After fifteen years chasing walleye from Pueblo’s windswept dam to McPhee’s hidden coves, I’ve learned that Colorado’s walleye game runs deeper than most anglers realize. Forget the “warmwater species” label, these predators thrive in our high-altitude reservoirs, growing fat on shad schools and testing drags from Fort Collins to the Four Corners. This isn’t recycled fishing report fluff. These are the lakes where I’ve personally watched sunrise through bent rod tips, learned which marinas stock the best leeches, and figured out why Carter Lake humbles experts while Boyd Lake makes heroes out of beginners. Whether you’re planning a twenty-minute drive from Denver or a pilgrimage to the Western Slope’s untapped giants, these waters consistently produce the walleye that make Colorado’s cold, clear reservoirs worth obsessing over.
Lake Pueblo (Pueblo Reservoir) – Colorado’s Walleye Capital
The first time I hooked a 22-inch walleye at Pueblo, my drag screamed for 15 straight seconds. That was five years ago near the North Marina, and I’ve been chasing that high every April since.
Access & Facilities
Pueblo has five boat ramps, but Rock Canyon and North Marina handle 90% of walleye traffic. Daily passes run $10, annual $120. North Marina offers full services, including live bait (get there early for leeches). South Shore camping puts you minutes from prime morning spots. Sites 184-220 give direct water access.
Seasonal Patterns
April-May delivers the money shot when water temps hit 45-50°F. Walleye stack up on the dam face and north shore points in 15-25 feet. June-July shifts them deeper (30-40 feet) along the old river channel. Fall (September-October) brings them back shallow—I’ve limited out in 8 feet of water near Swallows campground when temps drop below 60°F.
April-May delivers the money shot when water temps hit 45-50°F. Walleye stack up on the dam face and north shore points in 15-25 feet. June-July shifts them deeper (30-40 feet) along the old river channel. Fall (September-October) brings them back shallow—I’ve limited out in 8 feet of water near Swallows campground when temps drop below 60°F.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Slow-rolled jigs (1/4 oz chartreuse or pink) tipped with nightcrawlers along rocky points
- Summer: Deep-diving crankbaits (Flicker Shads in perch pattern) or bottom bouncers with spinner rigs
- Fall: Vertical jigging Rapala Jigging Raps in chrome over suspended schools
Current Regulations
5 fish daily limit, only 1 over 21 inches. Check the CPW site: they occasionally implement spawning closures on the north shore, March-April.
5 fish daily limit, only 1 over 21 inches. Check the CPW site: they occasionally implement spawning closures on the north shore, March-April.
Recent Reports
CPW stocked 1.8 million walleye fry in 2024. Tournament results show winning weights averaging 25-30 pounds for 5-fish limits. The reservoir record stands at 15.19 pounds (2005).
CPW stocked 1.8 million walleye fry in 2024. Tournament results show winning weights averaging 25-30 pounds for 5-fish limits. The reservoir record stands at 15.19 pounds (2005).
Horsetooth Reservoir – Fort Collins’ Walleye Factory
Last October, I watched the sun rise over Horsetooth’s hogbacks while my rod doubled over with the third walleye in twenty minutes. I spent the rest of the day without a nibble, but landing so quickly fueled my motivation for the rest of the day.
Access & Facilities
Four ramps serve the reservoir; Inlet Bay and South Bay see the most walleye action. Daily permits are $10 at the gate (cash or check only, learned that the hard way). Inlet Bay Marina rents boats and stocks live bait. Pro tip: launch at Satanka Cove for fewer crowds and quicker access to the dam face.
Seasonal Patterns
Ice-out (March) triggers incredible action along the rock dam in 8-15 feet. May-June finds schools suspended over 40-60 feet near Soldier Canyon. By August, target dawn/dusk windows; midday summer walleye go dormant here. September-November comeback rivals spring, with fish crushing bait along Dixon Cove’s steep breaks.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Lindy rigs with leeches dragged slowly along the dam riprap
- Summer: Downriggers with crawler harnesses at 35-45 feet, 1.5-2.0 mph
- Fall: Blade baits (Silver Buddy) yo-yoed off points – violent strikes guaranteed
Current Regulations
3 walleye daily, 18-inch minimum. Horsetooth requires ANS inspection for all watercraft. Night fishing is allowed, but no camping is allowed at the reservoir.
3 walleye daily, 18-inch minimum. Horsetooth requires ANS inspection for all watercraft. Night fishing is allowed, but no camping is allowed at the reservoir.
Recent Reports
2024 gillnet surveys showed the highest walleye density in 10 years. CPW stocks 250,000 fingerlings annually. Local tournament winning bags averaging 18-22 pounds for 3-fish limits, smaller average than Pueblo, but way more consistent numbers.
2024 gillnet surveys showed the highest walleye density in 10 years. CPW stocks 250,000 fingerlings annually. Local tournament winning bags averaging 18-22 pounds for 3-fish limits, smaller average than Pueblo, but way more consistent numbers.
Chatfield Reservoir – Denver’s Backyard Walleye Spot
Twenty minutes from downtown Denver, and I’m fighting a fat walleye while planes descend into DIA overhead. That’s Chatfield, where convenience meets surprisingly good fishing if you know when to show up.
Access & Facilities
The main boat ramp at the marina gets packed on weekends. Arrive before 6 AM or use the auxiliary ramp near the swim beach. $10 daily pass, $80 annual. Chatfield Marina sells live bait (minnows and crawlers) but rarely has leeches. Tip: The bait shop at Wadsworth/C-470 stocks a better selection and opens at 5 AM.
Seasonal Patterns
March ice-out produces chaos along the dam, but crowds match the bite. Smart money hits May-early June when pre-spawn females cruise the north shore flats in 10-15 feet. July-August requires commitment; launch at 4:30 AM or wait for the evening. October brings my favorite pattern: walleye ambushing shad schools near the Plum Creek inlet.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Floating jig heads with minnows, suspended 2-3 feet off bottom near the dam
- Summer: Trolling bottom bouncers with smile blades at 1.2 mph along the old river channel
- Fall: Lipless crankbaits (Rat-L-Trap) burned over submerged roadbeds—they hit on the drop
Current Regulations
3 fish daily, 15-inch minimum. Electric motors are only allowed in designated wakeless zones. Reservoir closes to boating from November to March for waterfowl.
3 fish daily, 15-inch minimum. Electric motors are only allowed in designated wakeless zones. Reservoir closes to boating from November to March for waterfowl.
Recent Reports
CPW stocks 300,000 walleye fingerlings annually. 2024 electrofishing surveys showed the best year class since 2019. Weekend pressure remains heavy, but Tuesday-Thursday mornings consistently produce 2-3 keeper fish for patient anglers.
Carter Lake – The Clear Water Challenge
Three years of getting skunked at Carter taught me patience. Then, on a foggy September morning, everything clicked. I boated four walleye using a technique everyone said wouldn’t work here. Clear water changes everything.
Access & Facilities
North and South ramps both work, but South puts you closer to the dam structure. $9 daily, cash box system (bring exact change). No marina services, stock up at Big Thompson Outdoors in Loveland. Limited parking on weekends. Best move: launch midweek or beat the wakeboard crowd with a 5 AM start.
Seasonal Patterns
Carter’s gin-clear water makes walleye spooky. April-May morning bite happens deep (25-35 feet) along the dam face before the sun hits the water. June pushes them deeper—I’ve marked fish at 50 feet midday. August doldrums are real here. But September-October? Magic hour from 6-8 PM when walleye pin shad against steep banks in 15-20 feet.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Finesse approach—1/8 oz jigs with 6-pound fluoro, natural colors only (green pumpkin, smoke)
Summer: Live bait rigs with the smallest weight possible, 4-6 foot leaders mandatory - Fall: The September secret—suspending jerkbaits (Husky Jerks) in perch pattern, long pauses
Current Regulations
3 walleye daily, 15-inch minimum. Special reg: No live fish for bait except personally caught minnows. Carter connects to Horsetooth via canal—valid on both with single permit.
3 walleye daily, 15-inch minimum. Special reg: No live fish for bait except personally caught minnows. Carter connects to Horsetooth via canal—valid on both with single permit.
Recent Reports
CPW stocks 100,000 fingerlings annually, but natural reproduction occurs. 2024 creel surveys showed an average of 0.3 walleye per hour – half Horsetooth’s rate, but with average size 2 inches larger. Patient anglers who crack the code report catching consistent 18-22-inch fish.
Boyd Lake – Your First Walleye Training Ground
Boyd saved my pride after getting humbled at Carter. Small lake, forgiving fish, and enough action to keep newcomers hooked—I bring every first-timer here.
Access & Facilities
Single ramp on the east side, rarely crowded except on holiday weekends. $10 daily pass. Boyd Lake Marina rents basic boats and sells bait, nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. The swim beach area closes at dark, but the fishing access stays open. Parking’s a dream compared to bigger reservoirs.
Seasonal Patterns
Boyd warms fast—walleye bite starts early March along the marina docks in 8-12 feet. May-June sees textbook weedline patterns in 12-18 feet. Summer doldrums barely exist here—just go deeper (20-25 feet) near the inlet channel. Fall produces numbers over size, with schools of 14-16 inchers crushing anything that moves.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Basic jig and minnow combo – white or chartreuse, nothing complicated
- Summer: Slip bobbers with leeches over weed edges, set 2 feet off bottom
- Fall: Small spoons (Swedish Pimples) jigged aggressively – perfect for learning feel
Current Regulations
3 walleye daily, 15-inch minimum. Electric trolling motors are preferred due to size constraints. Lake occasionally gets toxic algae warnings mid-summer—check before going.
3 walleye daily, 15-inch minimum. Electric trolling motors are preferred due to size constraints. Lake occasionally gets toxic algae warnings mid-summer—check before going.
Recent Reports
CPW stocks 50,000 fingerlings annually. 2024 surveys showed the highest catch rates in the region, with an average of 1.2 fish per hour. Biggest fish run 20 inches, but 15-17 inch eaters dominate. Perfect confidence-building fishery where technique matters less than time on water.
McPhee Reservoir – Southwest Colorado’s Hidden Giant
Four hours from Denver, and I had the entire north shore to myself. That’s McPhee, where distance filters out casual anglers, leaving monster walleye for those willing to make the drive. My personal best Colorado walleye came from here: ~29 inches, just after sunrise near House Creek.
Access & Facilities
Two main ramps: McPhee Marina (full service) and House Creek (primitive but strategic). $10 daily, honor box system at House Creek. Marina store stocks basic tackle, but bring your proven setups from home. Camping at McPhee Recreation Area puts you on the water, sites 15-25 overlook prime structure. Gas up in Dolores; nothing closer than 20 miles.
Seasonal Patterns
Ice-out happens late here – usually in April, before safe fishing. May-June eruption makes the drive worthwhile when spawners stack in House Creek arm, 10-20 feet. July-August thermocline sets up at 35 feet—fish suspend just above. In September-October, large females feed aggressively at main-lake points before winter. I’ve seen 10-pounders caught back-to-back in November.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Slow-death rigs (crawler harnesses at 0.8 mph) along creek channel edges
- Summer: Vertical jigging spoons directly below the boat in 40-50 feet over suspended fish
- Fall: Big swimbaits (5-6 inch Keitechs) on 3/4 oz heads—trophy hunters only
Current Regulations
3 walleye daily, minimum 18 inches (stricter than most). Reservoir’s part of the Dolores River system, check for water level updates. Extreme drawdowns in some years affect boat launching.
3 walleye daily, minimum 18 inches (stricter than most). Reservoir’s part of the Dolores River system, check for water level updates. Extreme drawdowns in some years affect boat launching.
Recent Reports
CPW stocks 200,000 fingerlings annually. Lower fishing pressure produces better size structure—2024 gill net surveys averaged 19.5 inches, the biggest average in Colorado. Local guides report catching 25+ inch fish weekly during peak season. The tournament scene is basically non-existent, preserving quality.
Cherry Creek Reservoir – Denver’s Surprise Walleye Fishery
Rush hour traffic on I-225, and I’m already rigged up at Cherry Creek. Caught three solid walleye while downtown commuters sat in gridlock. That’s the beauty of this place: urban walleye hiding in plain sight, if you can dodge the jet skis.
Access & Facilities
East boat ramp handles serious anglers best, with less wake boat chaos. The west ramp is closer to the marina, but the weekend zoo is after 8 AM. $11 daily pass (most expensive on our list). Cherry Creek Marina has solid bait selection, including live shad when available. Pro move: Parker bait shop off Arapahoe stocks fathead minnows that outfish everything else here.
Seasonal Patterns
March-April produce before pleasure boaters arrive; target the dam riprap at 12-20 feet. May-June gets tough with boat traffic, but dawn patrol pays off along the old Cottonwood Creek channel. August surprise: night fishing under dock lights produces when daytime’s impossible. October-November comeback happens in the coves, walleye corner shad schools in 8-15 feet.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Ned rigs (mushroom heads with Z-Man plastics) hopped along the dam rocks
- Summer: Drop shot rigs with nightcrawlers, fished vertically in 25-35 feet during boat chaos
- Fall: White spinnerbaits slow-rolled through shad schools—unconventional but deadly
Current Regulations
3 walleye daily, 15-inch minimum. Wakeless before 10 AM weekends, May-September. Marina closes at sunset,t but fishing continues from shore. Special urban reservoir rules—no alcohol in parking areas.
Recent Reports
CPW stocks 400,000 fingerlings annually (the highest stocking density on the list). The 2024 creel census showed 0.8 fish/hour despite pressure. The biggest challenge isn’t catching fish, it’s dealing with recreational traffic. Best 4-fish stringer last fall: 19 pounds, all caught before 7 AM.
CPW stocks 400,000 fingerlings annually (the highest stocking density on the list). The 2024 creel census showed 0.8 fish/hour despite pressure. The biggest challenge isn’t catching fish, it’s dealing with recreational traffic. Best 4-fish stringer last fall: 19 pounds, all caught before 7 AM.
Standley Lake – Westminster’s Neighborhood Walleye Hole
Standley taught me that restricted access can be a blessing. No wakeboarding, limited boats, and walleye that actually get to grow up. Fifteen minutes from Westminster, I’ve pulled 24-inchers from spots you can see from the Wadsworth bridge.
Access & Facilities
Two access points only, main ramp off 100th Avenue. Electric motors only (huge advantage). $10 daily for Westminster residents, $13 non-residents. No marina, no services—completely self-sufficient operation. The bait shop at 88th and Wadsworth opens early. Limited parking fills up fast on weekends, but turnover’s quick since no-wake boats don’t show up.
Seasonal Patterns
Ice-off in March brings a stellar shallow bite – walleye cruise 6-10 feet along the entire north shore. The May-June transition happens fast here; fish drop to 20-30 feet along old creek channels. July-August morning topwater bite exists (only lake on this list where I’ve caught walleye on surface lures). The September-October shad massacre in the coves produces limited catches for those who find the schools.
Top Techniques
- Spring: Hair jigs tipped with minnows, painfully slow retrieves along riprap
- Summer: Weighted crawler harnesses trolled at 0.7 mph with electric motor—stealth matters
Fall: Jigging spoons worked aggressively when marking suspended fish—they hit on the fall
Current Regulations
3 walleye daily, 15-inch minimum. Electric motors only. No boats October-March (shore fishing only). Special permit required for float tubes. City-managed lake with strict enforcement—follow the rules.
Recent Reports
Westminster Parks stocks 150,000 fingerlings annually. 2024 electrofishing showed the best numbers in 5 years. Average size increased 2 inches since wake boat ban. Consistent 18-22 inch fish with occasional 26+ giants. Best kept secret: shore fishing from the dam during winter produces trophy walleye for hardcore anglers.
Westminster Parks stocks 150,000 fingerlings annually. 2024 electrofishing showed the best numbers in 5 years. Average size increased 2 inches since wake boat ban. Consistent 18-22 inch fish with occasional 26+ giants. Best kept secret: shore fishing from the dam during winter produces trophy walleye for hardcore anglers.
