Fishing is a year round activity in Rifle, Colorado. Several area outfitters offer float trip excursions down the Colorado River, or you can just bring a pole and relax down on the banks of any area lake, stream or pond. Brown and rainbow trout are likely not the only wildlife you'll see fishing, as the Rifle area is also home to bald eagles, deer, beavers, fox, ducks, geese, and more!
A short drive north of town will get you to Rifle Gap State Park where boating and fishing are a popular summer activity as well as ice fishing* in the winter. Rifle Gap State Park has a paved boat ramp and offers outstanding trout, walleye, and small mouth bass fishing year round. Watch for your chance to join our ice fishing tournament each January - see our Calendar of Events for more information!
Enjoy fishing and taking a stroll along the mighty Colorado River near the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce offices at Lions Pond. Besides the well-known Colorado River, the Rifle area includes many discreet streams and tributaries that are perfect for fly fishing in Colorado. Bring the family for a picnic or enjoy solo the peaceful mountain scenery and nature's beauty while enjoying your Colorado fishing vacation.
Don't forget to buy your fishing license before you head out! A fishing license is a requirement for people 16 and older. Anglers can buy licenses at local area Sporting Goods Retails Businesses (see the online Business Directory for a listing of area businesses) or call the Colorado Division of Wildlife at 1-800-244-5613. For more information about fishing in Rifle, Colorado, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website.
1 & 2. Colorado State Parks, Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap
3. Lions Pond - Rifle Rest Area
4. Colorado River
5. Meadow Lake
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WEEKLY FISHING REPORT
Water Conditions
Rifle Gap reservoir is 6’ below spill and the water temperature is 63 degrees.
Harvey Gap reservoir is full and the water temperature is 63 degrees.
Fishing Conditions
Rifle Gap:
Rifle Gap was stocked with 4500 rainbow trout on May 14, 2009.
Crappie fishing is doing well on the SE corner of lake near the east inlet using a small white jig or gitzit with a slip bobber The Northern Pike are all over the lake using smelt for bait and using large lures or flies. Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout have been caught frequently using standard baits and rainbow and brown trout lures. Walleye are doing well near the dam and the island using black and silver rapalas or around island using a worm harness or jig. Yellow perch is doing well and can be caught all over the lake using a small piece of bait and a very light rod.
Harvey Gap:
The Northern Pike are picking up near the boat ramp in the morning using smelt for bait and using large lures or flies. Catfish can be found at the North Shore at dusk and evening. Stink bait, chicken livers, and shrimp have shown promise.
Contributed by Colorado State Parks - Last Updated 06/2009
*Note of Caution when Ice Fishing:
On all lakes, be aware of the ice conditions! The freeze-melt-freeze conditions can cause ice to be unstable. It is better to be safe than sorry. Check with local contacts for up-to-date ice conditions