Lake Retreat Fishing at Big Thompson Canyon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Lake and stream fishing in scenic Big Thompson CanyonExpert guides provide equipment for all skill levelsVacation rental accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
If you're looking for a fishing getaway that combines serious angling with some serious relaxation, you've found your spot. Big Thompson Canyon isn't just another pretty face in Colorado's outdoor scene – it's a legitimate fishing destination where you can actually catch dinner and maybe land that photo-worthy fish you've been chasing. Our lake retreat setup gives you the best of both worlds: comfortable accommodations right on the water and access to some of the most productive fishing in the state. Whether you're bringing the whole crew for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this spot delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back year after year.
Your fishing adventure here isn't your typical crowded reservoir experience. We're talking about pristine alpine lakes and free-flowing streams where fish haven't seen every lure in the tackle box. The retreat sleeps up to six people, so you can bring your fishing buddies, family, or mix of both without anyone feeling cramped. Mornings start early with coffee on the deck while you watch the water wake up – that's prime time when the fish are actively feeding and you'll see the most surface activity. The lakes here hold some serious fish, and the variety means you're not stuck throwing the same setup all day. One hour you might be working the shallows for bass, then switching to deeper structure for walleye as the sun gets higher. The terrain varies from rocky drop-offs perfect for smallmouth to weedy bays where crappie stack up like cordwood.
We provide top-shelf equipment, but if you're the type who brings their own rods, you'll want medium to medium-heavy action for the bass and walleye, with a lighter setup for trout and crappie. The lakes here respond well to both live bait and artificial presentations. Jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers are money for walleye, especially when you're working the deeper structure during midday. For bass, you can't go wrong with spinnerbaits and crankbaits around the rocky areas, while soft plastics work great when they get finicky. The trout fishing calls for a more finesse approach – think smaller spinners, spoons, and flies if you're into that. Our guides know exactly where to position you based on the season, weather, and what's been producing lately. We're not talking about random casting here – every spot we fish has a reason behind it, whether it's a specific depth, structure, or current break that holds fish consistently.
Largemouth bass here are the kind that make you double-check your drag. These fish have access to incredible forage and clean, oxygen-rich water, so they grow fat and fight hard. Spring through early fall is prime time, with the best action happening in the mornings and evenings when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes these largemouth special is how they use the rocky structure – they're not just sitting in weeds like you'd find in warmer climates. They're relating to boulders, drop-offs, and submerged timber, which makes the fight even more challenging when they try to wrap you up.
Crappie fishing here is nothing short of spectacular when you find them. These fish school up tight, especially in spring and fall, so when you catch one, you're usually on a bunch. The crappie in these waters run bigger than average – we're talking genuine slabs that bend your ultralight rod in half. They love structure, particularly submerged trees and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water. What's cool about crappie fishing here is how aggressive they can be; sometimes a simple jig bounced through the school will trigger strikes on every drop.
Walleye are the dinner fish that everyone hopes to connect with, and our lakes hold some legitimate eaters. These fish are most active during low-light periods and overcast days, making them perfect targets for early morning and evening sessions. The walleye here average 14-18 inches, with bigger fish definitely in the mix. They're structure-oriented, holding on points, humps, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. What makes walleye fishing here special is the clear water – you need to be more precise with your presentations, but when you dial it in, the results speak for themselves.
Smallmouth bass in Big Thompson Canyon are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. These bronze-backs love the rocky structure and current, and they'll test your equipment and skills every time. Summer is prime time for smallmouth, when they're active and aggressive. The cool thing about smallmouth here is their willingness to hit topwater lures – there's nothing quite like watching a smallmouth explode on a popper in the early morning calm. They typically run 12-16 inches, but the 18+ inch fish are out there for anglers who know how to target them.
Rainbow trout add a completely different dimension to the fishing here. These fish are opportunistic feeders that respond to everything from traditional trout baits to small spoons and spinners. The rainbows here are healthy, colorful fish that fight way above their weight class. Spring and fall offer the best trout action, when cooler water temperatures keep them active throughout the day. What's special about the trout fishing here is the variety of water – you can fish deep lakes for bigger fish or work the streams for a more traditional mountain trout experience.
Big Thompson Canyon fishing isn't something you want to put off until "someday." The combination of multiple species, quality accommodations, and expert local knowledge makes this a top-rated destination that books up, especially during peak season. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer fishing vacation, this retreat gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace while having comfortable lodging right on the water. The variety of species means everyone in your group can find their favorite type
Pomoxis NigromaculatusBoth black and white crappie call our lakes home, running 7-12 inches and averaging half a pound to a pound. You can tell them apart by their markings - whites have vertical bars while blacks are more speckled. These fish love structure and travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They prefer deeper water during the day but move shallow at dawn and dusk to feed. Spring spawning season is fantastic, but they bite year-round. Guests love crappie because they're scrappy fighters and absolutely delicious - some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around. Here's a local tip: use small jigs or live minnows and fish them slow. Crappie have small mouths, so downsize your bait and be patient with the bite.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green giants with their trademark black stripes are what many folks think of when they hear "bass fishing." Running 12-24 inches and weighing 1-4 pounds on average, largemouth have that famous oversized mouth that extends past their eyes. They love hanging around structure - fallen logs, weed beds, and rocky drop-offs in our canyon lakes. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in shallower water. What makes them special? They fight like crazy, jumping and pulling drag when hooked. Plus they're great eating when caught from clean water. My go-to trick here is targeting red lures - these fish are naturally attracted to that color, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the crown jewel of our Colorado canyon waters, typically running 10-16 inches with occasional 20+ inch trophies. These beauties sport olive-green backs with that signature pink stripe and black-spotted sides. They thrive in our cold, clean mountain waters around 55-65°F, preferring areas with current, gravel bottoms, and natural cover. Early morning and evening produce the best fishing, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. Guests love rainbows because they're acrobatic fighters that jump and make blistering runs. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with delicate pink meat. In our canyon streams, try drifting small nymphs or dry flies near undercut banks and fallen timber. The key is a natural presentation - these fish are spooky in our clear water.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth are the bronze fighters of our rocky canyon waters, averaging 12-16 inches with some reaching 18-20 inches and 3-4 pounds. These olive-green scrimmers with dark vertical bars prefer clear water with rocky bottoms and moderate temps. They'll go deeper in summer heat but come up to hunt during cooler morning and evening hours. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. Why do guests love targeting them? Pound for pound, smallmouth are the strongest fighters in freshwater - they jump, run, and never give up easy. They're also excellent eating with firm, tasty meat. For our canyon lakes, try crawfish-colored jigs bounced along rocky points. Smallmouth can't resist a well-presented crayfish imitation worked near structure.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the golden-eyed predators of deeper water, typically running 15-20 inches with some reaching 30 inches and 10+ pounds. Those reflective eyes help them hunt in low light, which is why dawn and dusk fishing produces the best results. They prefer rocky or gravel bottoms in 10-30 feet of water, moving shallower at night to feed. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they're most active. What draws anglers to walleye? They're incredible table fare - firm, white, flaky meat with almost no fishy taste. They're also challenging to locate, making them rewarding to catch. My best advice for our canyon waters is to fish live minnows or nightcrawlers on a slip sinker rig along rocky drop-offs. Work it slow along the bottom - walleye don't chase fast-moving baits.
Colorado