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Colorado · Fishing
Arvada's fishing scene is built around still water. The city sits on three accessible lakes — Blunn Reservoir, Leyden Lake, and Arvada Reservoir — each offering a practical option for anglers who want to get a line in without driving two hours into the mountains.
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Arvada's fishing scene is built around still water. The city sits on three accessible lakes — Blunn Reservoir, Leyden Lake, and Arvada Reservoir — each offering a practical option for anglers who want to get a line in without driving two hours into the mountains. These are urban and suburban fisheries, which means they're stocked rather than wild, and they draw a mix of casual weekend anglers and regulars who know the seasonal rhythms well enough to time their visits. Expect warm-water and cold-water species typical of Colorado's front-range reservoir program, including trout during cooler months when stocking is active. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so the draw here is accessibility and consistency rather than trophy hunting. Shore fishing is the primary approach at all three locations, making them a solid choice for families, beginners, and anyone who wants a low-logistics outing close to the Denver metro. If you're coming from out of town, Arvada's lakes are worth pairing with a morning or evening session rather than building an entire trip around — but for locals, they're genuinely useful fisheries that see regular attention from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
All three are front-range urban fisheries managed under Colorado Parks and Wildlife's stocking program, so rainbow trout are the most common target during fall, winter, and spring. Warm-water species like bass, bluegill, and channel catfish are also present at some of these waters during warmer months, though stocking schedules and species mix can vary by location and season. Check the CPW stocking report before your trip to see what's been recently added.
Yes. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older at all three locations. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods retailers. Some waters may also require a separate parks pass or day-use fee for parking, so confirm access requirements for the specific reservoir you're visiting.
Arvada Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bear Creek Lake City Park
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Blunn Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Leyden Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lower Long Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Hyatt Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ralston Reservoir
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Fairmount Reservoir
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Duke Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Standley Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Prospect Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Garrison Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows at still-water fisheries like these. Trout in particular tend to be more active and closer to shore during low-light periods, especially in warmer months when midday temperatures push them deeper.
A medium-light spinning setup in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations. For stocked trout, PowerBait on a slip-sinker rig or small spinners like a Rooster Tail are reliable producers. If you're targeting warm-water species, bring a few small jigs or live bait options like worms. There are no boat ramps or rental facilities at these urban reservoirs, so plan on fishing from the bank.
Yes, all three are reasonable choices for beginners. Shore access is generally straightforward, the fisheries are stocked on a regular schedule, and you don't need specialized gear or technical knowledge to have a productive outing. Blunn Reservoir and Leyden Lake in particular are compact enough that you can cover the fishable shoreline without much walking, which makes them practical for families with young kids.
