Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Aurora, Colorado
Aurora sits on the eastern edge of the Denver metro area, and its fishing options punch well above what most people expect from a suburban city.
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Aurora sits on the eastern edge of the Denver metro area, and its fishing options punch well above what most people expect from a suburban city. The anchor spots are Cherry Creek State Park, Quincy Reservoir, Aurora Reservoir, and Cherry Creek Reservoir — four distinct bodies of water within a short drive of each other, each managed a little differently and worth understanding before you show up with a rod. Cherry Creek State Park gives you moving-water access along the creek itself, which fishes differently than the still-water reservoirs nearby. Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir are both managed reservoirs with regulated access, meaning you'll typically need a daily use pass on top of your Colorado fishing license. Cherry Creek Reservoir sits within Cherry Creek State Park and draws a lot of pressure on weekends, so timing matters. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks several of these waters with trout and warm-water species, making them productive year-round if you know what you're targeting and when. This is accessible, practical urban fishing — not a wilderness experience, but a genuinely solid option for anyone based in or passing through the Denver metro.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need more than a Colorado fishing license to fish Aurora's reservoirs?
Yes, for most of these waters you'll need both a valid Colorado fishing license and a daily park or reservoir access pass. Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir charge a separate daily use fee for entry. Cherry Creek State Park also requires a parks pass, which you can purchase at the entrance gate.
What species can I realistically expect to catch at these spots?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks trout in several of these waters, including Cherry Creek Reservoir and Aurora Reservoir, so trout are a reasonable target especially in cooler months. Warm-water species like bass, walleye, and wiper are present in Cherry Creek Reservoir and Aurora Reservoir as well. Quincy Reservoir is known locally for trout and wiper fishing.
What's the best time of year to fish here?
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons across all five locations. Trout fishing picks up as water temperatures cool in September and October and again in March through May. Summer fishing is slower for trout during midday heat, but bass and wiper can be active early morning and evening from June through August.
Is Cherry Creek State Park good for bank fishing, or do I need a boat?
Bank fishing is very doable at Cherry Creek State Park and along Cherry Creek itself. The reservoir within the park has accessible shoreline in multiple areas. Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir also have bank fishing access, though a float tube or small watercraft will open up more of the water at the larger reservoirs.
Is this a good area for beginner anglers or families with kids?
Yes, these are some of the more beginner-friendly fishing spots in the Denver metro. The stocked reservoirs give kids a reasonable shot at catching something, and the park infrastructure at Cherry Creek State Park means restrooms, parking, and picnic areas are close by. Weekday mornings are noticeably less crowded than weekend afternoons, which makes for a more relaxed experience.
