Right now
Live from National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- Balanced leech #10-12, chironomid #14-16, small jig; ice gear once the lake locks up
- Rig
- Indicator rig with the fly just off the bottom near drop-offs; slow retrieve with a leech on calm days.
Flies checked against local shop reports on Nov 15. Ask at the local fly shop for what hatched this morning. They know before we do.
- Water
- 1,500-acre reservoir in Chatfield State Park, southwest metro
- Drive from Denver
- About 35–45 minutes from north Denver
- Access
- Shore fishing around the reservoir; boat ramps and a marina in season
- Best for
- Spring trout from shore, summer warmwater species, ice fishing
- Season
- Year-round; trout best in spring and fall
- Fees
- State park vehicle pass required; check CPW for the current daily rate
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs allowed; a fenced 69-acre off-leash area needs its own dog pass
Where to park
Chatfield State Park entrance
- Entrance is about a mile south of C-470 on Wadsworth. State parks pass required (daily or annual).
- Drive the park roads to shoreline lots. The park is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
Chatfield is the big, easy option on the southwest side of town. The reservoir sits where the South Platte leaves Waterton Canyon, and CPW calls its spring trout fishing some of the best in the Denver area. It's also busy, with boats, swimmers and paddlers in summer, so plan around the crowds.
What you can catch
Rainbow trout are stocked and are the main target from shore in spring and fall. The reservoir also holds bass, walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill and carp. Check the CPW Fishing Atlas for current species and bag limits before you go.
Where and when
- Spring: shoreline trout as soon as the ice is off. Bait under a bobber or small spoons work.
- Summer: early morning and evening for bass, perch and catfish, before the boats get going.
- Winter: ice fishing when the ice is safe. The park marks ice rescue stations with red poles. Check thickness with the park office first.
Passes and rules
Every vehicle needs a Colorado state parks pass. Boating requires an aquatic nuisance species stamp, current registration and an inspection at the ramp. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not at the swim beach.
Bringing the dog
Chatfield has one of the largest off-leash dog areas in the state, about 69 fenced acres with ponds. It needs a separate dog off-leash pass on top of your park pass. Outside that area, keep dogs leashed.
Questions anglers ask
- Is Chatfield good for trout?
- Yes, especially in spring and fall from shore. CPW stocks rainbows and rates the trout fishing among the best in the metro.
- Can I bring my dog fishing at Chatfield?
- Leashed dogs are allowed in the park, except at the swim beach. The off-leash area needs its own pass.
- Can you ice fish Chatfield?
- Yes, when the ice is safe. Check with the park office for current conditions.
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