Private 3-Hour Union Reservoir Longmont Fishing
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Expert-guided fishing trip targeting wiper and walleye speciesThree-hour lake adventure perfect for beginners and familiesNo-wake reservoir setting ensures peaceful fishing conditions
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't eat up your whole weekend? Union Reservoir outside Longmont is one of northern Colorado's best-kept secrets for consistent action. This no-wake lake means you won't be dodging jet skiers while you're trying to land that perfect walleye. I've been guiding anglers here for years, and what keeps me coming back is the variety – you never know if you'll hook into a chunky wiper, a beautiful rainbow, or a surprise largemouth bass. The three-hour window is perfect for beginners who want to learn the ropes without committing to a dawn-to-dusk marathon, and experienced anglers love it as a quick fix when the fishing itch strikes.
Union Reservoir sits at about 5,100 feet elevation and covers roughly 700 acres of prime fishing water. The lake stays relatively calm thanks to the no-wake rule, which means we can focus on finding fish instead of fighting boat traffic. Water temperatures here are pretty predictable – warming up nicely by late spring and staying comfortable through fall. The structure is what makes this place special: you've got shallow flats perfect for cruising bass, deeper drop-offs where walleye hang out, and plenty of mid-depth areas where wipers patrol for baitfish. The scenery doesn't hurt either – you'll have the Front Range mountains as your backdrop while you're working your favorite lures. Most trips here feel relaxed and productive, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to unwind or introduce someone new to the sport.
We'll adjust our approach based on what's biting and the time of year you're visiting. For walleye, I like running jigs tipped with crawlers along the bottom contours, especially around the dam area where the water gets deeper. Wipers are aggressive and will smash spoons, spinners, or live bait – they're not picky when they're feeding. The bass here respond well to soft plastics worked around the shoreline structure, and don't sleep on topwater action during low-light periods. Rainbow trout can be finicky, but when conditions are right, they'll hit small spinners or PowerBait fished under a bobber. I provide all the essential tackle, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite rod, bring it along. The key here is staying versatile – Union Reservoir fish can switch preferences faster than Colorado weather, so we'll keep a few different presentations ready to go.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Union Reservoir, and for good reason. These fish typically run 14 to 18 inches, with occasional surprises pushing over 20. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning, late evening, or overcast days. What makes walleye so popular is their fight and their table fare – they're scrappy when hooked and absolutely delicious when filleted. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them consistently throughout the open water season.
White bass, often called wipers here, are the most aggressive fish in the reservoir. They school up and when you find them, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. These fish average 12 to 16 inches and fight way above their weight class. Summer is peak time for wiper action, especially when they're chasing baitfish near the surface. The explosive strikes and strong runs make them a customer favorite, particularly for kids who want non-stop action.
Largemouth bass in Union Reservoir might surprise you with their size and attitude. The population isn't huge, but the fish that are here have grown fat and happy. We're talking 2 to 4-pound bass with occasional giants pushing 5 pounds or better. They hang around rocky areas and weed lines, especially during spring and early summer. Bass fishing here requires patience, but when you connect with a good one, you'll understand why people get obsessed with this species.
Rainbow trout add a nice variety to the mix, especially for anglers who appreciate their acrobatic fights. These fish are stocked regularly and typically range from 12 to 16 inches, though some holdovers get significantly larger. Cooler months are best for rainbow action – spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone. They're beautiful fish and provide a different type of challenge compared to the warm-water species.
Bluegill round out the roster and they're perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to catch fish consistently. These feisty panfish are abundant in the shallower areas and will attack small jigs, worms, or flies with surprising aggression. Spring through early summer is prime bluegill time when they're spawning in the shallows. Don't let their size fool you – a big bluegill on light tackle is a blast, and they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few.
Union Reservoir delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more. The three-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the fish without burning a whole day, and the variety means there's always something willing to bite. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced angler wanting a quick fishing fix, this trip hits the sweet spot. The no-wake environment keeps things peaceful, the fish are plentiful, and the mountain views don't hurt either. Don't wait for the perfect day – Union Reservoir fishes well throughout the season, and the sooner you get out there, the sooner you'll understand why this lake has such a loyal following among northern Colorado anglers. Book your trip today and let's get you on some fish.
Hit the water with our dependable 18' Lund motorboat, powered by a 135HP Mercury engine that's built for serious angling at Union Reservoir. This 2004 workhorse combines proven durability with smooth performance, getting you to the prime fishing spots where wipers and walleye are feeding. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while the GPS keeps you on productive areas and the fish finder shows exactly what's below. Perfect for solo trips or bringing a fishing buddy along, this boat handles the no-wake waters with ease and gives you plenty of casting room. Whether you're working lures along the shoreline drop-offs or drifting over deeper channels, this setup puts you in position to connect with quality fish during your three-hour adventure on one of northern Colorado's hottest fishing lakes.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are perfect for families and beginners - they're eager biters that average 8 inches and put up a scrappy fight. You'll find them in shallow water near weed beds, fallen logs, and around docks where they like to hide. These colorful panfish travel in schools of 10-20, so once you find one, there's usually more nearby. Spring through early summer is prime time when water temps hit 70°F and they're spawning in the shallows. They're not picky eaters - worms under a bobber work great, but they'll also hit small jigs and flies. What makes bluegill special is they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your bait in the same spot because the rest of the school is probably right there waiting.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the ultimate challenge fish, averaging 12-24 inches with that famous oversized mouth and aggressive attitude. They love hanging around structure - sunken timber, weed lines, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. These green fighters are most active in spring and fall, though early morning and evening produce the best action year-round. What gets people hooked is that explosive strike and the acrobatic fight they put up. They'll jump, run, and test your drag like few other fish. Bass aren't just fun to catch - they're excellent eating when handled right. The key here at Union Reservoir is working the deeper weed edges with soft plastics. Drop a texas-rigged worm right along that vegetation line and let it fall naturally - that's when the big ones usually hit.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are beautiful fighters with that signature pink stripe and spotted body, typically running 12-16 inches. These cold-water fish prefer the deeper, cooler sections of the lake, especially near inlets and areas with good oxygen flow. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps are in the 50s-60s. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and put that rod to the test. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, pink meat that's hard to beat. They're selective feeders that respond to subtle presentations. Look for them cruising near the thermocline in summer or shallow during cooler months. The key is matching the hatch with small spinners or flies that mimic local insects. PowerBait fished just off the bottom works great too, but here's the tip: add a small split shot 18 inches above your hook to get that slow, natural sink that triggers strikes.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish - firm, flaky white meat with zero muddy taste. These golden-colored fish with the glassy eyes typically run 12-20 inches and are built for low-light hunting. You'll find them in deeper water during the day, usually 15-25 feet near drop-offs and rock piles, but they move shallow at dawn and dusk to feed. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they're most active. What walleye lack in jumping ability, they make up for with that steady, head-shaking fight. Their unique eyes give them a huge advantage in murky water and low light. The secret here is fishing right at the bottom with live bait - a nightcrawler on a jig head bounced along the rocky areas works magic. Move slowly and feel for that subtle tick - walleye bites can be surprisingly light.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy silver fighters that run 10-12 inches and travel in aggressive schools. These striped beauties love open water and deeper structure, but they'll push baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies that are something to see. Spring and fall are prime time, especially when water temps are in the 60s and they're chasing shad. What makes white bass special is their willingness to bite and the solid fight they give - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the lake with firm, flaky meat. When you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. Look for diving birds or surface activity - that's your cue. Here's the trick: once you locate them, use small white or silver spoons and work them quickly through the school. They're visual feeders, so keep that lure moving.
Colorado