When most anglers think of Colorado fly fishing, trout in cold mountain streams come to mind. But Colorado’s warmwater fisheries offer an exciting and often overlooked alternative, especially for those seeking powerful fights and fast action on the fly. Warmwater fly fishing Colorado style targets species like bass, wipers, and carp in reservoirs and lakes along the Front Range and Eastern Plains.
If you’re curious about fly fishing for carp or want to expand your angling adventures beyond coldwater trout, this guide has everything you need to know to get started on Colorado fly fishing trips to some of the state’s best warmwater spots.
What Is Warmwater Fly Fishing?
Warmwater fly fishing focuses on species that thrive in warmer, slower-moving waters compared to traditional trout fisheries. This style of fishing often requires different tactics, gear, and flies than coldwater fly fishing.
Common warmwater species in Colorado include:
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Known for explosive topwater strikes and aggressive behavior.
- Wipers (White Bass/Striper Hybrids): Fast, schooling fish that chase baitfish aggressively.
- Carp: Large, intelligent fish often sight-fished on shallow flats in summer.
The excitement of warmwater fishing comes from fast action, strategic casting, and the challenge of targeting fish in open water or structured habitats like rock flats, weed beds, and mud flats.
Top Warmwater Fly Fishing Spots in Colorado
Several reservoirs along the Front Range and plains offer excellent warmwater fly fishing opportunities. Here are four of our favorites:
Union Reservoir
Located near Greeley, Union Reservoir is a hotspot for bass and wipers. The fish here often school near baitfish, making it a great place to throw streaming baitfish patterns or poppers.
Boyd Lake
Boyd Lake, near Loveland, is known for trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake’s varied structure includes weed beds, rocky points, and submerged timber—perfect for targeting bass on the fly.
Jackson Lake
Near Fort Collins, Jackson Lake is a gem for anglers looking to connect with largemouth bass. Calm coves and shallow flats provide excellent sight-fishing opportunities for fly anglers.
North Sterling Reservoir
Further east, North Sterling Reservoir offers fantastic wiper fishing, especially in the spring and fall. Wipers often bust baitfish at the surface, creating thrilling topwater fishing scenarios.
Best Gear and Flies for Warmwater Fly Fishing
Warmwater fly fishing requires slightly different equipment and flies than trout fishing:
- Rod and Line: A 7- to 9-weight rod is typical, allowing you to cast heavier flies and handle strong fish. Floating, intermediate, or sinking lines may be used depending on target species and water depth.
- Flies: Baitfish patterns like Clousers and Deceivers are essential for bass and wipers. For topwater action, poppers and surface bugs imitate fleeing baitfish. Carp anglers often use crayfish, leech, or hybrid carp flies.
Seasonal Strategies for Warmwater Fly Fishing in Colorado
Timing your trip and understanding fish behavior throughout the year will greatly improve your success.
- Spring: As water warms, bass and wipers move into shallow spawning areas. Look for aggressive strikes on topwater flies during early mornings and evenings.
- Summer: Warm temperatures push fish into deeper water during the day, so focus on early morning or late evening surface action or use sinking lines to reach deeper fish. Carp sight-fishing on mud flats is often best during calm mornings.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures bring bass and wipers back into shallow feeding zones. This is prime time for explosive topwater fishing and streamer tactics.
- Winter: Warmwater species become sluggish; fishing is slower but possible with smaller, subtle flies and slow presentations in deeper water.
Tips for Success on Colorado Warmwater Fly Fishing Trips
- Scout Before You Fish: Warmwater species often relate to structure—look for weed beds, points, drop-offs, and submerged wood.
- Adjust Your Presentation: Be ready to switch from fast stripping aggressive flies to slow, subtle retrieves based on fish behavior.
- Practice Your Casting: Long casts and accurate presentations are critical, especially when targeting schooling fish like wipers.
Ready To Experience a Different Colorado?
Warmwater fly fishing in Colorado offers a thrilling alternative to traditional trout fishing, with powerful fish, fast action, and beautiful reservoirs to explore. Whether you’re chasing largemouth bass at Boyd Lake or hooking into explosive wipers at North Sterling, these fisheries provide exciting challenges for intermediate and advanced anglers alike.
Book your guided trip with our Estes Park fly fishing guides today and experience a new side of Colorado fly fishing adventures!
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