Aurora Reservoir is a 5,000-acre lake on Denver's eastern edge that holds walleye, pike, and bass

Aurora Reservoir sits about 20 miles east of downtown Denver in Arapahoe County, formed by damming Sand Creek in the 1980s. The lake covers roughly 5,000 acres at full pool and reaches depths of 80 feet in places, making it one of Colorado's larger urban reservoirs. You'll find walleye as the primary draw here, along with northern pike, largemouth bass, and some catfish. The water is cold enough year-round to support these species, and the reservoir's size means you have room to explore different structure and depths.

The lake sits in high plains country—open, windy, and exposed. There's no shade on the water itself, so sun protection matters. The surrounding landscape is mostly grassland with scattered cottonwoods along the shoreline. Access is straightforward: Aurora Parks and Recreation manages the reservoir, and there are three public boat ramps and several shore-fishing areas. The water is used for municipal supply, so levels fluctuate seasonally, typically dropping through late summer and fall.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall when the fish move into shallower water; summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing.
  • Three public boat ramps provide access, and shore fishing is allowed at designated areas along the dam and eastern shoreline.
  • Colorado fishing licenses are required, and the reservoir has specific regulations on species, bag limits, and seasonal closures you must check before fishing.
  • The lake is windy and exposed, so plan for afternoon wind and bring sun protection and extra layers for temperature swings.

When walleye bite best at Aurora

Spring—March through May—is the most reliable walleye season. The fish spawn in shallow water and move into 8 to 15 feet of depth as the water warms. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well in the shallows, and you can fish from shore or a boat. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, but spring's longer daylight means you have a wider window than you might expect.

Fall, from September through November, brings a second strong bite as water cools and walleye move shallow again. The same depths and presentations work, and the weather is often more stable than spring. Winter fishing is possible but slower; walleye move deep and suspend, requiring electronics and patience. Summer is the hardest season—the fish go deep during the day and feed primarily at night. If you fish summer, plan for night trips or very early morning, and work deeper structure with live bait or vertical jigging.

Boat ramps, shore access, and where to start

The main boat ramp is at the Aurora Reservoir Marina on the north shore, accessible from Quincy Avenue. This ramp has parking, restrooms, and a small concession area. A second ramp sits on the east side near the dam, and a third is on the south shore. All three are open during daylight hours, and there is a day-use fee per vehicle—check the Aurora Parks website for current rates, as they change seasonally.

Shore fishing is allowed at several spots: the dam itself has a walkway and designated fishing areas, and the eastern shoreline has pull-offs and access points. Shore fishing is free and requires no reservation. The dam area tends to hold walleye and pike because it's deeper and has structure, making it a good starting point if you don't have a boat. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late, as the area is remote and unlit.

Northern pike and largemouth bass in the same water

Pike are present year-round and can be caught on the same jigs and live minnows as walleye, though pike prefer larger baits and flashier presentations. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and large soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range work well. Pike tend to hold in shallower, weedier areas than walleye, so if you're casting along the shoreline or in the 5- to 12-foot zone, you're in pike territory. Spring and fall are productive, but pike bite throughout the year, including summer.

Largemouth bass are present but not the main attraction at Aurora. They're scattered throughout the reservoir in shallow cover and around structure. Bass fishing is best in spring and early summer using standard soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures. The reservoir's size and relatively open shoreline mean bass aren't as concentrated as they are in smaller ponds, so you'll need to cover water or focus on the few areas with dense vegetation or submerged trees.

Colorado regulations and what you need to know before you go

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages fishing regulations for Aurora Reservoir. You must have a valid Colorado fishing license, available online through the CPW website or at sporting goods stores. Licenses are available as daily, annual, or multi-year options. Non-residents pay more than residents, and there are reduced rates for youth and seniors.

Walleye have a bag limit of five per day with a 15-inch minimum size. Pike have a five-fish limit with a 24-inch minimum. Largemouth bass are limited to five per day at 12 inches minimum. These limits change occasionally, so check the current CPW regulations before you fish. The reservoir is open year-round, but certain areas may close seasonally for maintenance or spawning protection—the Aurora Parks website lists any current closures. Catch-and-release is always allowed, and there are no special restrictions on tackle or methods beyond standard Colorado rules.

Weather, wind, and what to bring

Aurora Reservoir sits on open plains with little shelter, so wind is a constant factor. Afternoon wind is typical, especially in spring and early summer. Morning trips are calmer and often more productive for fishing anyway. Bring a windbreaker or jacket even in warm months—temperature swings between sun and shade can be 20 degrees or more. Sun protection is essential: sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses reduce glare off the water and protect your eyes.

The lake is 5,000 acres, so bring a map or use your phone's GPS if you're boating. Cell service is spotty in some areas, so download offline maps before you leave. If you're fishing from shore, wear sturdy shoes—the shoreline is rocky in places. Bring more water than you think you'll need; the dry climate and wind dehydrate you faster than you realize. In winter, the reservoir can freeze, but fishing through ice is not common here—check conditions with local shops before attempting it.

Local shops and current conditions

Several fly and tackle shops in the Denver metro area stock gear for Aurora and can tell you what's biting. Anglers Covey in South Denver and local Cabela's locations carry walleye and pike tackle. These shops often have recent reports from anglers who've fished Aurora in the past week, which is more useful than any general guide. Call ahead and ask what's working—most shop staff fish the reservoir themselves.

Aurora Parks and Recreation maintains the reservoir's website with information on ramp hours, fees, and any closures. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website has current regulations and a fishing forecast by region. Neither source updates daily, but they're reliable for planning. Local Facebook groups and fishing forums sometimes have recent trip reports, though the quality varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Aurora Reservoir without a boat?

Yes. Shore fishing is free at the dam and along the eastern shoreline. The dam area is deeper and holds more fish, making it the best shore-fishing spot. You won't cover as much water as you would from a boat, but walleye and pike are catchable from shore, especially in spring and fall.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning and late evening are most productive for walleye and pike. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer. If you fish at night in summer, bring a headlamp and tell someone where you're going—the area is remote and unlit.

Do I need a boat to catch walleye at Aurora?

No, but a boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure. Spring and fall walleye can be caught from shore in 8 to 15 feet of water near the dam. Summer walleye are deeper and harder to reach without a boat.

What size lures and baits work best?

For walleye, use 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with live minnows or 3- to 4-inch soft plastics. For pike, go larger: 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or live baitfish. Bass respond to standard 2- to 4-inch plastics and crankbaits.

Is Aurora Reservoir good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is accessible, regulations are straightforward, and walleye fishing from shore is manageable. The main challenge is wind and the open landscape—bring sun protection and dress in layers. Talk to staff at a local tackle shop before your first trip; they can point you to the best starting spots.