Horsetooth Reservoir

Tucked into Colorado, United States, Horsetooth Reservoir is a reservoir that fishes differently season to season. Spring brings fish into the shallows to spawn or feed on early baitfish; midsummer pushes them to cooler, deeper water; autumn turns them aggressive again as they pack on weight before winter. Anglers planning a trip to Horsetooth Reservoir should check water temperature and recent weather — a sudden cold front can shut a reservoir like this down for a day.

Location

40.5530, -105.1605 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Smallmouth bassRainbow troutLargemouth bassWalleyeBluegillYellow perch

Fishing Techniques

• For Smallmouth bass

  Focus your fishing efforts around rocky structures, ledges, and areas with current, as smallmouth bass prefer these habitats.

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Largemouth bass

  Vary your retrieve speed and lure presentation until you find what the bass are keying on, as their preferences can change daily based on weather and water conditions.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Horsetooth Reservoir? Check current conditions before you go: water level, recent weather, and any local closures. United States regulations on licences, seasons, and bag limits apply at Horsetooth Reservoir — confirm them ahead of time.

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