Fishing Carter Lake

AKA: Carter Lake Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Carter Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Carter Lake, CO

Popular Fish Species Carter Lake, CO

Carter Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout in Carter Lake continues to be very popular with local anglers. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Walleye Fishing

Good fisheries management by Colorado Parks and Wildlife has created a healthy population of walleye at Carter Lake again this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Yellow Perch Fishing

According to locals Carter Lake continues to have a very decent population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. A bunch of yellow perch make for an excellent fish fry.

Carter Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, cutbow trout, lake trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch and kokanee salmon at Carter Lake in Colorado.

The lake is known for its healthy population of rainbow trout, brown trout and bass, providing a diverse fishing experience for anglers of all preferences. A mile wide and three miles long, Carter Lake is a fishing paradise with plenty of water to explore. The lake offers fishing for bass, crappie, walleye, trout, bluegill and perch. Boat launch ramps are located at the sailing club, South Shore Campground and Carter Lake Marina.

Fish Species in Carter Lake Reservoir, CO

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Carter Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Concessions: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Carter Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
970 667-1062

Marinas

Carter Lake Marina
4011 S County Rd 31
Loveland, CO 80537
970 667-1062

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Carter Lake Marina Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a really nice launch area. It has a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of gravel parking.

Carter Lake South Shore Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited paved parking.