RIFLE FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Blue Water, Big Variety: A Seven‑Hour Sport‑Fishing Day on Rifle Gap Reservoir
A 7-hour guided sport‑fishing excursion on Rifle Gap Reservoir with Apex Sport Fishing — this guide covers logistics, species you can expect, and what to bring for a full day on the water.
Blue Water, Big Variety: A Seven‑Hour Sport‑Fishing Day on Rifle Gap Reservoir.
Rifle Gap Reservoir sits like an unexpected pool of aqua in the high desert of western Colorado. The 350‑acre lake, positioned between Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs and roughly three hours west of Denver, supports healthy populations of Northern Pike, Smallmouth, Walleye, Rainbow and Brown Trout, and Perch — making it possible to target multiple sportfish species in a single day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rare mix of sport fish in one reservoir
Rifle Gap is notable for the diversity of its fisheries: Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Rainbows, Brown Trout and Perch all inhabit the reservoir. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can pursue pike, bass, walleye and trout in the same day.
Fully equipped Lund Fisherman for four anglers
The trip runs from a 2003 Lund Fisherman 170 outfitted with modern marine electronics and a full complement of fishing gear; there’s room for up to four clients and the boat is rigged to fish by casting, trolling, jigging or fly techniques depending on the day.
High‑desert reservoir with striking aqua water
Set in western Colorado’s high desert, the 350‑acre Rifle Gap Reservoir offers wide open water and clear, blue tones that contrast with the surrounding arid landscape — a scenic backdrop to a focused day of angling.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You’ll meet at the Rifle Gap Reservoir boat launch and spend a full seven hours fishing across the lake from a well‑equipped Lund skiff. The guide tailors the day to seasonal patterns and target species, switching techniques between casting, trolling, jigging or fly‑fishing as needed. Whether you’re chasing a specific species or hoping to experience the reservoir’s rare variety, the trip is structured to maximize time on productive water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a valid fishing license and a parks day‑use pass, food and beverages (a boat cooler with ice is provided), appropriate layered clothing (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jacket, warm jacket) and a positive, fish‑catching attitude.
The boat supplies a cooler with ice for onboard food and drink; if you plan to take home fresh fish, bring a separate cooler with ice.
This is a seven‑hour guided outing that begins at the Rifle Gap Reservoir boat launch; confirm launch details with the operator during pre‑trip planning.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the excursion?
The outing is seven hours in duration.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the Rifle Gap Reservoir boat launch.
What species can I expect to catch?
Rifle Gap supports Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Rainbow and Brown Trout, and Perch; fishing can be productive for multiple species depending on the season.
How many people can fish per trip?
The boat has plenty of room for up to four clients.
What do I need to bring?
Bring a valid fishing license and a parks day‑use pass, food and beverages; a boat cooler with ice is provided and a separate cooler is recommended if you plan to take fish home. Also bring appropriate clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Is gear provided or should I bring my own rods and tackle?
The boat is loaded with the fishing gear and electronics needed to target fish whether casting, trolling, jigging or fly‑fishing; the guide can tailor the experience to specific requests.