Fishing Horsetooth Reservoir

AKA: Horsetooth Lake

Popular Fish Species
Horsetooth Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Horsetooth Reservoir, CO

Popular Fish Species Horsetooth Reservoir, CO

Horsetooth Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

It's certainly worth the trip to Horsetooth Reservoir if you enjoy catching smallmouth bass. Due to a catch and release policy for bass 12" and under, fishing for smallmouth bass is good here anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons.

Horsetooth Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to prior-year stockings of walleye fingerlings and fry, a healthy population of walleye is thriving in Horsetooth Reservoir 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.

Horsetooth Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Stockings of catchable trout by Colorado Parks and Wildlife ensure good rainbow trout fishing in Horsetooth Reservoir continues to be very productive for 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.

Horsetooth Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, cutbow trout, bluegill, white bass and yellow perch at Horsetooth Reservoir in Colorado.

At over six miles long and almost a half mile wide, Horsetooth Reservoir offers plenty of water playground for fishing and boating alike. This is a relative warm-water lake supporting bass, crappie, walleye, white bass, sunfish and trout. Nearly 20 miles of shoreline provide plenty of places to wet a line, whether you are fishing from the bank or from a boat.

Fish Species in Horsetooth Reservoir, CO

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Horsetooth Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rentals: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Concessions: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Inlet Bay Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
970 223-0140

Marinas

Inlet Bay Marina
4314 Shoreline Dr
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970 223-0140

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Horsetooth North Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, this is a two-lane concrete ramp with a dock and lots of gravel parking.

Inlet Bay Marina Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks, and gravel parking. It is located in Inlet Bay, in the southwest sector of the lake.

South Bay Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a two-lane concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.