Let’s be honest—sometimes you just need a weekend that isn’t all go-go-go. No conference calls, no endless errands. Just you, a fishing pole, some fresh air, and maybe a cold beer (or two). If you’re in Boulder, you’ve already got a head start. The foothills? Beautiful. The craft beer scene? Legendary. And if you’re up for it, there’s some seriously underrated bass fishing nearby that deserves your attention.

A lot of people around here talk trout when they talk fishing—and hey, we get it. But if you’ve never chased bass before, you’re missing out on a whole different kind of fun. And if you’re not sure where to begin? Start by browsing Bass Online for a quick intro to bass fishing tips and spots—it’s a solid place to get your bearings without feeling overwhelmed.

So let’s map out your weekend escape: a little fishing, a little brewery hopping, and some scenic drives sprinkled in for good measure. Ready? Let’s go.

Where the Bass Are Biting

You don’t have to drive halfway across Colorado to find decent bass fishing. Some great spots are right in Boulder’s backyard—no camping out at 4 a.m. or hauling a boat across state lines.

Here are three solid places to toss a line:

Boulder Reservoir

This one’s a no-brainer if you’re local. Sure, it’s packed with paddle boarders and swimmers later in the day, but early mornings? All yours. Head to the west side and fish near the rocky banks—bass love hanging out there.

Lagerman Reservoir

A quieter vibe, fewer crowds, and plenty of shoreline access make Lagerman a great spot if you’re looking for a more chill experience. Bonus: fewer kayaks zooming by your line.

McIntosh Lake

If you’re up for a quick drive to Longmont, McIntosh is a hidden gem. Solid largemouth action and killer views of Longs Peak in the background. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning, if you ask me.

Don’t stress about having fancy gear. A medium-action rod, a basic spinning reel, and a handful of lures (think soft plastics, spinnerbaits) will do the trick. Keep it simple and focus on having fun.

Casting Lines, Then Kicking Back with a Brew

Let’s be real: a day of fishing pairs really well with a good beer. Lucky for you, Boulder’s overflowing with breweries that hit the spot after a few hours in the sun. Whether you want something light and crushable or bold and hoppy, you’ve got options.

Some favorites to check out:

Avery Brewing Company

A local legend. Their patio’s big enough for the whole crew, and their IPAs are as bold as they come. Grab a plate of nachos, kick back, and maybe compare fish sizes (just don’t exaggerate too much).

Sanitas Brewing Co.

Great beer, great tacos, and an easygoing vibe. Their saison is perfect after a warm day by the water, and the outdoor seating hits just right.

Upslope Brewing Company

Looking for something a little more sessionable? Upslope’s lagers and pale ales won’t knock you over after one pint, which is ideal if you’re heading back out on the water later.

Pro tip: pick up a couple of cans or a growler to bring back to your campsite or cabin if you’re making a full weekend out of it.

Flagstaff Mountain

Don’t Skip the Scenic Routes

Sure, you could just hit the main roads between spots—but why not take the long way? Some of Boulder’s backroads are part of the adventure. Windows down, playlist up, zero rush.

Here are a few routes worth exploring:

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Even if you’re not fishing up near Estes Park or Black Hawk, this drive’s worth it for the views alone. It’s the kind of road that makes you feel small in the best possible way.

Nelson Road to Hygiene Road Loop

This mellow loop connects Boulder to Longmont, passing by both Lagerman and McIntosh Lakes. It’s peaceful, rural, and perfect for a midday cruise between fishing stops.

Flagstaff Mountain Road

More about the journey than the destination, this winding road offers killer overlooks of the city below. Pack a picnic or catch a sunset here—you won’t regret it.

Stay the Night or Make It a Day Trip?

If you’re lucky enough to live close by, you might not need to crash overnight. But if you’re turning this into a full-on getaway, you’ve got a few solid options:

Camping at Boulder Reservoir or St. Vrain State Park if you’re feeling outdoorsy.

Hotels or Airbnbs in downtown Boulder if you want to be closer to breweries and restaurants (and indoor plumbing).

Longmont motels or inns if you’re sticking closer to McIntosh Lake and want to skip the higher Boulder price tags.

Little Extras That Make It Special

It doesn’t take much to level up a fishing trip. Bring a Bluetooth speaker (keep it low so you don’t scare the fish), pack some locally made snacks, or turn it into a mini tournament with friends—the biggest bass gets free dinner.

And if you’re bringing a newbie along? Don’t stress the technical stuff. Show them the basics, hand them a cold drink, and let them discover the joy of sitting still and waiting for that first bite.

A Few Quick Tips Before You Go

Before you toss everything in the trunk and head out, here are a few last-minute pointers to make your weekend smoother:

• Check local fishing regulations. Some spots might have catch limits or seasonal rules—nothing kills the vibe like a surprise fine.
• Pack layers. Colorado weather can go from sunny to chilly real fast, especially near the water. A hoodie or light jacket goes a long way.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Even if you’re planning a short trip, trust me—you’ll thank yourself later.
• Hydrate. Beer’s great, but water’s essential, especially if you’re out in the sun all day.
• Don’t stress the catch. Some days, the fish just aren’t biting—and that’s okay. You’re still outside, still relaxing, and still winning at life.

A little prep goes a long way in making sure you spend more time fishing (and sipping) and less time scrambling for forgotten supplies.

Why Bass, Brews, and Backroads Just Work

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to be an expert angler. You don’t need thousand-dollar gear. You don’t need to land a trophy fish to have a good time.

All you really need is a rod, a few good friends, a cold beer waiting back at the car, and an appreciation for the kind of weekend where plans are loose and the scenery is unbeatable.

So next time you’re tempted to stick to your usual hike or brewery crawl, consider mixing things up. Pack the tackle box, load up the cooler, and hit the backroads for a bass fishing adventure that’s as relaxed—or as rowdy—as you want it to be.

Trust me: those bass aren’t going to catch themselves.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com