Top Spots To Go Fishing Near Denver

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Author Washington Irving once said, "There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind." Any fisherperson out there can attest to the accuracy of Irving's quote, which is why, regardless of the season, you can find anglers with their poles in the water at a variety of locations throughout Colorado. For those looking for a top fishing spot near Denver, you're in luck. Here's five great locations to enjoy some fishing in the Denver area.

Aurora Reservoir
5800 Powhaton Road
Aurora, CO 80016
(303) 690-1286
www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/Reservoirs/AuroraReservoir/

Denver alt-weekly Westword named Aurora Reservoir "The Best Park for Fishing" in 2012. With more than 800 acres of water surface, fishermen and women are certain to enjoy themselves while angling for trout, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass, wiper, crappie, and channel/blue catfish. Also, Aurora Reservoir is home to the $10K Trout Tournament. Anyone 16 and older is required to have a fishing license to fish at Aurora Reservoir which cannot be purchased on-site so be sure to plan ahead.

Bear Creek Lake Park
15600 W. Morrison Rd.
Lakewood, CO 80465
(303) 697-6159
www.lakewood.org/bclp/

Even in the coldest winter months, anglers can visit Bear Creek Lake Park to satiate their fishing desires. Stocked with rainbow trout, saugeye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and the occasional tiger muskie, any fishermen can hook a variety of species during their trip out to Bear Creek Lake Park. Anglers are only allowed to use artificial lures and flies. Any rainbow trout caught must be immediately set free in the water.

Jim Baker Reservoir
W. 62nd Ave. & Lowell Blvd.
Berkley, CO 80003
(303) 659-2120
http://co-adamscounty.civicplus.com/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=9

Just south of Westminster, Jim Baker Reservoir has a 53-acre lake stocked with fish just waiting to be caught by Denver-area anglers. Also, the lake's south shore is equipped with a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. Fishermen can hope to catch rainbow trout, catfish, smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill and several other species at Jim Baker Reservoir.

Eldorado Canyon State Park
9 Kneale Road
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025
(303) 494-3943
http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/eldoradocanyon

SmarterTravel.com named Eldorado Canyon State Park as one of the Ten State Parks You Can't Miss. While catch and release is encouraged, this fishing spot does not implement bait restrictions or size limits. Ideal for fly fishing, the average fish caught in Eldorado Canyon State Park is around eight inches long. The park has three different areas for fishing, depending on skill level, which include the upper, middle, and lower sections.

Waterton Canyon
11300 Waterton Road
Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 634-3744
www.denverwater.org/recreation/watertoncanyon/

Open year round, Waterton Canyon and Strontia Springs Reservoir are just a few minutes outside of Denver city limits but it seems like hours from any urban center. This location offers both stream and lake fishing options for anglers. Furthermore, Waterton Canyon offers a handicapped accessible fishing pier. This locale is great for the whole family because there are miles of hiking trails and a Big Horn sheep habitat to check out.

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Alli Sands is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.