Horsetooth Reservoir CO fishing forecast
Horsetooth Reservoir CO is a freshwater fishing spot in Colorado, United States. Anglers here target Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout. The most productive months are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 21.0 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 14 km/h from WNW |
| Pressure | 1013 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 41% |
The water is running true to season — within a few tenths of the July average of 21.0 °C for this location. The water is mixed to about 26.7 m, with the thermocline below that.
Last updated Jul 28, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Horsetooth Reservoir CO
Horsetooth Reservoir CO currently scores 70 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 21.0 °C. 6 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Horsetooth Reservoir CO:
About this spot
Lakes have no tide, so target structure, drop-offs, and seasonal thermoclines where fish concentrate by depth and temperature.
What you can catch
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Sander vitreus
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Micropterus dolomieu
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Oncorhynchus mykiss
Best months by species at Horsetooth Reservoir CO
| WalleyeSander vitreus | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu | ||||||||||||
| Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykiss |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow TroutStatewide Bag & Possession Limits | 4/day, 8 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| The 4-fish limit is an AGGREGATE across trout, Arctic char, grayling, salmon and mountain whitefish (kokanee excepted) — not 4 of each. Many Colorado waters are stricter: on the Fryingpan River below Ruedi Dam and on the Gunnison River above the US 50 bridge, all rainbow trout must be released immediately, and fishing is by artificial flies and lures only. | |||
| WalleyeStatewide Bag & Possession Limits | 5/day, 5 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Five fish in aggregate with saugeye and sauger statewide, but TEN in the Arkansas and South Fork of the Republican River drainages — which includes the Arkansas River. FishRadar shows the stricter statewide figure. Horsetooth Reservoir is stricter still: two fish, 21–24 inches. Within the Pueblo Reservoir State Wildlife Area the limit is five in aggregate at an 18-inch minimum, with no more than one over 21 inches per day. | |||
| Smallmouth BassStatewide Bag & Possession Limits | 5/day, 5 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Five fish in aggregate with largemouth and spotted bass. WEST OF THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE THERE IS NO LIMIT ON SMALLMOUTH — Colorado treats them as undesirable in western drainages, which covers the Gunnison and Roaring Fork. FishRadar shows the stricter east-side figure. At Horsetooth Reservoir the minimum size for smallmouth is 12 inches. | |||
Licensing:
- freshwater-recreational — residents Resident adult annual (18–63) $44.87. Senior annual (64+) $12.96. Youth 16–17 $12.96. A 2026 Habitat Stamp ($12.76) is also required for anyone aged 18–64., non-residents Nonresident annual (16+) $124.01. Five-day $41.04. One-day $21.90.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. The figures here are Colorado STATEWIDE limits from the 2026 Colorado Fishing brochure; a great many Colorado waters carry more restrictive rules under Chapter W-1 Article II, including several of the rivers and reservoirs on this site. Always check the water-specific entry in the current brochure (Special Regulations: Fishing Waters) before you fish.
Check Horsetooth Reservoir CO before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 207 km of Horsetooth Reservoir CO.
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Blue River CO
South Platte River CO
Fryingpan River CO
Arkansas River Colorado
Roaring Fork River CO
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Horsetooth Reservoir CO?
Anglers at Horsetooth Reservoir CO target Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.
When is the best time to fish Horsetooth Reservoir CO?
The most productive months at Horsetooth Reservoir CO are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
What is the fishing forecast for Horsetooth Reservoir CO right now?
Horsetooth Reservoir CO currently scores 70 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Horsetooth Reservoir CO?
Fishing at Horsetooth Reservoir CO follows the local rules for Colorado, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch WalleyeHow to Catch Smallmouth BassBest Time of Day to Fish
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.