Best places to fish in Denver

28 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Denver sits at the doorstep of Colorado's Gold Medal trout water, and most guided days run to the South Platte drainage - the technical Dream Stream between Spinney and Elevenmile, the pocket water at Deckers, or the tumbling freestone of Clear Creek right up I-70. These front-range tailwaters hold wild and stocked rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout, fishable through much of the year thanks to steady dam releases. Spring brings blue-winged olives and midges, summer opens up high-country lakes and dry-dropper fishing, and fall means aggressive browns on streamers. Most trips are walk-and-wade, though float sections exist below the reservoirs. Whether you want to nymph deep runs or throw dries to rising fish, ask the guide which stretch matches the flows that week. The guides below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical fishing charter cost in Denver

A half-day inshore charter in Denver typically runs $400-$700 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

See how Denver ranks nationally in the Fishing Charter Cost Index.

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Fishing Charters (16) Fishing Piers (3) Bait & Tackle Shops (4) Fishing Guides (9) Marinas & Boat Ramps (2)

Top-rated fishing in Denver

FAQ

Fishing in Denver - common questions

How much does a fishing guide cost in Denver? +

A Denver fly-fishing guide typically runs $400-$700. A half-day wade trip sits at the lower end, while a full-day float or a longer high-country trip runs higher. Rates are usually per boat or per trip for one to two anglers, so splitting with a partner lowers the per-person cost. Confirm the all-in price, gear and any shuttle fees with the operator.

What is the best time of year to fly fish near Denver? +

The South Platte tailwaters fish year-round, but spring blue-winged olive and midge hatches and the fall brown-trout run are the standout windows. Summer adds high-country lakes and terrestrial fishing once runoff clears.

Do I need my own waders and a license for a Denver trip? +

Most guides provide rods, flies and waders, so you can show up with just clothing and shoes. You will need a Colorado fishing license, which the guide can point you to before the trip.

Is the fishing near Denver wade or float? +

Both. The South Platte at Deckers and the Dream Stream and Clear Creek are classic wade fisheries, while sections below the reservoirs offer drift-boat floats. Your guide picks based on flows and water levels.

Best places to fish in Denver

Top-rated fishing in Denver

Army Surplus For Less

AvidMax

Sierra

Sierra

South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center

Sierra

Sierra

Discount Fishing Tackle

Sierra

The Canyon Fly Shop

Colorado Wilderness Rides And Guides

Sierra

Front Range Anglers

Anglers All

Golden Fly Shop

Chatfield Marina

The Outdoorsman's Attic

Ascent Fly Fishing

Rocky Mountain Anglers

Charlie's Flybox

Valley Country Fishing Tackle & Live Bait

The Blue Quill Angler

Arbor Anglers Lafayette/Boulder Fly Shop

Brighton Recreation Center

Orvis Park Meadows

Bill's Live Bait

Mountain Side Gear Rental

Accessible Fishing Dock

Fishing in Denver - common questions