Kayak Fishing - Northern Colorado
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Kayak fishing adventure on Northern Colorado lakesAll equipment provided including rods, kayaks, and safety gearIntimate small group experience with maximum two guests
Picture this: you're gliding across pristine Northern Colorado waters, rod in hand, with nothing but open water and hungry fish ahead of you. This isn't your typical bank fishing trip – we're talking about getting you right into the fish's living room with a kayak that puts you in prime position for some of the best multi-species action Colorado has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to mix things up or someone who's never cast from a kayak before, this top-rated adventure gives you access to fish that shore-bound anglers can only dream about reaching.
This customer favorite experience puts you in the driver's seat of your own fishing vessel, complete with everything you need for a successful day chasing Northern Colorado's finest game fish. We're talking spinning rods for working lures through structure, fly rods for those perfect evening rises, plus a tackle box full of proven baits that local fish can't resist. Your stable fishing kayak comes equipped with rod holders, storage compartments, and all the safety gear you need – paddle, life vest, and peace of mind included. The intimate 2-person capacity means you get personalized attention and coaching throughout the day, whether you're learning to read the water or perfecting your presentation. Just remember to grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready to work some serious fish in waters that most anglers never get to explore.
Fishing from a kayak opens up a whole new playbook compared to shore fishing or big boat angling. You'll learn how to position your kayak to drift naturally with structure, using the wind and current to present baits exactly where fish are holding. We'll show you the art of the stealth approach – how to paddle quietly into casting range without spooking wary trout and bass. The spinning rods are perfect for working jigs along rocky drop-offs and casting spoons into deeper holes where lake trout cruise. Meanwhile, the fly rods shine during evening hatches when you can drift into position and drop dry flies right into feeding lanes. Your kayak's mobility means we can cover water efficiently, hitting multiple spots throughout the day as conditions change. You'll master boat control techniques like anchoring in moving water, using your paddle as a rudder, and managing your gear in the confined cockpit space. This world-class fishery demands versatility, and kayak fishing gives you the stealth and access to capitalize on every opportunity.
Cutthroat Trout: These native beauties are the crown jewel of Colorado waters, and Northern Colorado's lakes hold some impressive specimens. Cutthroats here typically run 14-18 inches, with the occasional 20-plus-inch fish that'll make your day. Spring and early summer offer the best action as these fish move shallow to feed on emerging insects and baitfish. What makes cutthroats special is their aggressive nature – they'll smash streamers, chase spoons, and rise confidently to dry flies. The distinctive red slash under their jaw and their willingness to fight make every hookup memorable.
Rainbow Trout: The workhorses of Northern Colorado fishing, rainbows are active year-round and always ready to play. These acrobatic fighters average 12-16 inches but don't let size fool you – they'll test your drag and leap clear out of the water when hooked. Rainbows respond well to both flies and lures, making them perfect targets for anglers wanting to experiment with different techniques. Late spring through early fall provides consistent action, especially during overcast conditions when these fish feed aggressively in shallow water.
Brown Trout: The wise old ghosts of the lake, brown trout are the trickiest to fool but offer the biggest rewards. These fish grow large and live long, with 18-24-inch browns being realistic targets for skilled anglers. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning and evening – when they venture from deep structure to hunt in the shallows. Browns have a reputation for being spooky, which makes the kayak's stealth advantage crucial. When you hook one, expect a bulldog fight with powerful runs and head shakes.
Smallmouth Bass: Pure dynamite in a compact package, smallmouth bass bring attitude and athleticism to every fight. Northern Colorado's populations produce chunky 12-15-inch fish that punch way above their weight class. Summer months are prime time when these bronze backs patrol rocky shorelines and submerged structure. Smallies are ambush predators that love reaction baits – they'll crush spinnerbaits, attack topwater lures, and absolutely demolish crawfish patterns. Their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude make them a favorite among kayak anglers.
Lake Trout: The true giants of the deep, lake trout offer the chance at fish-of-a-lifetime encounters. These prehistoric-looking predators can reach 30 inches or more and provide arm-burning battles in deep water. Fall through early spring offers the best opportunities as lakers move up from the depths to feed. Trolling deep-running lures or vertical jigging in 40-60 feet of water are proven tactics. Lake trout are less common than other species, but when you connect with one, you'll understand why serious anglers obsess over these apex predators.
This renowned Northern Colorado kayak fishing adventure combines the best of multiple worlds – the stealth and access of kayak fishing, the diversity of a world-class multi-species fishery, and the personal attention that comes with small group experiences. You'll leave with new skills, lasting memories, and probably a few fish photos worth bragging about. The gear, expertise, and prime fishing locations are all handled – you just bring the enthusiasm and fishing license. With only 2 spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast, especially during peak
This 2018 Old Town kayak is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Northern Colorado's lakes. Built for anglers who mean business, it comes equipped with GPS navigation to help you find those hidden honey holes and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The stable design lets you cast with confidence whether you're throwing spinners or working a fly rod. With room for two, you and a buddy can paddle out to the deeper water where the bigger fish hang out. The kayak tracks straight and true, so you won't be fighting it when you're trying to position for that perfect cast. It's quiet enough to sneak up on wary trout and bass without spooking them. Perfect for exploring those back bays and coves that the powerboats can't reach.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the craftiest trout we target - big, smart fish that demand respect and skill. These golden-brown beauties with black spots can reach impressive sizes, with 18-24 inchers not uncommon in our better waters. They're ambush predators that love deep pools, undercut banks, and anywhere they can hide in cover. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, but early morning and late evening produce year-round. What makes them special is the challenge - they're spooky and selective, making every hookup feel earned. When you do connect, they fight with bulldogging power and surprising speed. They're also the best eating trout in my opinion. Since they're primarily European stock introduced here in the 1800s, they've adapted to be extremely wary. My best advice: approach browns like you're hunting, not fishing. Stay low, use longer casts, and fish the ugliest, most covered water you can find - that's where the big ones live.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are one of our most beautiful native trout, with that distinctive red slash under their jaw that gives them their name. In Colorado waters, you'll typically find them in the 8-16 inch range, though some lake fish can push 20+ inches. They love cold, well-oxygenated water - think high mountain lakes and clear streams with rocky bottoms. Look for them around cover like fallen logs, undercut banks, and beaver dams. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during morning and evening hatches. What makes them special is their eagerness to hit flies - they're less spooky than browns and will often take a well-presented dry fly with confidence. They fight clean and taste great too. Pro tip: when nymphing for cutthroats, let your fly drift naturally and watch for subtle strikes - they often take nymphs softly compared to their aggressive surface feeding.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold lakes - true trophy fish that can live for decades and reach massive sizes. We're talking 24-36 inches on average, with 15-40 pound fish being realistic targets. They live in the deepest, coldest parts of our mountain lakes, often suspended in 60-100+ feet of water during summer. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What draws anglers to lakers is the potential for a fish of a lifetime - these prehistoric-looking char with grey-green bodies and cream spots grow slowly but get huge. The fight is different too - more of a deep, powerful pull than surface acrobatics. Jigging is your best bet since you're fishing deep most of the time. Use heavy jigs that get down fast and imitate wounded baitfish. Here's the key: find the thermocline with your electronics. Lakers hang just below where the water temperature drops, usually around 50-55°F. Once you locate that layer, you'll find the fish.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the bread and butter of Colorado trout fishing - beautiful, willing biters that put up a great scrap. Most run 10-16 inches with that classic pink stripe and spotted silver body. They thrive in moving water with good oxygen levels, from fast riffles to deeper pools with gravel bottoms. Spring through fall offers prime fishing, but they stay active even in winter during warmer afternoons. What makes them perfect for guided trips is their eagerness to take both flies and lures - great for anglers of all skill levels. They fight hard with impressive jumps and long runs that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is excellent too, with that distinctive pink flesh. Here's a local trick: during summer heat, focus on deeper pools and shaded areas where the water stays cooler. Rainbows will move to find that 55-65°F sweet spot, so follow the thermocline and you'll find active fish when others are struggling in the heat.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are absolute fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. These bronze-backed scrappy fish typically run 12-18 inches in our waters, with occasional 3-4 pounders that'll make your day. They prefer rocky areas, boulder fields, and drop-offs in clearer water. You'll find them in moderate depths during summer, but they move shallow in spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 60-65°F. Early morning and late evening produce the best bites, especially on calmer days. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish jump, dive, and pull drag like nothing else their size. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild flesh. The key to consistent success is targeting structure - cast your jigs, spinners, or soft plastics right along rocky shorelines and ledges. They ambush prey from cover, so get your lure as close to the rocks as possible without snagging.
Denver