Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Colorado

Top 1 lakes ranked by stocking volume

Colorado stocks smallmouth bass in 1 known waters, ranging from small impoundments to multi-thousand-acre reservoirs. The lakes below are sorted by recent stocking volume — quantity isn't everything, but it's a strong proxy for how much effort the state agency is putting into a given fishery.

About Smallmouth Bass

Smallies hit harder per pound than any freshwater fish. They prefer cooler, clearer water than largemouth — northern lakes and reservoirs are prime. Look for them on rocky points and humps.

Best seasons: late spring, summer, fall. Active water-temp range: 60–75°F.

Productive techniques

• tubes on rocky bottoms
• drop-shot rigs
• crankbaits over points
• swimbaits

Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in Colorado

Gear for Smallmouth Bass

Tackle that consistently produces. Amazon Associate links — we earn from qualifying purchases.

• rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
• lure: Tube baits
• lure: Drop shot worms
• lure: Small swimbaits