Best Family-Friendly Fishing Holes Around Grand Junction

Highline State Park is located northwest of Grand Junction consisting of two lakes, all-sport Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake. You can make Highline your one-stop shop for everything outdoors. From boating, camping, fishing and hiking, your family will definitely enjoy the day, or a few days, near the water.

Species You Can Catch: Carp, Largemouth + Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Perch, Bluegill, Sunfish, Rainbow Trout

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park is located just south of Fruita off Hwy-340. The Fruita section of the state park offers camping, picnicking and of course, fishing.

Species You Can Catch: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, Rainbow Trout

The Connected Lakes section James M. Robb Colorado River State Park offers fishing galore. So many lakes and sections of the river to toss in your line. Not to mention watching for birds (bald eagles have been spotted in the area) and miles of trails to explore.

Species You Can Catch: (Duke Lake) Largemouth Bass, Carp:, Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish | (Connected Lakes) Bullhead, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Bluegill, Green Sunfish

So much to do at the Corn Lake section of the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. Besides tossing a line or two in hoping to land the perfect catch. Explore the trails that encompass Corn Lake, or take a spin around the lake on your paddle board.

Species You Can Catch: Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Bullhead, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Rainbow Trout

If you've driven along I-70 between Junction the Grand Mesa exit, you've most definitely seen the Island Acres section of the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. With a couple different fishing holes, camping and a swimming area, there's no need to spend the weekend anywhere else.

Species You Can Catch: Bluegill, Bullhead, Rainbow Trout, Green Sunfish

The Grand Mesa offers ample fishing opportunities. One of the most popular fishing areas is the Glacier Springs Picnic Area. Here you'll find the Glacier Springs Retention Pond and the Mesa Lakes. If you're not having any luck fishing, enjoy the areas beautiful hiking trails or a nice family picnic.

**Bonus: if you're up for a nice hike. Try hiking to South Mesa Lake or Lost Lake. It's worth the journey, even if you get skunked.

Species You Can Catch: Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout (Native), Rainbow Trout

Island Lake offers some of the best views on the Grand Mesa, great places to just chill out and enjoy nature or a place to spend the weekend. While your in this area, you can also check out Deep Ward or Carp Lakes.

Species You Can Catch: Splake, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat (Native), Rainbow Trout, Snake River Cutthroat