Fishing Lathrop State Park

AKA: Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lathrop State Park Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
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Lathrop State Park Lake, CO

Popular Fish Species Lathrop State Park, CO

Lathrop State Park Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake at Lathrop State Park continue to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Lathrop State Park Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

With plenty of baitfish and small sunfish in the lakes, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Lathrop State Park 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, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. Casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons are good options here.

Lathrop State Park Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Stocking programs by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife have maintained a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Lathrop State Park. 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. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. 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.

Lathrop State Park Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, wipers, bluegill, tiger muskies and northern pike at Lathrop State Park in Colorado.

Two lakes make up the fishing opportunities at Lathrop State Park. Horseshoe Lake is a no-wake lake for non-motorized boats, and Martin Lake allows power boats for boating and water sports. These are considered warm water lakes and provide good bass fishing. Other species of fish in the lake include catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, wipers, sunfish, pike and muskies.

Fish Species in Lathrop State Park, CO

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lathrop State Park Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Horseshoe Lake North Boat Ramp (Non-motorized boats)
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock, and gravel parking. It is located in the northwest corner of the lake.

Horseshoe Lake South Boat Ramp (Non-motorized boats)
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking. It is located in the southeast corner of the lake.

Martin Lake South Boat Launch Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, gravel parking. It is located in the southwest corner of the lake.