8-Hour Fishing Trip in SW Colorado/NW New Mexico
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday fishing charter targeting trophysized fish in scenic lakesToptier equipment provided for premium angling experiencePrivate singleguest capacity ensures personalized fishing adventure
Looking for a serious day on the water? Our full-day fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of the Southwest's most productive lake fishing. This isn't your average afternoon casting session – we're talking eight solid hours targeting trophy bass, feisty pike, and everything in between. You'll fish pristine mountain lakes where the water runs clear and the fish run big. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
This is a personalized fishing experience – just you and your guide working the best spots these lakes have to offer. We're talking about high-altitude waters that hold some serious fish, tucked into the rugged landscape where Colorado meets New Mexico. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but you're here to fish, and that's exactly what we'll do. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand – every drop-off, weed line, and structure that holds fish. We'll move around throughout the day, hitting different areas based on conditions and what's biting. Some days the bass are shallow and aggressive, other days we'll work deeper water for the big ones. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is we have time to adapt and find what's working.
All your gear is provided, and we're not talking about bargain bin stuff. We run top-shelf rods, reels, and tackle that can handle whatever these lakes throw at you. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll set you up with everything from finesse rigs for picky bass to heavy tackle when the pike are prowling. Your guide will walk you through different techniques throughout the day – maybe starting with topwater action if the morning bite is on, then switching to jigs and soft plastics as the sun gets higher. We carry a full selection of lures and baits, so whether the fish want something subtle or aggressive, we've got options. The boat is equipped with fish finders to locate structure and schools, plus all the nets and tools needed to land and release your catches properly.
Largemouth Bass are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These lakes produce some chunky largemouths that'll test your drag and your nerves. Spring through early fall is prime time, with fish ranging from solid 2-3 pounders to legitimate trophies pushing 5+ pounds. They love the rocky points and submerged timber, and when they hit, they hit hard. What makes largemouth fishing here special is the combination of clear water and abundant forage – these fish are healthy, strong, and absolutely beautiful.
Smallmouth Bass bring a different kind of fight to the table. Pound for pound, they're some of the scrappiest fish in freshwater, and these high-altitude smallies are no exception. They prefer the rockier areas and drop-offs, typically running 1-3 pounds but making up for size with pure attitude. Late spring and summer are peak seasons, and they're suckers for crawfish-pattern baits and small jigs. When a smallmouth grabs your lure, you'll know it immediately – they fight like fish twice their size.
Northern Pike are the apex predators here, lurking in weedy bays and ambush points. These toothy critters can reach impressive sizes – 30+ inches isn't uncommon, and they provide some of the most explosive strikes you'll experience. Pike fishing is best from late spring through early fall, and they'll hit everything from large spoons to big soft plastics. The key is fishing near vegetation and being ready for that bone-jarring strike. Just remember to keep your fingers clear of those teeth when handling them.
Crappie might not have the size of bass or the teeth of pike, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. These panfish school up in deeper water and around structure, making them perfect targets when you want to keep the action steady. Spring spawning season is absolutely lights-out for crappie, with fish pushing 12+ inches and willing to bite small jigs and minnows. They're also fantastic eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Bluegill round out the cast of characters, and don't let their size fool you – these little fighters are a blast on light tackle. They're especially active during their spring spawn, when males build nests in shallow water and become very aggressive. Kids love bluegill fishing, but even experienced anglers appreciate the consistent action they provide. Like crappie, they're excellent table fare and perfect for those times when you want to bring home a fish dinner.
Eight hours of guided fishing in some of the Southwest's premier lakes doesn't come around every day. This is the kind of trip that reminds you why you love fishing – the anticipation of each cast, the fight of a good fish, and the satisfaction of a day well spent on the water. Whether you're chasing your personal best bass or just want to enjoy consistent action with multiple species, this charter delivers. The one-on-one format means you get personalized instruction and the full attention of an experienced guide who wants to see you succeed. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what these lakes have to offer – book your trip and get ready for some serious fishing.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are perfect for families and first-time anglers. These spunky little fighters average 8 inches and put up a surprising battle for their size. You'll find them in shallow areas near vegetation, fallen logs, or around docks where they like to hide. They school up in groups of 10-20, so once you find one, there's usually more nearby. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them great is they're not picky eaters - worms, small jigs, even bread works. Kids love them because they bite consistently and taste excellent fried up. Pro tip: use a small bobber with a worm and fish right along the weedline at dawn or dusk.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the ultimate panfish - they school up tight, bite well, and make some of the best eating you'll find. Both black and white crappie run 7-12 inches and about a pound. They prefer clear water around brush piles, fallen trees, or deeper structure. Spring is money time when they move shallow to spawn in 62-68°F water, but you can catch them year-round. They're less active during the day, so dawn and dusk fishing pays off. What makes them special is that delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They travel in schools, so when you find one, work the area hard. Here's a local trick: use a small jig or minnow under a bobber and fish it super slow around any standing timber.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the crown jewel of our lakes, running 12-24 inches and averaging 1-4 pounds. These green giants love shallow, weedy areas and structure like sunken logs or brush piles where they can ambush prey. They're most active during spring spawning season when water hits 60°F, but summer evenings can be productive too. What sets them apart is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run like crazy. The mouth is huge, so they'll eat just about anything from frogs to bluegill. They're decent table fare from clean water. My go-to technique is dragging a Texas-rigged plastic worm along the bottom near cover. When you feel that thump, set the hook hard and hang on.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators in our system - aggressive, toothy, and built for ambush attacks. These torpedo-shaped fish average 2-3 feet and can hit 10+ pounds. They lurk in shallow, weedy bays and along vegetation lines, especially where there's good cover to hide behind. Spring right after ice-out through early summer is prime time, but fall can be excellent too when they feed heavily before winter. Pike are pure adrenaline - explosive strikes, strong runs, and they never quit fighting. They're decent eating if you know how to deal with the Y-bones. The key is fishing slow with big baits like spoons or swimbaits. Here's my tip: use a steel leader and reel slowly - they often follow before striking, so don't speed up when you see one.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in our waters. These bronze-backed beauties average 18-20 inches and love clear, rocky areas with good current or structure. You'll find them around boulder fields, rocky points, and drop-offs where they ambush crayfish and minnows. Spring and fall are peak times when they're active in shallower water, but summer means going deep to cooler zones. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. Early morning and evening are best. Pro tip: when they're deep in summer, try a weighted tube jig bounced right along the bottom - those vertical drops near rocky structure are gold.
Arboles, CO