Fishing North Sterling Reservoir

AKA: North Sterling State Park Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
North Sterling Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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North Sterling Reservoir, CO

Popular Fish Species North Sterling Reservoir, CO

North Sterling Reservoir Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in North Sterling Reservoir. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

North Sterling Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

North Sterling Reservoir is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

North Sterling Reservoir Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Fishing for catfish at Sterling Reservoir is quite simple. Most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. North Sterling Reservoir has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. The state record channel catfish is over 40 pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch, saugeye, northern pike, tiger muskie and wiper at North Sterling Reservoir in Colorado.

North Sterling Reservoir Fishing Video

A full-service marina and public boat launch ramps welcome all boats to North Sterling Reservoir for great fishing and boating. Come enjoy this 2,800-acre lake in the northeast corner of the state. For those who prefer to fish from the bank, there is access to much of the 20 miles of shoreline.

North Sterling Reservoir, located on the high plains of northeastern Colorado, is a haven for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable angling experience. The reservoir is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and diverse fish species. Anglers can cast their lines in search of various fish, including walleye, saugeye, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Whether you prefer fishing from the shore, wading in the water, or launching your boat, North Sterling Reservoir offers plenty of spots to reel in a catch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

North Sterling Reservoir, with its excellent fishing opportunities, enjoyable boating experiences, and well-equipped campgrounds, offers a complete outdoor getaway for visitors. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful camping retreat, North Sterling Reservoir in Colorado provides a picturesque setting to indulge in your favorite activities while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the reservoir and its surrounding plains.

Walleye, saugeye and crappie are the main draws, but there is good fishing for bass, catfish, trout, perch, pike and muskie. Rental boats, camping and RV hookups are conveniently located at the lake. In addition, lodging, restaurants, fishing tackle and convenience stores are all nearby. All these amenities make this lake an ideal venue for fishing tournaments.

Primary fish species residing in North Sterling Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

North Sterling Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity at North Sterling Reservoir, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the expansive waters and indulge in water-based adventures. Boaters can bring their own watercraft or rent boats from the marina, ensuring a day filled with excitement and leisure. The reservoir's calm waters are ideal for water skiing, tubing, or simply cruising along and enjoying the panoramic views. With convenient boat ramps and a marina offering various amenities, North Sterling Reservoir caters to boating enthusiasts of all kinds.

Fishing Boat Rentals

North Sterling Boat Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
970 520-9570

Marinas

PJ Marina
24005 Co Rd 330
Sterling, CO 80751
970 466-2279

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Elks Boat Ramp
This is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock, and paved parking. It is located in the northeast corner of the lake.

South Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the east side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks, and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On North Sterling Reservoir

Brad Petersen Fishing Guide - walleye, bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Colorado fishing license.

Camping at North Sterling Reservoir allows visitors to extend their outdoor experience and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The reservoir offers multiple campgrounds with well-maintained facilities, including tent sites, RV sites with hookups, picnic areas, restrooms, and fire pits. Whether you prefer a more primitive camping experience or desire the comforts of modern amenities, North Sterling Reservoir provides options to suit different camping preferences. Camping in this serene environment allows campers to wake up to stunning sunrises, enjoy scenic hikes along the shoreline, and appreciate the tranquility of the reservoir's surroundings.