Crankbait (Shallow) Fishing on Cherry Creek Reservoir
Cherry Creek Reservoir · Colorado · West
Cherry Creek Reservoir is a 1,200-acre urban reservoir located just south of Denver, featuring a mix of shallow coves, rocky points, and deeper basins ideal for bass fishing. The lake's proximity to the city makes it a popular destination for both largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers seeking quality fishing without traveling far. Its moderate depth and abundant structure provide excellent habitat for bass throughout the year, with fish responding well to a variety of techniques.
Square-bill and shallow-diving crankbaits (0–6 feet) deflect off wood and rock, triggering reaction strikes. The erratic wobble on contact is the strike trigger. Best fished fast around hard cover — laydowns, stumps, rip-rap, and dock pilings where bass are ambushing.
Crankbait (Shallow) Setup for Cherry Creek Reservoir
| Rod | 7'–7'6" medium casting rod, moderate action (critical — absorbs hooksets and keeps fish pinned) |
| Reel | 5.4:1–6.4:1 baitcaster (slower retrieve for more action) |
| Line | 12–17 lb fluorocarbon (sinks lure slightly, adds action) |
| Weight | Square bill 3/8–1/2 oz; shallow diver 1/4–3/8 oz |
Seasonal Tactics on Cherry Creek Reservoir
Lake: Spring at Cherry Creek sees largemouth bass moving into shallow coves and creek channels as water temperatures warm, with spawning activity peak in late April through May. Crankbaits and soft plastics near the shoreline produce excellent results during this transition period.
Crankbait (Shallow): Pre-spawn best season. Deflect off stumps and wood in 2–6 feet. Crawfish colors (red/orange) dominate.
Lake: Summer bass relate to deeper structure and cooler water, with fish found along the main lake channel, submerged vegetation, and around the deeper basins. Early morning and evening topwater action can be excellent, while midday fishing is best focused on deep structure.
Crankbait (Shallow): Early morning and evening only in shallow. Fish shaded wood. Shad colors midday.
Lake: Fall brings aggressive bass feeding as cooler water temperatures trigger increased activity throughout the lake, with excellent results on shad-imitating crankbaits and swimbaits. The transition period from September through October is considered peak fishing season with consistent catches across all areas.
Crankbait (Shallow): Cover water along banks and points fast. Shad patterns — white, ghost, and natural baitfish colors.
Lake: Winter fishing at Cherry Creek remains productive for anglers willing to brave cold conditions, with bass holding in deeper areas and responding to slow-moving soft plastics and jigs. Ice fishing is possible when conditions allow, with equipment restrictions varying by season.
Crankbait (Shallow): Switch to suspending crankbait with slower retrieve. Minnow-style baits outperform wide wobble in cold water.
Best Conditions
Stained water, wood and rock cover, spring pre-spawn, windy days, post-spawn, fall feeding
Use a moderate-action rod, not fast. A fast rod causes you to rip the bait away from fish on the strike — the rod needs to load and bend.
More Techniques for Cherry Creek Reservoir
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