Waters Fished

Rifle Gap Reservoir

Rifle Gap Reservoir is a 350-acre hidden gem located in the high desert of western Colorado. Situated nicely between Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs it is only three hours west of Denver. Its weedy, aqua blue water is home to a number of different sport fish including Northern Pike, Smallmouth, Walleye, Rainbows, Brown Trout, and Perch. At just 6,000 feet above sea level it enjoys a long open water fishing season, the boat ramp is open from April 1st through October 31st. Fishing for all species can be phenomenal depending on the time of year. It is one of the only places in the state you can catch Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Trout in the same day!

The Pike fishing is excellent year round but shines April through June and again September through October. With an abundance of eater sized fish you are free to keep a few for dinner under 24 inches. The big fish are more prized and difficult to catch but every year we pull out dozens of fish between 10 and 20 pounds.

The Walleye in the lake have been self-sustaining for decades, while there is not a huge population they tend to be bigger and have excellent body conditions, fish average around 20 inches. The limit on Rifle is one fish per person over 18 inches, all fish 23 and over must be released. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has also recently been stocking Triploid Walleye.

Smallmouth fishing can be hit or miss but when it’s hot it is usually red hot, with fish ranging up to four pounds. The lake also supports a very small population of super-sized brown trout; they are rare and difficult to catch but every year we see fish up to 26 inches. Lastly, there are great Perch and Rainbow Trout populations that fish well year round.

Rifle Gap Reservoir is a Colorado State Park and does require a daily entrance fee for all vehicles. Rifle Gap is located about 1 hour east of Grand Junction, 45 minutes west of Glenwood Springs, and only 3 hours west of Denver.

Harvey Gap Reservoir

The Pike fishing is excellent year round but shines April through June and again September through October. With an abundance of eater sized fish you are free to keep a few for dinner under 24 inches. The big fish are more prized but Harvey Gap has true trophy potential and many fish surpassing 40 inches.

Largemouth bass are the most popular sport fish in the country for a reason. They brow big, they fight hard, and they are just plain fun to catch! Largemouth can be caught year round on a variety of fishing techniques and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife has done an excellent job supplementing the population. During the midsummer when the other species get moody Largemouth Bass are always willing to bite.

Tiger Muskie are a sterile hybrid planted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) as a management tool. They grow big and have a reputation of being the holy grail of freshwater sport fish. The population is low and they are smart but Harvey Gap supports a population of true giants surpassing the 30lb mark! Odds of hooking even one of these rare monsters in a day are low but the possibility still remains; your next trip could yield the fish of a lifetime.

Lastly, there are great Perch, Bluegill and Rainbow Trout populations that fish well year-round. Harvey Gap has a horsepower limit restriction so we rely completely on the electric trolling motor but the lake is small enough where this is never an issue. We can stay on the lake for up to 8 hours without needing a recharge.

Harvey Gap Reservoir is a Colorado State Park and does require a daily entrance fee for all vehicles. Harvey Gap is located about 1 hour east of Grand Junction, 45 minutes west of Glenwood Springs, and only 3 hours west of Denver.

Williams Fork Reservoir

Williams Fork Reservoir is a truly unique body of water located near Parshall CO. At 1,600 surface acres it contain populations of Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. It is one of the most diverse fisheries in the state offering anglers a fantastic chance at catching a number of different species in the same day. The open water season begins in May and lasts into October. This lake has a reputation for producing giant Lake Trout and has even given up a state record Northern Pike.

Williams Fork offers the perfect habitat for Lake Trout, which have a reputation of being some of the heaviest fish in all of Colorado! We use a combination of trolling and jigging techniques to get at these deep dwellers. Lake Trout up to 30lbs are not uncommon but they are old and smart; requiring absolute focus from the fisherman.

The Pike fishing on Williams Fork is good year but shines in the early summer when they are up shallow. This lake is one of the best places to sight fish for your next trophy, and it is one of the few lakes in Colorado that has protections on Pike! All Northern Pike between 26 and 34 inches in length must be returned to the water immediately.

Williams Fork Reservoir is located about an hour north of Silverthorne and only two hours from west Denver.