Kayak Fishing - Northern Colorado
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day kayak fishing experience on Northern Colorado lakesAll equipment provided including kayaks, rods, and safety gearSmall group adventure for maximum two guests
Picture this: you're drifting silently across pristine Colorado waters, rod in hand, with the Rocky Mountain backdrop stretching endlessly behind you. Our kayak fishing trips in Northern Colorado combine the best of both worlds – the stealth advantage of paddling and the fish-rich waters that make this region a top-rated destination for serious anglers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to try something new, this customer favorite experience puts you right where the fish are feeding, away from the crowds on shore.
We keep our groups intimate at just 2 anglers max, so you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation – we're talking about a full day where you'll work prime structure, drop-offs, and weed lines that most bank fishermen can only dream about reaching. The mud mentioned in our description? That's because we're not afraid to launch from those hidden spots where the big fish hang out, not the pretty boat ramps where everyone else goes. You'll be amazed how different the fishing is when you can position yourself over submerged timber or work the edges of creek channels that kayaks can access but bigger boats can't touch. Northern Colorado's lakes and reservoirs offer some of the most diverse fishing in the state, and from a kayak, you're going to experience it all.
We've got you covered with both spinning and fly setups, because different situations call for different approaches out here. The spinning gear is perfect for working deeper water with jigs and soft plastics, especially when we're targeting those lake trout holding in 30-40 feet. Your fly rod comes into play when we find fish cruising the shallows or rising to mayfly hatches – there's nothing quite like watching a hefty rainbow sip your dry fly in crystal-clear mountain water. All kayaks are stable fishing platforms with rod holders and storage, plus we provide quality paddles and safety gear. The beauty of kayak fishing is the stealth factor – you can drift right over fish without spooking them like a motor would. We'll teach you how to use the wind and current to your advantage, positioning yourself for the perfect cast while staying quiet. Lures and flies are included, from proven local patterns like olive woolly buggers to the hardware that drives these trout crazy when they're feeding aggressively.
Cutthroat Trout are the native jewels of these waters, and catching one is like connecting with Colorado's fishing heritage. These beauties typically run 14-18 inches, with that distinctive red slash under their jaw that gives them their name. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're shallow and aggressive, often found cruising near inlet streams. What makes cutthroats special is their willingness to take both flies and lures – they're not as picky as some trout species. From a kayak, you can follow them along shoreline structure where they love to ambush baitfish.
Smallmouth Bass bring the fight that keeps anglers coming back for more. These bronze-backed warriors average 12-16 inches but punch way above their weight class when it comes to pulling drag. Peak action hits during late spring through early fall when water temperatures are in the sweet spot. They love rocky points, submerged boulders, and drop-offs – perfect kayak fishing territory. Smallmouths are aggressive predators that'll crush everything from crawdad-pattern jigs to topwater poppers, making them a blast on both spinning and fly gear.
Rainbow Trout are the crowd pleasers that deliver consistent action throughout the season. These silver rockets typically range from 12-20 inches and are known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. Early morning and evening are money times, especially during mayfly hatches when they'll rise steadily in shallow bays. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders, which means they'll hit streamers, nymphs, spinners, and spoons with equal enthusiasm. The kayak advantage really shows with rainbows because you can follow schools as they move around the lake chasing bait.
Brown Trout are the crafty veterans that test your skills and patience. These golden-sided fighters often reach 18-24 inches and are notorious for their wariness and powerful runs. Fall is prime time for big browns as they move shallow for spawning, but they can be caught year-round by anglers who understand their habits. They prefer deeper water during bright conditions and love structure like fallen trees and rocky shelves. Browns are more selective feeders, making them perfect targets for technical fly fishing or precise lure presentations that kayaks excel at delivering.
Lake Trout are the apex predators that turn every cast into a potential trophy opportunity. These deep-water giants regularly exceed 20 inches and can top 30+ in the right waters. Summer finds them in the thermocline, usually 25-50 feet down, while spring and fall bring them shallow enough for kayak anglers to target effectively. Lakers are built for power, not speed, delivering bone-jarring strikes followed by bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle. They're primarily piscivorous, meaning big streamers, large spoons, and jerkbaits are your go-to presentations. Landing a lake trout from a kayak is a world-class experience that'll have you talking for years.
This renowned Northern Colorado kayak fishing experience combines expert guiding, top-shelf equipment, and access to fish-rich waters that deliver results season after season. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in a day that showcases why Colorado's lakes produce some of the best trout and bass fishing in the Rocky Mountain region. With all gear provided and intimate group sizes, you'll maximize your time with lines in the water instead of dealing with logistics. Remember to grab your Colorado fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for the kind of fishing
This 2018 Old Town kayak is your ticket to some serious Northern Colorado fishing action. Built for stability and comfort, it handles everything from calm lake mornings to those choppy afternoon conditions when the fish are really biting. The onboard GPS keeps you locked onto your favorite fishing spots, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools below the surface. Perfect for casting both spinning gear and fly rods, with enough storage for tackle boxes, coolers, and all your fishing essentials. The design tracks straight and true, so you can focus on working that perfect retrieve instead of fighting your boat. Whether you're chasing trout in the shallows or positioning over deeper structure, this kayak gets you where the fish are without spooking them. Comfortable seating means you can spend all day on the water without the usual aches, and the stable platform gives you confidence to stand and sight-fish when the opportunity presents itself.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wary veterans of Colorado waters - golden-brown with dark spots and a reputation for being tough to fool. These European transplants typically run 12-20 inches, though our rivers hold some real trophies pushing 24+ inches. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation in cold, clear water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, but early morning and late evening produce year-round. What makes browns special is they're smart - they've seen every lure and learned from mistakes. Landing one feels like you've really accomplished something. They're also excellent eating and fight with bulldogging power rather than flashy jumps. Pro tip: browns are largely nocturnal, so don't overlook fishing into darkness with streamers or crawfish patterns along the banks where they hunt.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiColorado's cutthroat trout are native beauties with that distinctive red slash under their jaw - that's where the name comes from. These fish typically run 8-16 inches in our mountain streams, though lake populations can hit 20+ inches. You'll find them in cold, clear water with rocky bottoms and plenty of cover like overhanging brush or beaver dams. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during morning and evening hatches. What makes cutthroats special is they're aggressive feeders and willing to take both flies and small spinners. They fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. Local tip: focus on deeper pools during hot summer days - cutthroats need that cold, oxygenated water and will stack up where they can find it.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of deep, cold mountain lakes - these char can reach 20-40 pounds in the right waters. They're grey-green with cream-colored spots and prefer depths of 40-100+ feet where the water stays cold year-round. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow, but you'll need to target deep structure most of the season. What draws anglers to lake trout is their sheer size and the challenge of finding them in vast, deep water. They fight with incredible power once hooked, making long runs that test your drag. Jigging is the go-to technique since you're fishing deep - use heavy jigs, spoons, or swimbaits that imitate the baitfish they feed on. Key tip: invest in good electronics to locate schools suspended in mid-water - they roam constantly and finding them is half the battle.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of Colorado fishing, and for good reason. These colorful natives typically range 10-18 inches with that classic pink stripe along their silver sides. You'll find them in fast-moving streams with gravel bottoms and cool, oxygenated water, plus our deeper mountain lakes. Spring through fall provides steady action, with peak times during insect hatches at dawn and dusk. What makes rainbows special is their willingness to take both flies and lures, plus they put up a great acrobatic fight with plenty of jumps. They're also excellent table fare with that pink, flaky meat. The key to consistent success is matching whatever insects are hatching - check the water surface for emerging bugs and use similar fly patterns or small spinners that mimic the same size and color.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that love Northern Colorado's rocky rivers and clear lakes. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, with females running larger. Look for them around rocky structure, fallen timber, and gravel bottoms in 3-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallows, while summer finds them deeper during midday heat. Early morning and evening are your best bets year-round. What guests love most is their fight - pound for pound, smallmouth are some of the strongest freshwater fish you'll encounter. They'll jump, run, and test your drag like nothing else. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. My go-to tip: work a weightless soft plastic slowly over rocky areas - let it fall naturally into crevices where they ambush prey.
Denver