Top Colorado Springs Magnet Fishing Spots

Picture this: you're standing at the edge of a high-altitude reservoir somewhere above 9,000 feet, the air is thin, the view of Pikes Peak is absolutely wild, and you swing your magnet out into the water. You count to five. You start reeling in. And then CLANK, something heavy pulls back. You drag up a tangle of old fishing hardware, hooks, weights, a lure that probably cost somebody twenty bucks, and you're just standing there grinning like an absolute goofball. That's magnet fishing in Colorado Springs, y'all. It hits different when you're basically on top of the world.

If you've never done this before, no worries, I've got you. Magnet fishing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. You tie a strong neodymium magnet to a rope, throw it into a body of water, and drag it back along the bottom hoping to pull up ferromagnetic metal objects. Think lost tools, fishing gear, old hardware, coins, who knows what else. It's like metal detecting but wetter. Way wetter. Beginners love it because the startup cost is low, you don't need a boat, and even a rusty bolt feels like a win when you pull it up yourself.

Colorado Springs is an interesting city for this hobby because the waterways here are closely managed and high-altitude, which means they don't get picked over the same way urban rivers in flat cities do. I've put together three solid spots ranging from mountain reservoirs on Pikes Peak to a historic river corridor down in the broader region. Each one has a different vibe, a different level of effort to get to, and a different kind of potential find waiting for you.


Check out our How to Start Magnet Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide for all the newbie tips!

magnet fishing in Colorado Springs

Top Magnet Fishing Spots in Colorado Springs

Okay, here's what I've got for you. These three spots cover the range from a serious hike-in mountain reservoir to a big historic river corridor, so there's a little something depending on how adventurous you're feeling that day.

North Catamount Reservoir (North Slope Recreation Area, Pikes Peak)

Why It's Great: This reservoir sits above 9,200 feet and has been a destination for anglers for a long time, which means years and years of lost fishing gear sitting on that bottom waiting for a magnet. The point where moving water slows down as it enters the reservoir creates a natural settling zone for heavy metal objects. Fishing here is restricted to flies and lures only, so the crowd that visits is serious about angling, and serious anglers lose serious gear.

Accessibility: There's a $5 per person entry fee for visitors 16 and up, and you have to hike in from the Catamount Recreation Area Trailhead in Teller County. Parking is available at the trailhead, but I'd skip this one if you've got really little kids in tow because the altitude and the hike are no joke.

Pro Tip: Focus your casts near the inlet area where moving water transitions into the slower reservoir, that's where heavier metal objects tend to settle over time. Confirm with Colorado Springs city offices that magnet fishing is permitted here before you make the drive up.

Nearby Perks: You're on Pikes Peak Highway, so the scenery on the way up is genuinely one of the coolest drives in Colorado. Pack a cooler, make a full day out of the mountain, and the trailhead area gives you a solid basecamp to chill between casts.

Mason Reservoir (South Slope Recreation Area, Pikes Peak)

Why It's Great: Mason Reservoir has an established history of fishing and boating activity, which means there's a real probability of dropped gear, lost tools, and personal items sitting on the bottom. Here's the thing that makes 2025 especially interesting: the reservoir is undergoing dam rehabilitation this year, which means water levels may be drawn down at certain points, potentially exposing areas that have been submerged for a long time. That's a rare situation and if you can time it right, the finds could be next level.

Accessibility: This is a permit-only spot, $20 per vehicle for up to 8 people, dropping to $15 after mid-July 2025. It's open Thursday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and you have to pre-register online or call 719-385-7784. No walk-ins allowed, so don't just show up and hope for the best.

Pro Tip: The season runs May through end of September, so plan accordingly. And again, because magnet fishing isn't explicitly listed as a permitted activity here, email pikespeakinfo@coloradosprings.gov ahead of time so you're not turned away at the gate after driving all the way up.

Nearby Perks: The South Slope area is a beautiful part of Pikes Peak with real mountain character. Bring a picnic because there's not much in the way of food service up there, and your family will thank you for the snacks.

Arkansas River (Pueblo and Canon City Corridor)

Why It's Great: The Arkansas River has a long history as a transportation and recreational corridor through southern Colorado, which means there are layers of dropped and lost metal objects built up over generations. River bends are naturally where heavier metal settles out of the current, so targeting those slower curve sections is your best move. The areas near Pueblo and Canon City bring in enough foot traffic and have enough industrial and recreational history to make this a genuinely productive stretch.

Accessibility: There are multiple public access points along the river corridor near Pueblo and Canon City with parking available at established spots. The calmer sections are family-friendly enough that you can bring the kids without too much stress. Always double-check that you're on public land before you start casting because the river corridor mixes public and private property in some stretches.

Pro Tip: Target the outside edge of river bends where the current slows, that's where heavy objects naturally accumulate over time. The best access window is generally April through November, so summer and early fall are your sweet spots for this one.

Nearby Perks: Canon City has some genuinely fun stuff nearby including the Royal Gorge area, so you can make a whole weekend trip out of this one. Bring the family, do the river in the morning, and do the tourist thing in the afternoon.

Essential Tips for Magnet Fishing in Colorado Springs

First thing I want to talk about is altitude, because it genuinely catches people off guard. The reservoir spots up on Pikes Peak sit above 9,000 feet. If you're coming from a lower elevation, you might feel a little woozy, get a headache, or just feel weirdly tired. Drink a ton of water before you go, take it slow on the hike in, and don't be too proud to sit down and rest. The magnets aren't going anywhere and neither is the stuff on the bottom.

Weather in Colorado Springs changes fast. I mean really fast. You can start a morning in sunshine and end up in a full-on afternoon thunderstorm by 2 p.m., especially in summer up at elevation. Pack a rain layer, watch the sky, and if you hear thunder, get away from the water immediately. Standing at the edge of a reservoir holding a wet rope in a lightning storm is not the vibe we're going for here.

The high-altitude reservoirs on Pikes Peak are only open seasonally, generally May through late September or early October depending on conditions. The peak foot traffic window is June through August, which is also when the most stuff has been recently dropped into the water. The Arkansas River corridor is accessible for a longer stretch, roughly April through November. Always check current season status before you make the drive because closures for things like dam rehabilitation can happen without a ton of warning.

Be really thoughtful about what you do with what you pull up. Colorado has state protections for historical artifacts, so if something looks genuinely old, like something that could be from the mining or railroad era, don't just throw it in your bag. Look it up, ask around, and when in doubt contact local authorities. Most of what you'll pull up is modern junk, rusty bolts, old lures, random hardware, and all of that is fine to pack out and dispose of properly. Cleaning up what you find is part of being a good magnet fisher.

If you're bringing kids, the Arkansas River corridor near Pueblo is probably your best family-friendly option because it's lower elevation and has calmer sections. The Pikes Peak reservoir spots are a harder sell with young children because of the hike-in requirement and the altitude adjustment. That said, older kids who are up for a hike will absolutely lose their minds when something goes CLANK at the end of the rope. It's a great hook, pun completely intended, for getting them off their screens and into the outdoors.

Always rope yourself to something solid or make sure your footing is good before you cast. Reservoir edges and riverbanks can be slippery, especially near the waterline. I've seen people get so excited about a tug on the rope that they nearly go in with whatever they're pulling up. Keep your feet under you, keep your rope secured, and keep the drama to a minimum. The finds are worth way more when you're dry.

Recommended Gear for Colorado Springs Adventures

After testing way too much equipment over the past couple years, here's what actually works well for Colorado Springs's spots:

Need gear to get started? Check out our guides to the best magnet fishing kits, top-rated magnets for every budget, and essential accessories that'll make your trips way more fun—I've tested everything so you don't have to!

  • Do I need a permit for these spots?

    Most public waterways don't require a special magnet fishing permit, but some spots around Colorado Springs have their own entry fees and access requirements. The North Slope Recreation Area charges $5 per person, and Mason Reservoir requires a $20 vehicle permit with pre-registration, so you'll want to plan ahead for those. It's always a smart move to contact local authorities or check the city's recreation site before visiting a new area, especially if you're not sure what the rules are. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip or an awkward run-in with a park ranger.

  • Is magnet fishing legal in Colorado Springs?

    Magnet fishing is generally allowed in Colorado's public waterways, but you'll want to check the specific rules for wherever you're headed. The city-managed recreation areas on Pikes Peak have their own regulations, and since magnet fishing isn't explicitly addressed, it's worth shooting an email to pikespeakinfo@coloradosprings.gov before you show up. Private property is always off-limits, so stick to public access points. When in doubt, ask a park ranger or check the Colorado Springs city recreation website to make sure you're good to go.

  • What can I find magnet fishing in Colorado Springs?

    The Pikes Peak region has a rich history tied to the Colorado Gold Rush, mining operations, and railroad transport, so there's a real chance of pulling up older metal relics from the 1800s in waterways that saw heavy prospector activity. More commonly you'll snag the usual suspects like lost fishing tackle, bike parts, and tools from years of recreational use around the reservoirs and the Arkansas River corridor. The active angling crowds at spots like North Catamount Reservoir lose a ton of gear, so hooks and lures are pretty much guaranteed. And hey, if you haul up some rusty junk, do everyone a favor and pack it out.