With all the creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds that surround Breckenridge, there is a wide range of fish you might catch while fishing in the area. You can casually fish the waters in Summit County or you can target one specific fish to hone in on your sport. Here’s what you can expect to find when you fish in the Breckenridge, Colorado area.
Rainbow Trout
One of the most commonly found fish in Breckenridge is the rainbow trout. Distinguished by its bright, colorful, pinkish streak, black spots and white underbelly, the rainbow trout can be frequently spotted throughout Breckenridge and surrounding areas in Summit County. Measuring all the way up to 20-30 inches and weighing in at up to 8 pounds, there’s a good chance you could end up with one of these uniquely colored fish on your line. While not native to Colorado, rainbow trout thrive in lakes and rivers around the area.
Greenback Cutthroat Trout
The Colorado state fish is the Greenback Cutthroat Trout. These slightly smaller trout range in color. They are known for their jaw with a red stripe running along it, thus the name. These not extremely common fish can be found shallow rivers or lakes with cold water.
Mackinaw Trout
If you are trying to go big with your trout, the largest trout in the US is going to be the lake trout also known as a Mackinaw. These big fish can live up to 20 years. On average these fish can grow to be 24-36 inches. The record weight for the Lake Trout in Colorado set in 2007 is 50 pounds. Even though they typically spend their time in deep water, they do make their way to more shallow water in the fall and spring so you may be able to spot one of their white spotted, dark bodies.
Brown Trout
One more trout you might end up with on the end of your line is the brown trout. These fish are not surprisingly brown in color with a greenish underbelly and black spots. These are a medium sized fish that are a bit harder to catch than rainbow trout. They do have a hearty population in Colorado so there is a decent chance you might catch one if you use the right techniques. Because of their well sustained population that can be found in almost any type of body of water in Colorado at an elevation between 6000 and 10,000 feet.
Kokanee Salmon
If you are fishing in a lake, you might reel in a Kokanee Salmon. These fish are very common in Lake Dillon, only around 15 minutes from Breckenridge. With a fishing license if you are not doing catch and release, you can bring 10 of these fish home as they are so well stocked in the lake. They vary in color depending on if they are spawning. Normally, the Kokanee can be recognized by their blacked spotted backs, forked tails and light blue color.
Mountain White Fish
Another one of the fly fisher’s favorite to catch is a Mountain White Fish. A common place to find these fish is in the cold water of the Colorado River. These slender fish are typically silver in color. With their smaller than trout sized mouths they are a bit harder for anglers to bring in.
Grab your gear and set off for a day of angling in the beautiful town of Breckenridge, Colorado!