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Best Places to Magnet Fish in Colorado

Top 10 Places to Find Hidden Treasures

There are many great spots throughout Colorado that are perfect for magnet fishing. Places such as Cherry Creek State Park, with its vast reservoir, offer abundant opportunities to discover a variety of metal items. You may snag lost fishing gear, interesting coins, or even more unusual finds beneath the water's surface. Just imagine finding an antique pocket watch or a vintage piece of jewelry on your next trip. And remember, it's not just about the location, but also having the right magnetic fishing gear on hand. Now let's dive into specifics starting with Cherry Creek State Park.


One popular spot for magnet fishing in Colorado is Clear Creek in Golden. It's known for its historical significance and has yielded various interesting finds for magnet fishers. Additionally, the South Platte River near Denver, particularly around Commerce City, offers opportunities for magnet fishing due to its history as a former site of an old munitions factory. Always ensure you have the appropriate permissions and follow any local regulations before engaging in magnet fishing at these or any other locations.


Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir

Colorado Magnet Fishing Spots

Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek State Park. The reservoir at Cherry Creek State Park is an exceptional magnet fishing location, providing vast waters that promise an abundance of finds. Fishing gear, old coins, and a variety of metal items can be found here.

Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park. This park boasts extensive areas around the lake, making it an attractive spot for magnet fishing. Its rich history of recreational activities in the region enhances the allure of this location. Enthusiasts can expect to find anything from lost jewelry to old coins as they explore this picturesque spot.

South Platte River

Flowing through Denver, the South Platte River is an urban magnet fishing hotspot. The river's history as a transportation route increases the likelihood of uncovering valuable finds.

Boulder Creek

Situated in Boulder, Boulder Creek provides magnet fishers with a serene environment and a high probability of unearthing interesting artifacts from the area's rich history.

Arkansas River

Stretching through Colorado, the Arkansas River offers numerous magnet fishing spots. Head to Pueblo or Canon City to try your luck at discovering hidden relics.

Poudre River

The Poudre River in Fort Collins is a well-known magnet fishing location, with its historic connections to gold mining and transportation routes increasing the chances of valuable finds.

Sloan's Lake

Located in Denver, Sloan's Lake is an urban magnet fishing paradise. The lake's history and central location make it a prime spot for treasure hunting.

Bear Creek Lake Park

Situated in Lakewood, Bear Creek Lake Park offers magnet fishers a serene environment with the potential to uncover a variety of treasures from the area's past.

Clear Creek

Clear Creek is our next magnet fishing site. This location is steeped in gold rush history, adding a layer of excitement for those eager to uncover historical relics and artifacts from the mining era. Metal scraps and remnants left behind by the prospectors of yesteryear provide plenty of opportunities for discovery.

Eleven Mile Reservoir

Nestled in Park County, the Eleven Mile Reservoir offers breathtaking views and a vast area to explore, making it a top destination for magnet fishing enthusiasts.

Colorado Magnet Fishing Laws & Regulations


In Colorado, magnet fishing is allowed, but there are some important things to keep in mind. First off, while you won't need a treasure map to find great spots, you will need to avoid trespassing on private property—treasure hunting is only fun when everyone's involved! Also, disturbing historical artifacts protected by state laws is a big no-no; we want to keep history preserved.


As enticing as the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures may be, it's crucial to remind ourselves that some areas are off-limits due to environmental or historical protection measures. This adds a layer of responsibility to the activity, ensuring that we are not infringing upon any protected sites or artifacts.


As we take on the role of treasure seekers, it's essential for us to be aware of and respect local regulations. To ensure that an area is not protected or restricted, it's recommended to contact the Colorado Natural Wildlife Resource Group or the Department of Natural Resources.


The key here is to conduct thorough research and due diligence before setting off on your magnet fishing adventure. This means researching specific areas where you plan to magnet fish and understanding the legal requirements that come with it.


For example, there may be specific archaeological sites or protected wildlife habitats where magnet fishing could disturb delicate ecosystems or historical artifacts. By learning about these regulations and obtaining any necessary permits or permissions, we can enjoy our hobby without causing harm or breaking the law.


While there are no specific laws preventing magnet fishing in Colorado at the moment, it's important to check if the area is protected before engaging in the activity. This proactive approach ensures that we are not inadvertently causing damage to natural environments or violating legal restrictions.


Be sure to read our post on  What to Do If You Find a Gun Magnet Fishing  for guidance on legal, safety, and ethical implications.

Here are some magnet fishing finds in Colorado.

  • Fishing Gear: As with many other locations, fishing hooks, lures, and sinkers are some of the most commonly found items in Colorado's water bodies.
  • Outdoor Equipment: Due to the state's popularity for outdoor activities, items like camping gear and climbing equipment are occasionally discovered.
  • Coins and Metal Tokens: Loose change, as well as historical coins and tokens, can often be found.
  • Bicycles and Skateboards: These are commonly found in urban areas near parks and recreational water bodies.
  • Metal Scraps: Nails, screws, bottle caps, and other bits of metal are frequent finds.
  • Mining Equipment: Given Colorado's rich mining history, it's possible to find old mining equipment like picks, metal buckets, and even gold pans.
  • Historical Artifacts: Items such as old railroad spikes, tools, and other metal objects from the past have been found.
  • Weapons: Knives and occasionally firearms have been pulled up. As is the case elsewhere, these should be reported to the authorities.
  • Automotive Parts: Various car and motorcycle parts like license plates, exhaust pipes, and even engine components can be found.
  • Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, and bracelets have been discovered, and some may even be valuable.


In conclusion, Colorado offers a fascinating blend of locations for magnet fishing enthusiasts, from the modern allure of Cherry Creek State Park to the historical richness of Clear Creek. Each site provides a unique backdrop for those seeking to uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the water's surface. Whether it's relics from the state's recreational past or artifacts from the gold rush era, the variety of finds promises an exciting and enriching experience.


The landscapes of Colorado, marked by its storied past and vibrant natural beauty, invite you to dive into the depths and explore what lies hidden. It's not just about what you find, but the stories and histories those finds represent. Engaging in magnet fishing in these waters is not only a pursuit of hidden treasures but also an exploration into the heart of Colorado itself.


Remember, while seeking out these underwater gems, it's imperative to stay informed about the legal aspects and adhere to environmental guidelines. Practicing patience, respecting nature, and maintaining an ethical approach will not only enhance your experience but also ensure the preservation of these splendid locales for future explorers.


So grab your magnet, rope, and sense of adventure, and head to the waters of Colorado. Who knows what secrets and stories you'll pull from the depths? Happy magnet fishing, and may your finds be both intriguing and enlightening!


Checkout our reviewed selection of magnet fishing gear to get outfitted for your next trip, or our guides on the  best magnets  and  best magnet fishing kits  to make your adventure one to remember. Also take a look at the Found Treasure page to see some of the interesting magnet fishing finds across the country. Remember  safety first  and to properly  dispose  of what you don't keep.

Magnet fishing clubs in Colorado

Club Name Description Club Website
Colorado Magnet Fishing Public Facebook group for enthusiasts across the state. Focuses on sharing locations, finds, and safety information.

Colorado Magnet Fishing

Do you know of a Magnet Fishing club or group in Colorado not listed here? Please share with us to keep this list up to date.

  • Do I need a permit or license to magnet fish in Colorado?

    No, you do not need a permit or license to magnet fish in Colorado. However, it's essential to follow local rules and regulations, respect private property, and maintain a clean environment by disposing of trash and debris properly.

  • What type of magnet and equipment should I use for magnet fishing in Colorado?

    For magnet fishing in Colorado, a strong neodymium magnet with a minimum of 500 pounds of pulling force is recommended. Additionally, a sturdy rope, gloves, a bucket, and a grappling hook are essential pieces of equipment to have on hand. Check out our guides on the best magnets and magnet fishing kits.

  • What kind of treasures can I expect to find while magnet fishing in Colorado?

    While magnet fishing in Colorado, you can expect to find a variety of items, including historical relics, coins, fishing gear, tools, and other metal objects. Due to Colorado's rich mining history and various waterways, the chances of uncovering unique treasures are relatively high.

Also check out these nearby states Utah , Wyoming , Nebraska , Kansas , Oklahoma , New Mexico.

Author: Will Flaiz

Discover the world's hidden treasures through magnet fishing! We're calling all magnet fishing enthusiasts to share their favorite locations for this exciting hobby.


Whether it's a serene river, a bustling city canal, or a secret spot only you know about, your recommendations can help fellow adventurers find their next great find. Share your top magnet fishing locations with us and let's explore the depths together. Your insights could reveal new and exciting places for others to enjoy.


Join our community and let's uncover the hidden gems that lie beneath the water's surface.


Happy exploring!

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