Bodies of Water
Browse waters or search by water type. The Bodies of Waters list includes Quality Waters, a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists have identified and nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys and professional biological assessments. Quality Waters are below the threshold to be considered Gold Medal, but they are recognized because of their fantastic and diverse fisheries.
Bodies of Water
Browse waters or search by water type. The Bodies of Waters list includes Quality Waters, a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists have identified and nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys and professional biological assessments. Quality Waters are below the threshold to be considered Gold Medal, but they are recognized because of their fantastic and diverse fisheries.
Summertime Drought Management
Water temperatures and stream flows can change during the summer months, creating adverse conditions for anglers, boaters, fish and other animals. Irrigation demands and restrictions on releasing water from lakes and reservoirs can also lead to low flows and high temperatures.
Lakes, ponds and streams can be temporarily closed to the public if water storage levels or stream flow drops below stable levels. A list of all low-water or other drought-related closures is available below.
Colorado offers unrivaled opportunities to fish over 35 species (both warm and cold-water fish) in some of the most scenic bodies of water in the nation. Licensed fishing is allowed on more than 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. In drought conditions, try exploring alpine lakes and streams, where water is cooler. Fishing for warm-water species is another good option.
Water recreation:
- Low water makes it impossible to use boats ramps. If rescue vessels can’t launch to respond to emergencies, water closures become necessary.
Drought brings the water’s surface closer to invisible hazards on lake and river bottoms. Boaters should wear a life jacket and take extra care when boating on low water. - Drought can lead to toxic algae blooms or elevated E. coli levels, making it necessary to close swim beaches.
Fishing:
- Drought conditions stress fish and can lead to voluntary or mandatory fishing closures.
- In water temperatures at or above 71 degrees, cold-water species are less likely to recover after being caught and released.
- As water temperatures approach 71 degrees, trout become stressed and feed less, reducing catch rates.
Camping/Hiking Trails:
- Drought conditions can lead to fire bans.
- Wildfires can make it necessary to close or partially close recreation areas.
Wildlife Conflict:
- Wildlife, especially bears, may seek food from garbage cans, cars, campsites or homes if wildfires reduce their natural food supply.
- Follow CPW guidance to reduce attractants around campsites and your home to reduce conflicts with bears and other wildlife.
- CPW’s Aquatics Section attends monthly Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meetings for updates on river flows and reservoir levels across the state.
- Some conditions on the Roaring Fork River have warranted closures in the past, but CPW biologists are actively monitoring the situation and will respond accordingly.
- About one-third of Colorado is experiencing severe drought or worse, especially in parts of the Colorado River headwaters region.
- Colorado headwaters, normally fed by snowmelt, are below normal levels this year because of little snow this past winter.
- Water managers are are considering instream flow loans and coordinated reservoir releases to support rivers and fish habitat.
- The Colorado Water Conservation Board’s Water Conditions Monitoring Committee will continue tracking drought indicators like snowpack, precipitation, temperature, streamflow, soil moisture and reservoir storage.
- Summer Fishing Tips Video
- Follow CPW mandatory or voluntary closures.
- Head to a different location if the water temperature is 70 degrees or higher.
- Fish earlier in the day and higher elevation for cooler water temperatures.
- Land fish quickly and keep fish submerged when removing the hook.
- Release fish quickly and avoid taking photos.
Investing in Conservation
Purchase a Fishing License
Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).
Thank you for your support! Your license purchase helps support a diversity of recreational fishing opportunities in Colorado’s rivers, streams and lakes, while also providing for the needs of native, non-game aquatic species.
Your Fishin' is Our Mission!
Quality Waters: Something for Everyone
The Bodies of Waters list includes Quality Waters, a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists have identified and nominated. Filter by Quality Waters to see.
The waters may have been nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys and professional biological assessment. These lakes and streams contain productive, quality fisheries with public access and are fishable by most angling methods. Quality Waters are below the threshold to be considered Gold Medal, but they are recognized because of their fantastic and diverse fisheries. We encourage anglers to plan a trip to hook into their next big fish!
More Fishing Locations
Accessible Fishing Spots
Accessible fishing spots around the state include 20 state parks as well as other locations around the states and include accessible fishing piers, paved trails, restrooms and docks, depending on the location.
Find an Accessible Fishing Spot
Fishing at State Parks
Thirty-seven state parks offer lake, pond, stream or river fishing within the park.
Find a State park
Colorado Fishing Atlas
The Colorado Fishing Atlas, the latest interactive mapping tool offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, allows users to search for fishing opportunities by species, specific interest or proximity to your home or destination.
Visit the Fishing Altas
State Wildlife Areas
State wildlife areas (SWAs) are state or privately owned lands that offer state-managed, wildlife-related recreation to the public. Over 190 SWAs offer fishing.
Find an SWA