"During the spring, look for hungry trout in the deeper pools and runs. But don't overlook the faster riffles if the weather has been warm," said Hersh.

When late March and early April roll around, the large rainbows and cutthroats start moving up to spawn, so look for them in riffles and the heads of deeper runs.

This tailwater is only 60 miles west of the Denver Metro area, off Highway 70. So it gets its share of rod-toting visitors. Educated trout require perfect presentations, so slow methodical fishing is a must.

TAYLOR RIVER
If you want to hook a true monster, plan to head to the nearly half-mile stretch of water below Taylor Reservoir. This tailwater is located northeast of the town of Gunnison, off Highway 135.

Access is short, but it's long on fish. In fact, some say that there's nowhere in the lower 48 where you can stand in one place and spot more 5-pound browns and 'bows.

State reports on released fish support this. Paul Legge's 30-inch Snake River Cutthroat takes top honors, as well as Tony Felicilda's head-turning rainbow that stretched the tape to a whopping 40 1/4 inches. In fact, no other tailwater in Colorado has produced more record-book trout than this "hog trough."

Cameron Scott, a guide with Dragonfly Anglers, said the fish start getting active as the water starts to warm and the bugs start coming off in March and April.

It's important to watch the flows, however. Trout do get caught when the flows are less than ideal, but it's best to head up when the flows are 200 cubic feet per second or higher. The fish tend to be more active at that time.

When you get there, don't get in the water and start fishing. This section of the river has dropoffs, deep holes and short sections of public access. Wading is discouraged. In fact, there are "Voluntary no wading zone" signs posted along its banks.

But don't let that keep you home. Since the river is relatively narrow, its huge residents are easily accessible from shore.

Although many contend there aren't as many oversized, football-shaped monsters lurking in the cold clear water, Scott said there are still excellent numbers of 18- to 22-inch trout, as well as some weighing in excess of 10 to 12 pounds. I don't know about you, but a 12-pounder on the end of my rod would sure put a smile on my face.

In most places, spring fishing usually means putting the heavy fleece away for the season -- but not so here. The cold air sweeping down from the Collegiate Peaks range to the east makes this one of the coldest places in Colorado. Add the typically windy spring weather, and it can be bone-chilling.

Also, these big fish are powerful, and long, extended runs through boulder pools are the norm. Running with one of the hooked pewter slabs is a must if you don't want them to break you off. And by all means, don't leave your net in the truck.

YAMPA RIVER
If you're looking for an early-spring bend in your fly rod, just south of the northwestern Colorado town of Steamboat Springs are two must-see tailwaters. Rainbows and browns dominate here. And according to John Duty of Bucking Rainbow Outfitters, "Early spring is perhaps one of the best times to hit these tailwaters."

The trout here average 16 to 19 inches, with a good number of them reaching 21 inches, he said. And every spring, some dedicated anglers are able to get several 6- to 9-pound pigs to the net.