Colorado is an incredible state to live in if you love to fish, and 2024 was a record-setting year for fishing in the Centennial State. You can see the entire list of record catches on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife site here. We'll feature several below.

Read More: The 2024 Fly Fishing Season Gets Boost From Cicada

8 new length records were set in Colorado in 2024 at locations such as Rifle Gap Reservoir, Lake Granby, Pueblo Reservoir, Big Thompson Outfitter Lake, the South Platte River, Carter Reservoir, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, and Chatfield Reservoir.

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Huge Catch at Lake Dillon

LOOK: Six of the BIGGEST Fish Caught in Colorado
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  • Name: Eric Allee
  • Location: Lake Dillon
  • Fish: Arctic Char
  • Size: 22-inches

Fishing at Dillon Reservoir means fishing in a serene environment in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The alpine scenery that surrounds the reservoir is a unique backdrop for catching Arctic Char, rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.

Colorado's Jumbo Bluegill

LOOK: Six of the BIGGEST Fish Caught in Colorado
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  • Name: Joseph Yang
  • Location: Big Thompson Outfitter Lake
  • Fish: Bluegill
  • Size: 11 inches (amazing!)

Big Thompson Outfitter Lake is a great spot to fish for trout and bass in Northern Colorado. The fishing experience is fun for all skill levels. Enjoy the big views and easy access to the Big Thompson River for an unmatched day of fishing.

Huge Brown Trout at Lake Dillon

LOOK: Six of the BIGGEST Fish Caught in Colorado
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  • Name: Travis Divis
  • Location: Lake Dillon
  • Fish: Brown Trout
  • Size: 25.75-inches

Lake Dillion is home to some monster fish. It's a prime spot for trout with cold clear waters and lots of space for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout to mingle. Lake Dillon is stocked each year and is one of Colorado's best fishing experiences.

Record Carp at Chatfield Reservoir

LOOK: Six of the BIGGEST Fish Caught in Colorado
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  • Name: Gunnar Nitzkorski
  • Location: Chatfield Reservoir
  • Fish: Common Carp
  • Size: 35.50 inches

Colorado anglers love to visit Chatfield Reservoir for trout, walleye, bass, and catfish. It's a great spot to fish for a variety of species without having to travel far from the big city. It's also a great spot for picnics and hiking trails, and they have a boat ramp. It's a great place to fish in the Colorado foothills. 

Read More: Unlock Utah's Hidden Gems: Top Fishing Spots In Small Streams

Giant Cutbow at Spinney Mountain

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  • Name: James T Nicols II
  • Location: Spinney Mountain Reservoir
  • Fish: Cutbow
  • Size: 27-inches

If you are looking for trophy fish, you just might catch a few in the Spinney Mountain Reservoir. It's known for trophy-sized trout and northern pike. It's rarely crowded for a reservoir surrounded by mountain views, and stocked with large, healthy fish in a pristine setting.

The Giant Trout of Blue Mesa Reservoir

LOOK: Six of the BIGGEST Fish Caught in Colorado
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  • Name: Donald Walker
  • Location: Blue Mesa Reservoir
  • Fish: Lake Trout
  • Size: 50.35-inches
  • Year: 2007

Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water, offers top fishing for trout, kokanee salmon, and more. Surrounded by the scenic Black Canyon of the Gunnison, it provides stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. With deep, clear waters, it's perfect for both boat and shore fishing.

Colorado Fish: Which Ones are Safe to Eat and Which Ones are Not?

While Colorado is loaded with lots of different kinds of fish, there are a couple you want to avoid.
Be sure to check for any fishing advisories from the state of Colorado before you cast a line just in case you should avoid certain locations. Scroll on to see which fish are safe, which ones are not, and how often you can eat them.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: Colorado's Biggest Fish Lurking Beneath the Water's Surface

Colorado's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are home to around 50 native species of fish. In total, there are around 101 species of fish found here. Scroll through the photos below to see which fish grow to be the largest ones found in the Rocky Mountains.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

UP NEXT: These are Colorado's Largest Lakes and Reservoirs

These are the largest lakes and reservoirs in Colorado. Without them, parts of the state would not last in the high desert climate. Find out more about their location, volume, and elevation from largest to smallest.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams