Topwater Popper 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 floating hard bait with a concave face that produces a spitting, popping action when twitched. Most effective in low-light conditions near cover — points, dock edges, weed lines, and grass pockets. The pause after the pop is where most strikes happen. Few experiences in fishing match watching a largemouth explode on a popper.
Topwater Popper Setup for Cherry Creek Reservoir
| Rod | 6'10"–7'3" medium casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster or spinning |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid (braid gives better action and hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/4–1/2 oz (Rebel Pop-R, Megabass Pop-X, Strike King KVD Splash) |
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.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
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.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
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.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day 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.
Topwater Popper: Generally ineffective in water below 55°F — bass won't chase topwater in cold conditions.
Best Conditions
Dawn and dusk year-round, overcast days, calm to light-chop surface, spring through fall near cover and grass edges
Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pull the line. Half of all missed popper strikes are from anglers jerking too early.
More Techniques for Cherry Creek Reservoir
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