Jig (Casting & Pitching) 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.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Cherry Creek Reservoir
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
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.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Cherry Creek Reservoir
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