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Colorado · Fishing
Wheat Ridge sits in the Denver metro's western corridor, and while it's not the first place most anglers think of when planning a Colorado fishing trip, it has a quiet collection of urban lakes worth knowing about.
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Wheat Ridge sits in the Denver metro's western corridor, and while it's not the first place most anglers think of when planning a Colorado fishing trip, it has a quiet collection of urban lakes worth knowing about. Kestrel Pond, Garrison Lake, Ashland Reservoir, North Henry Lee Reservoir, and Prospect Lake are all lake-fishing spots within or close to city limits, which means you're looking at still-water fishing rather than moving water. These are accessible, low-barrier fisheries — the kind of places where you can park, walk a short distance, and have a line in the water within minutes. That convenience comes with realistic expectations: these are urban lakes, not remote alpine destinations. They tend to support warmwater species and receive periodic stocking, making them solid options for casual outings, family trips with kids learning to fish, or anyone who wants a few hours on the water without driving into the mountains. Gear requirements are minimal, crowds are manageable outside of summer weekends, and the flat terrain around these reservoirs and ponds means access is easy regardless of fitness level.
The lakes in this area — Kestrel Pond, Garrison Lake, Ashland Reservoir, North Henry Lee Reservoir, and Prospect Lake — are urban still-water fisheries that typically support warmwater species like bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, along with periodic trout stocking. For current stocking schedules and species specifics at each water body, check Colorado Parks and Wildlife's online stocking report before your trip, since timing varies by season and location.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license to fish any of these waters. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods retailers. Some of these urban lakes may fall under Denver metro park systems, so it's worth confirming whether any additional local permits apply for the specific site you're visiting.
North Henry Lee Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bear Creek Lake City Park
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Kestrel Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Cherry Creek State Park
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Garrison Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Prospect Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ashland Reservoir
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Berkeley Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Sloans Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Rocky Mountain Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Rocky Mountain Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Fairmount Reservoir
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations at these urban lakes. For warmwater species, bring a mix of small jigs, soft plastics, and live or prepared bait like worms or PowerBait. If trout have been recently stocked, PowerBait fished on the bottom or small spinners near the surface work well. A simple tackle box, a rod, and a valid license is genuinely all you need.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows at still-water urban fisheries like these. Fish tend to move into shallower water to feed during lower light conditions, and you'll also avoid the midday heat in summer. On weekdays, morning sessions also mean fewer people sharing the bank.
Yes, these are among the more beginner-friendly options in the Denver metro area. All five locations are lake fisheries with flat, walkable access — no technical terrain or long hikes involved. The calm water and relatively forgiving fishing conditions make spots like Prospect Lake and Garrison Lake reasonable choices for kids or anyone new to fishing. Bring sunscreen and water in summer, since shade can be limited around urban reservoirs.
