Lake Trout Fishing Blue Mesa Reservoir with GSO Fishing
Blue Mesa Reservoir is an incredible lake for anglers wanting to reel in trophy Lake Trout. Home to several Colorado state record catches and an unofficial world record Lake Trout weighing an impressive 73.29 lbs in 2023, Blue Mesa stands out as a premier fishing destination for giant Lake Trout.
At GSO Fishing, our Lake Trout trips are designed for the angler who dreams of landing a true giant but also knows what a challenge it is to do so. These fish are not only famous for their size and strength but also for the challenge they present. Lake Trout are clever, elusive, and demand the highest level of skill and patience, testing even the most seasoned fishermen.
Not A Learning Trip:
Unlike the educational courses and trips we offer, these Lake Trout trips are designed for anglers wanting to experience what targeting Lake Trout is like. This is not an instructional learning trip, but rather an adventure. Our goal is to help you experience something new, make memories with family and friends, and ultimately get your hands on your new personal best Laker.
Fishing Methods: Why We Troll
Although there are other fishing methods that work for catching Trophy Lake Trout, trolling provides more opportunity to get in front of more fish, thus creating more opportunities for anglers to catch one. Our guides have perfected their trolling techniques to entice these impressive species through the thrill of the chase.
We are open to other methods of fishing for Lake trout in open water but haven’t found any to be more effective than trolling. If you wish to jig or cast for them, please let us know in your trip request form, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Why These Trips Might Not Suit Everyone:
The nature of trolling for giant Lake Trout can be a slow and sometimes lengthy process, which requires patience. It’s not always action-packed, which may not suit younger anglers or those who require more frequent activity and engagement. The patience and focus needed for these trips are often better suited for adults or older teens who can appreciate the waiting game that big trophy fishing entails.
Another condition that tends to deter some anglers from targeting Lake trout is that spring weather in Colorado can be as unpredictable as fishing itself. While we strive to ensure everyone’s comfort aboard our boats, the reality is that spring days can sometimes be miserably cold. It’s essential to come prepared: dressing in layers, bringing hand warmers, and even packing a blanket can make all the difference if the weather takes a chilly turn. Despite the cold, this is an excellent time for Lake Trout fishing. These fish thrive in cold water conditions, which is why we specifically target them during the colder months of spring and late fall. The brisk weather invigorates the Lake Trout, making them more active and easier to target.
The Ultimate Goal:
While Lake Trout are notoriously challenging to catch, our dedicated guide team at GSO Fishing commits countless hours year after year perfecting their techniques. This dedication helped our clients land over 150 Lake Trout during the 2024 Spring season alone. Our expertise and commitment to excellence also led to us being voted Best Outfitter and Best Fishing Guide in the 2024 Gunnison People’s Choice Awards. At the end of the day, our primary goal is to help you create lasting memories and provide the ultimate fishing experience.
Ready to start your adventure? Visit our Trip Request Page to book your guided Lake Trout trip today!
Seasons:
(Dates vary from year to year depending on the weather)
- Spring Season: Ice Off (Usually Late April) – Early June
- Fall Season: Late October – Late November
Our policy is to practice catch and release for any Lake Trout caught over 24″ to help preserve this trophy species and protect the fishery. It’s important to note that larger Lake Trout aren’t ideal for eating; as they age and grow bigger, they accumulate more fat, which can affect the quality of their meat. If you’re interested in keeping your catch for consumption, we recommend opting for our Standard Trout or Perch Trip, where the fish caught are typically better suited for eating.
For those who catch a large Lake Trout and wish to keep a souvenir, we suggest getting a replica mount instead of keeping the actual fish. Our team is fully prepared to assist with taking all the necessary measurements and photos to ensure you can have a high-quality replica to remember your catch. This approach allows you to preserve the memory of your catch while also contributing to the conservation of the species.
Lake Trout prefer colder water and are more active in cooler temperatures. In the spring, they feed in shallow waters, but as summer heats up and lake temperatures rise, they migrate to deeper, cooler waters. Catching them during the summer means pulling them from their cool, deep habitats into the warmer shallows. This transition, especially after a strenuous fight, can be very stressful on the fish and significantly increase their chances of not surviving the catch.
We frequently receive inquiries about whether we can combine Lake Trout fishing with targeting other species like Salmon or Perch during the same trip. The challenge here lies in the distinct differences in the gear required. Lake Trout are notably large and powerful fish, necessitating the use of much heavier and robust fishing gear compared to the lighter tackle typically used for Salmon or Perch.
To accommodate the interests of anglers looking to experience the variety of fishing the lake has to offer, we recommend considering our Combo Trout/Perch trips. These trips are specifically designed to allow for the use of appropriate gear tailored to each species, ensuring a more successful and enjoyable fishing experience. This way, you can enjoy the thrill of catching multiple species in one outing, using the right equipment for each without compromising the quality of your fishing adventure.