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 WIN $20,000 at our annual 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 Retail 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 & Fishing Conditions
Rifle Gap reservoir level is almost 8.0 feet down from capacity. Please keep in mind that this is an irrigation reservoir so water levels will fluctuate during growing season. Harvey Gap reservoir is almost 6.0 feet down from capacity. The surface water temperature for Rifle Gap is 67 degrees and the temperature for Harvey Gap is 66 degrees.
Rifle Gap:
The Northern Pike can be caught in the coves on both the east and west sides using plugs or large rapalas. The fishing for Rainbow Trout has been excellent. They are being caught with power bait and worms from shore. The fishing for Yellow Perch has been excellent. Yellow Perch can be caught with half of a nightcrawler near the coves east of boat ramp. Walleye can be caught around the island of Rifle Gap. The Division of Wildlife stocked about 3500 trout on 05/21/2010 and 2800 trout on 06/01/2010.
Harvey Gap:
Fishing for Rainbow Trout has been excellent on the east side of the lake. They are being caught from boats with a spinner or on shore with worms and/or power bait. Fishermen have been having some success for Northern Pike as well, however, use appropriate line for pike. Yellow Perch is not doing well. The Division of Wildlife stocked around 7,600 trout on 03/30/2010.
Contributed by Colorado State Parks - Last Updated July 13, 2010
*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