Colorado Rainbow Trout Fishing Regulations - Bag Limits & Size Rules
| Regulation Type | Statewide Rule | Special Waters (Some) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year-round Gold Medal waters. 2 fish per day. 15 inch minimum. |
* Always verify the specific regulations for your target water body. This table shows statewide minimums - individual lakes and rivers may be stricter. Source: 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
Special Regulations - Colorado's Most Popular Rainbow Trout Waters
These major fishing destinations have additional Rainbow Trout regulations beyond the statewide minimum. Verify the current Freshwater Fishing Regulations before every trip.
| Water Body | Region | Daily Bag | Size Limit | Special Notes |
|---|
License Required to Fish Rainbow Trout in Colorado
A valid Colorado freshwater fishing license is required to fish for Rainbow Trout. Here's exactly what you need and what exemptions apply.
| Angler Type | License Required | Fee | Valid Period |
|---|
Colorado Rainbow Trout Season Guide - Best Times to Fish
Top Colorado Lakes for Rainbow Trout - Ranked
South Platte River at Eleven Mile is a classic Colorado trout stream offering excellent rainbow trout fishing in cold, clear freestone water. Dry fly fishing hatches from April through October; nymphing is effective year-round. Check state regulations for catch-and-release sections and artificial-only stretches.
Full guideFrying Pan River is a classic Colorado trout stream offering excellent rainbow trout fishing in cold, clear freestone water. Dry fly fishing hatches from April through October; nymphing is effective year-round. Check state regulations for catch-and-release sections and artificial-only stretches.
Full guideSpinney Mountain Reservoir reservoir provides outstanding rainbow trout fishing, especially in spring and fall when fish feed actively near the surface. Trolling spinners and spoons along the thermocline produces fish in summer. Shore fishing with powerbait is productive for planted fish.
Full guideVallecito Reservoir reservoir provides outstanding rainbow trout fishing, especially in spring and fall when fish feed actively near the surface. Trolling spinners and spoons along the thermocline produces fish in summer. Shore fishing with powerbait is productive for planted fish.
Full guideGunnison River is a classic Colorado trout stream offering excellent rainbow trout fishing in cold, clear freestone water. Dry fly fishing hatches from April through October; nymphing is effective year-round. Check state regulations for catch-and-release sections and artificial-only stretches.
Full guideHorsetooth Reservoir reservoir provides outstanding rainbow trout fishing, especially in spring and fall when fish feed actively near the surface. Trolling spinners and spoons along the thermocline produces fish in summer. Shore fishing with powerbait is productive for planted fish.
Full guide