How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Denver, United States ? Today is a average day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Fishing in Denver, Colorado centers around cold, clear trout streams, productive urban reservoirs, and high-country lakes within a short drive of the city. Anglers target rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in the South Platte River system, while metro waters hold walleye, bass, panfish, and stocked trout. From walk-and-wade fly fishing to kayak and shore-based tactics, Denver offers year-round opportunities for both beginners and seasoned anglers. read more...
Some of the best fishing spots near Denver include: Chatfield Reservoir, Aurora Reservoir, South Platte River, Sloan Lake, Standley Lake, Quincy Reservoir, Bear Creek Lake, Evergreen Lake, etc. see full list
Sun and Moon Times
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Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
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Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
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Moonrise:
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Moonset:
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Moon over:
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Moon under:
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Visibility:59%
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First Quarter Moon
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Distance to earth:390,887 kmProximity:34.8 %
Moon Phases for Denver
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average Day
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major Time:06:29 am - 08:29 am
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minor Time:01:02 pm - 03:02 pm
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major Time:
07:01 pm -
09:01 pm
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minor Time:11:57 pm - 01:57 am
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
Change since midnight:
Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
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Fishing Overview Denver
Denver fishing revolves around a mix of tailwater rivers, freestone creeks, and heavily stocked reservoirs that fish well in all four seasons. Within an hour of downtown you can be nymphing tiny midges to technical trout in Cheesman Canyon, tossing crankbaits for walleye at Cherry Creek Reservoir, or working jigs for smallmouth on Horsetooth and Chatfield. The key is matching tactics to water type and season, and being willing to move with the fish as temperatures and flows change.
On the South Platte River and its tributaries near Denver, winter through early spring is a game of slow, precise presentations. Focus on deeper runs and tailouts where trout stack up in softer current. Use small nymphs—midges, baetis, and egg patterns—fished under an indicator with plenty of weight to stay near bottom. Short, drag-free drifts are critical in clear tailwater flows. Midday is typically best when water temps bump a few degrees.
From late spring into early summer, rising flows and increasing insect activity expand the bite window. In the Deckers and Cheesman stretches, combine a larger attractor nymph (stonefly, worm, or scud) with a small midge or mayfly dropper. As runoff stabilizes, watch for afternoon and evening dry-fly opportunities with caddis and PMDs. On freestone creeks in the foothills west of Denver, prospect with small bushy dries and hopper-dropper rigs along pocket water, banks, and riffles.
Summer on Denver-area reservoirs like Cherry Creek, Chatfield, Standley Lake, Aurora Reservoir, and Quincy is prime time for walleye, bass, and panfish. For walleye, focus on low light—dawn, dusk, and overcast days—and target points, channel edges, and wind-blown shorelines with jig-and-minnow combos, bottom bouncers, and trolling crankbaits in 10–25 feet. Use electronics to stay on bait and transitions from mud to rock or gravel.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass patterns revolve around structure. In early summer, work shallow flats, flooded brush, and rock piles with soft plastics, swim jigs, and topwaters. As water warms, slide slightly deeper to weed edges and main-lake points, especially where rock meets vegetation. On clear lakes like Aurora and Quincy, downsize line and lures—finesse worms, drop-shots, and small jerkbaits draw more bites in bright conditions.
Urban ponds and smaller park lakes scattered throughout the Denver metro offer convenient fishing for stocked trout, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Simple setups catch fish: slip bobbers with worms or PowerBait for trout, small jigs or pieces of worm for panfish, and cut bait or stink baits on the bottom for channel cats. Fish near docks, riprap, or any visible cover, and adjust depth until you find active schools.
Fall brings some of the most consistent action around Denver. Cooling water pushes trout to feed heavily on the Platte, making streamers and larger nymphs productive. In reservoirs, walleye slide shallower, and bass key on baitfish along steep banks and rocky points; suspending jerkbaits, lipless cranks, and swimbaits excel. As nights get colder, slow your retrieve and concentrate on the first substantial breaklines from shore.
Through winter, open-water opportunities persist on tailwaters and power-plant influenced reservoirs, while many lakes transition to ice fishing. If ice is present and safe, target perch, trout, and walleye with small spoons and jigs tipped with waxworms or minnows. Drill multiple holes to stay mobile and focus on structure you’d fish in open water—points, humps, and old creek channels—translating them directly beneath the ice.
The Best Fishing Spots around Denver
Chatfield Reservoir
Aurora Reservoir
South Platte River
Sloan Lake
Standley Lake
Quincy Reservoir
Bear Creek Lake
Evergreen Lake
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Denver area
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Denver. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Cherry Creek - 2.66360166586km , Ferril Lake - 3.15548520714km , Barnum Park Lake Dam - 3.96812111083km , Smith Lake - 3.99847969031km , Huston Lake - 4.94610364056km , Sloan Lake - 5.39512063601km , Weir Gulch Park - 6.11994474584km , Rocky Mountain Lake - 6.19141031716km , Garfield Lake - 6.44557646388km , Dewey Number 1 Dam - 6.94858042079km , Berkeley Lake - 7.35289976325km , Copeland Dam - 7.40619106187km , Lake Rhoda - 7.80852309061km , Westerly Creek Colorado-Aurora Dam - 8.25688918485km , Little Dry Creek - 8.28574083006km , Ward Number 5 Dam - 8.44761378852km , Crosley and Westfield Dam - 8.49016361868km , Sand Creek - 8.66364218437km , Ralston Creek - 8.84093823573km , Windsor Dam - 9.339224233km , Wolcott Lake - 9.55877058823km , Kountze Lake - 9.59905379227km , Westerly Creek - 9.7677212788km , Skeel Dam - 9.80647782256km , Crown Hill Cemetery Dam - 10.0138696169km , Storm Dam - 10.10645136956km , Mayham Lake - 10.24715873229km , Clear Creek - 10.27031328929km , Crown Hill Lake - 10.30194341888km , Buell Lake - 10.40842579863km , Ward Number 1 Dam - 10.45096565867km , Kestrel Pond - 10.5905144084km , Bluff Lake - 10.7262880905km , Skeel Ranch Dam - 11.29404309393km , Kalcevic Dam - 11.49848023907km , Kendrick Dam - 11.98062773947km , East Dam - 12.18880023813km , Van Bibber Creek - 12.19803265616km , Belisle Dam - 12.23093952065km , Main Dam - 12.24351885171km
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