes are best for striped bass fishing?

Boyd Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir are among the top spots for striped bass fishing in Colorado. These lakes provide ideal conditions and ample populations for a successful fishing trip.

4. Can you provide tips for catching largemouth bass?

For largemouth bass, we recommend using techniques such as spinning and jigging around structures like submerged trees and rocks. Early mornings and late evenings are often the most productive times.

5. What equipment do I need for targeting yellow perch?

When targeting yellow perch, light tackle is typically sufficient. Small jigs, spinners, and live bait such as worms or minnows are highly effective.

6. How do you catch crappie in Colorado lakes?

Crappie fishing is best done using small jigs or live minnows. Focus on areas with underwater structures like brush piles and docks, especially during the spawning season in spring.

7. Are there specific techniques for catching catfish?

Yes, bottom fishing with cut bait, chicken liver, or stink bait is effective for catching catfish. Night fishing can also increase your chances of landing a big one.

8. What is the best method for catching rainbow trout (steelhead)?

For rainbow trout, trolling with spoons or using fly fishing techniques in streams and rivers are very effective. Early spring and fall are prime seasons for trout fishing.

9. Where can I find the best sunfish fishing spots?

Union Reservoir and Carter Lake are excellent for sunfish fishing. These lakes have healthy populations, and using small worms or insect larvae as bait can yield great results.

10. Do you offer guided trips specifically for smallmouth bass?

Yes, Brad Petersen Outdoors offers specialized guided trips for smallmouth bass. We use techniques such as casting near rocky shorelines and using lures that mimic their natural prey.

A Brad Petersen Outdoors Guided Fishing Trip targets the top Colorado Fish species including Largemouth Bass (Also Called Green Trout, Black Bass), Smallmouth Bass (Also Called Black Bass, Bronzeback, Brownie, Gold Bass, Green Bass, Jumper), White Bass (Also Called Bass, Sand Bass, Silver Bass), Channel Catfish (Also Called Graceful Catfish, Catfish ), Crappie (Also Called Black Crappie, White Crappie ), American Yellow Perch (Also Called Lake Perch, Perch ), Northern Pike (Also Called water wolf, common pike, snake, great northern pike, American pike, jackfish, Great Lakes pike, grass pike, pickerel, longhead, and snot rocket), Rainbow Trout (Also Called ), Walleye (Also Called Blue Pike, Dory, Glass Eye, Gray Pike, Marble Eye, Pike-Perch, Yellow Pike-Perch ), Freshwater Drum (Also Called Drum Fish, Gaspergou, Gou, Sheephead, croaker, thunder pumper, grunter, grinder, bubbler). We primarily Fish the Boyd Lake, Jackson Gulch Reservoir.