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Fishing in the Pikes Peak Region
For many anglers, fishing in the Pikes Peak region is one of the best ways to spend time out on the water. Does your idea of the perfect day start and end with a fishing pole? Welcome to Colorado, a dream location for those of you who always keep a tackle box in the backseat (you know, just in case). Whether you’re a constant caster, a fly-fishing wader or a shoreline sleeper with a bobber and some hope, there’s a body of water filled with fish just waiting for your lure skills to entice them to bite.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Colorado fishing rules:
- Your license is valid from March 1 though March 31 of the following year. It doesn’t matter when you buy it, it is not a rolling year, so it’s best to get it early.
- Kids under 16 fish for free, which is great (although they have to pay for a second pole).
- Residents 16-17 can get a 1-year license at a significant discount, and adults 64+ can score one for the same deal.
- Non-residents can get a 1-year license for around $120 or a 5-day for about $40.
- Only have one day to fish? You can still fish. Colorado has a 1-day license for $20.
Find the most up-to-date rates and rules from Parks and Wildlife here.
Places to buy a fishing license in Colorado Springs:
Although you can purchase your fishing license online, sometimes you don’t want to wait for it to be mailed. The first option is to write down or memorize your temporary ID number. But if you’re not comfortable with that, here are several locations you can purchase a license:
- Angler’s Covey near Old Colorado City
- 11 Mile Sports
- 11 Mile General
- Walmarts throughout the city
- Big 5 Sporting Goods
- The Peak Fly Shop in Woodland Park
- Search for locations by ZIP code
Fishing in Eleven Mile Canyon or Eleven Mile Reservoir
Where can you experience the joy of river fly fishing or lake fishing with minimal travel between the two? Try Eleven Mile Reservoir or Eleven Mile Canyon. In the canyon, fish along the South Platte River and experience challenging and exciting fly fishing amongst boulders, cliffs, trees and curves. In the reservoir, you can take a boat out (or fish on the shore) and catch some big fish that will give you quite the challenge. There are shady spots and picnic pavilions along either location, making it another great place to spend the whole day. Both areas have camping available, including dispersed sites and first-come, first served spots. For the more popular RV sites and easy-access tent sites, you’ll need to book ahead of time.
Eleven Mile State Park Camping Information
Eleven Mile Canyon Camping Information
Both locations are stunning, as is the drive. Be sure to stop in at the Eleven Mile General Store, located right outside the entrance to Eleven Mile Canyon. It carries a lot of Colorado-made brands and has quite the liquor store. They have Colorado liquor, craft beer and more.
Things to know:
- Eleven Mile Reservoir and Eleven Mile Canyon both operate under different agencies, so you may need to pay for one or the other or both if you don’t have a park pass and go all in one day or weekend.
- The reservoir has had some struggles with invasive species, so review the website carefully to ensure your boat doesn’t bring in new problems (or take their current issues to your next lake stop).
- Observe all signage, especially warnings regarding swimming or allowing pets to drink from the reservoir during restrictions. They are designed to keep you safe and protect your pets from harm or death.
Fish Types: Trout, salmon, pike and carp.
Head to the Plains for Eastern Colorado Lake Fishing
East of Colorado Springs, you’ll find quite a few lakes of varying sizes offering multiple types of fish. These lakes are mostly rustic spots with limited amenities (if any). Think driving down dirt roads over cattle grates to fish from the grass. Bring good sun coverage because the environment offers very little, as well as water and snacks (because services are few and far between). You’re going to want to watch for sticks, grass and turtles while your line is in the water. Great lakes include Hugo/Kinney and Karval. The best part? Their distance and more minimalist atmosphere means you’ll find a lot of peace and quiet. (Like any lake, holidays are still busy).
Fish Types: These lakes are stocked, so the catch can vary. Generally you will find bluegill, trout and catfish.
Fish Pikes Peak — America’s Mountain
- Alert! Road access to the North and South Catamount reservoirs is closed until 2026 for mitigation and repairs. South Catamount Reservoir is closed completely for fishing. However, anglers can choose to hike to North Catamount. Crystal Creek Reservoir remains open and accessible. Details below.
With an impressive 136 acres (bigger than South Catamount, smaller than North), Crystal Creek has always been a favorite location for visitors and locals. Colorado Parks and Wildlife keeps Crystal Creek stocked with several types of trout, which gives you plenty of variety for your hooks. The lakes were freshly stocked post-repairs in 2023 with brown trout fingerlings and 10-inch rainbow trout, and you’ll also find brook trout.
Visitors who want to visit only Crystal Creek Reservoir on the Pikes Peak Highway need to purchase a $1 Daily Parking Permit and an North Slope Adult One-Day Admission. Tickets may be available for purchase at the Gateway the day of your visit, however we recommend planning ahead and purchasing online, as they do sell out often.
The reservoir allows boats that can be brought in or on your vehicle. No trailers are allowed. Oars, paddles or electric motors only. Gas is not permitted on the reservoir, as it is part of the community water system. No swimming, wading or pets for the same reasons.
This is a great location if you want to bring along the family. There are picnic areas, ample hiking trails, places to bike and the ability to kayak or paddle board. They can even drop you off and pay for entry to Pikes Peak (ask them to bring back donuts). It is a very versatile place for all sorts of hobbies, which means you and anyone who wants to fish can fish, and the rest of the crew can explore.
A Note About North Catamount …
The road to North Catamount is closed, but fishing is not. North Slope is accessible on foot and restricted to flies and lures. However, hiking to the water is not as simple as parking and strolling to the shore. The reservoir can be reached via hike-in access from the Catamount Recreation Area Trailhead, Teller County (Edlowe Rd). This is NOT the North Slope Recreation area and it is NOT the trailhead for Catamount Trail. That route, which does eventually lead to South Catamount and North Catamount, is very challenging and there is a very good chance of unpredictable closures.
If you loop the entire reservoir via the trailhead from Catamount Recreation Area, it’s close to nine miles. However, it’s only about two to three miles to the shoreline (one way). The trail is moderately challenging, so pack your lightest poles and gear. Please be advised that these trails may also close to North Catamount during the repairs. Click here for more info on the dam closure.
Fish Types: All types of trout.
Flying Fishing on the Arkansas River
Bodies of water are plentiful in Colorado, but few places have the designation of being the sixth longest river in the United States. It begins in Leadville and travels 1,469 miles through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas before meeting up at the Mississippi River. Fly fishing is the most popular way to fish the rapidly flowing water and anglers looking for the best spot will be delighted to know it’s barely an hour out of Colorado Springs to hit up some of the best stretches of the river in the state. Brown trout can be found in the Royal Gorge and in waters leading down from Salida. The flies start hatching in multitudes in May and the fun doesn’t stop until well into fall. Caddis and stoneflies hatch early in the season, so caddis and nymphs are a great option for fly patterns. Some areas of the river have catch and release restrictions so take care to learn the sections before you go.
Fish Types: Brown and rainbow trout
These locations are just a sample of what Colorado and the Pikes Peak Region have to offer fishing enthusiasts. Gather your poles, lures, flies and waders and hit the water for days of fishing and fun.
