Embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure in Colorado’s Pioneering Plains, a region brimming with diverse aquatic life and numerous angling opportunities. Home to a variety of serene lakes and bustling reservoirs, the Pioneering Plains offer an idyllic setting for anglers of all levels. Get ready to be enticed by the prospect of visiting this area for a truly memorable fishing experience.
DePoorter Lake, nestled just south of Julesburg’s business district along State Highway 385, is a 22-acre grassed parcel with many shade trees, a covered picnic area, and restroom facilities. This family-friendly location provides a perfect setting for a relaxing day of fishing. However, please note that swimming, hunting, ice skating, ice fishing, alcoholic beverages, and motorized vehicles are prohibited at
DePoorter Lake.
Jumbo Reservoir is known for its excellent fishing opportunities for walleye and crappie, along with quality fishing for channel catfish, smallmouth bass and bluegill. The reservoir’s picturesque surroundings and the thrill of reeling in your catch make it a popular destination among anglers.
Bonny Dam, located 22.5 miles from Burlington in Yuma County, is another promising fishing spot. Whether you prefer spinning, baitcasting, or fly fishing, your chances of getting a bite here are high. Grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Bonny Dam for an exhilarating fishing experience.
North Sterling Reservoir draws anglers with its popular warm-water fishery throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The reservoir boasts excellent populations of wiper, walleye, and catfish, while also providing a habitat for rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, northern pike, tiger muskie, drum, and carp. Keep in mind that North Sterling is an irrigation reservoir, with water levels fluctuating up to 40 vertical feet during the irrigation season from April to September. This unique characteristic adds an extra layer of excitement to your fishing adventure.
For a more intimate and tranquil angling experience, consider visiting the fishing ponds in Phillips County, such as Haxtun’s Fishing Pond and Holyoke Lions Club Fishing Hole. These smaller bodies of water provide a peaceful setting for a leisurely day of casting your line and soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
Jackson Lake is stocked with an impressive array of warm-water fish species, including walleye, saugeye, catfish, perch, rainbow trout, crappie, and wipers. Northern pike and large and smallmouth bass have also been introduced to the lake. Be aware that fishing is restricted during waterfowl hunting season and is prohibited from the swim beaches year-round, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
In addition to the fantastic fishing spots mentioned, the Pioneering Plains also offer numerous local eateries where you can savor delicious regional fare and recount the day’s adventures. Don’t forget to bring a camera along to capture the stunning landscapes and picturesque towns you’ll encounter during your fishing expedition.
With a wealth of fishing opportunities spread across the Pioneering Plains, you’re sure to find the perfect location for your next angling adventure. As you explore these beautiful bodies of water, take a moment to appreciate the region’s natural splendor and diverse fishing prospects. So, gear up, cast your line, and experience the joys of fishing in the captivating Pioneering Plains of Colorado.
Explore Wray Fish Hatchery: Colorado’s Warm Water Fish Haven
Discover the intriguing world of warm water fish production at Wray Fish Hatchery, one of only three such facilities in Colorado. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hatchery offers guided tours between April and September, providing insights into the breeding, hatching, and rearing of various fish species.
Join knowledgeable guides as they walk you through the hatchery’s operations, showcasing the efforts to maintain a healthy fish population in Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs. Don’t miss this unique and educational experience at the Wray Fish Hatchery.