Colorado Reservoir Trout Gear

Garmin Striker Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPS

The fish finder Paul recommends for anglers just getting serious about South Park reservoirs. The GPS alone is worth it — marking productive depths at Spinney changes your catch rate immediately. Paul runs a Lowrance now, but he started here.

St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod

The backbone of Paul's trolling setup. At $110, it's the best rod in this price range for Colorado reservoir trout — and having 3 of the same rod makes swapping rigs fast on the water.

St. Croix Avid 8ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod

Paul's 'reach' rod — the one 8-footer he runs on the outside of his spread. The SCIII+ graphite makes a real difference in sensitivity when trolling 80ft down. Worth the upgrade for your primary rod.

Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure

This is the lure. Gold at Spinney, silver at Eleven Mile, 1.5–2.0mph trolling speed — Paul has caught more trophy trout on this spoon than everything else combined. Buy a handful in different finishes.

Acme Kastmaster 1/4oz Gold Spoon

The backup that earns its spot every trip. When the Thomas Spoon isn't getting takes, Paul switches to the gold Kastmaster and often turns a slow morning around. Essential in any Colorado trout box.

Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow

When the spoons aren't producing and fish are sitting tight to structure, Paul reaches for the Countdown. The 1-foot-per-second sink rate lets you dial in any depth without a weight, and the rainbow trout pattern reads convincingly in Spinney's clear water. A legitimate third option in any South Park trolling box.

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10

The X-Rap earns its spot as a versatile third option. Paul uses it most in early morning low-light conditions when the flash interior draws strikes from a distance. Works trolled just as well as cast from the bank — making it the lure he grabs when he's not sure whether he'll be in the boat or on shore.