Fishing Charters in Colorado

Browse fishing charters in Colorado that can help you catch catfish.

Aztec Anglers San Juan River Guide Service - Aztec Anglers San Juan River Guide Service
Aztec Anglers San Juan River Guide Service

Aztec Anglers San Juan River Guide Service

Durango, Colorado

Aztec Anglers is the premier fly fishing outfitter on the Famous San Juan River New Mexico. One of the top tailwaters in the US.

freshwaterfly fishing
Durango, Colorado
Sage Outdoor Adventures Horn Ranch Put In - Darryl Bangert
Darryl Bangert

Sage Outdoor Adventures Horn Ranch Put In

Edwards, Colorado

Vail and Beaver Creek Colorado's tour guide service for Whitewater River Rafting, Horseback Riding, ATV & Off-Road, Sporting Clays and Snowmobiling.

freshwater
Edwards, Colorado
Proudline Guided Flyfishing - Proudline Guided Flyfishing
Proudline Guided Flyfishing

Proudline Guided Flyfishing

Carbondale, Colorado

Our Mission Connecting our anglers with the invigorating beauty of a riparian adventure. From start to finish, our approach is different. Our focus on a quality fishing experience extends far beyond the number or size of fish caught in a day. We strive to impart our passion for the valley we love and protect the…

inshore
Carbondale, Colorado
Riffle And Rise - Riffle And Rise
Riffle And Rise

Riffle And Rise

Almont, Colorado

Fly fishing the Western Slope of Colorado, in the Gunnison Valley, for brown trout, rainbow trout, and native cutthroat.

fly fishingfreshwaterSpeckled TroutBrown Trout
Almont, Colorado
Alaska Steelhead - Alaska Steelhead
Alaska Steelhead

Alaska Steelhead

Laporte, Colorado

Meet the crew behind Alaska Steelhead Co. and get in touch with us to plan your trip to the finest Alaska Steelhead lodge!

inshoreSteelhead
Laporte, Colorado
Fly Fishing Colorado - Fly Fishing Colorado
Fly Fishing Colorado

Fly Fishing Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado

Fly Fishing Colorado was established in 2016 to provide beginner and experienced fisher alike with the opportunity to float down the Colorado River and learn from our experienced fishing guide all about the natural environment of the river, technique, what's biting, which flies to use and more.

freshwaterfly fishing
Breckenridge, Colorado
Adventure Ice Fishing - Adventure Ice Fishing
Adventure Ice Fishing

Adventure Ice Fishing

Denver, Colorado

Colorado ice fishing excursions across the central mountain lakes with top-of-the-line equipment to keep you on the fish while ensuring you’re warm & safe!

freshwater
Denver, Colorado
Seaview Fishing Services - Seaview Fishing Services
Seaview Fishing Services

Seaview Fishing Services

Littleton, Colorado

The most accurate oceanographic and weather data products service, updated up to 4-8 times per day - all for a very affordable price!

inshore
Littleton, Colorado
Colorado Fishing Network - Theo Anest
Theo Anest

Colorado Fishing Network

Evergreen, Colorado

Comprehensive information about fishing in Colorado. Features where to fish, maps, regional features, reports, photos, stories, guides, stores, conditions, on-line shopping.

inshore
Evergreen, Colorado
The Best Of Kamchatka - The Best Of Kamchatka
The Best Of Kamchatka

The Best Of Kamchatka

Longmont, Colorado

inshore
Longmont, Colorado
The Reel Mission Fishin Adventures - The Reel Mission Fishin Adventures
The Reel Mission Fishin Adventures

The Reel Mission Fishin Adventures

Granby, Colorado

Check out the information on The Reel Mission Fishin' Adventures!

inshore
Granby, Colorado
Steamboat Fishing Adventures - Steamboat Fishing Adventures
Steamboat Fishing Adventures

Steamboat Fishing Adventures

5(2)Top Rated

Steamboat Fishing Adventures offer Steamboat Springs Lake and Ice Fishing Adventures for visotors and locals. Our trips visit Steamboat Lake, Stagecoach Reservoir and Pearl Lake

freshwater
Oak Creek, Colorado

Best Time to Catch Catfish

Catfish can be caught year-round in Fort Collins. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Catfish Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Catfish

Catfish

freshwater

If you're after whiskered giants near Fort Collins, the South Platte River offers decent catfish opportunities. While not known as a premier catfish destination, patient anglers can find success. Focus on deeper holes and areas with structure, especially after rainfall when runoff washes food into the river. The warmer months of summer are generally best, particularly at night. Use stinkbaits, cut bait, or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. A practical tip: access can be limited in some areas, so scout out potential fishing spots beforehand. Also, be aware of changing water levels, as the South Platte can fluctuate depending on irrigation demands. Don't overlook smaller ponds and reservoirs in the area either; they can hold surprising numbers of channel catfish.

How to Catch Catfish

Catfish Fishing Regulations in Colorado

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

No limit

Size Limit

No size limit

License Required

Fishing License

Check specific regulations for designated Gold Medal Waters or special locations.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Colorado state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bait for catching catfish in the Fort Collins area?

Catfish are known for their diverse diet, but common baits include nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stinkbaits, and cut bait. Experiment to see what works best on a given day.

Is there a limit on how many catfish I can keep in Colorado?

There is no bag limit or size restriction for catfish in Colorado, so you can keep as many as you catch. Just make sure you have a valid fishing license.

What are some good spots to fish for catfish near Fort Collins?

Horsetooth Reservoir and some sections of the Poudre River can be good for catfish. Look for areas with deeper water and structure like submerged trees or rocky bottoms.

Can I fish for catfish year-round in Colorado?

Yes, catfish fishing is open year-round in Colorado. They can be caught in various bodies of water throughout the state.

More Catfish Fishing in Colorado

Other Species to Fish in Fort Collins

Ready to Catch Catfish in Fort Collins?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.