colorado stillwaters Though most people think of fine river and stream fishing when they think of Colorado, there are several lakes in the state that can rival Montana's Hebgen Lake. With a short fishing season, and a low number of crowds on these lakes, they can be the perfect choice to get into some quality fish while in Colorado's high country.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir-Spinney Mountain Reservoir is located within a Colorado State Park, but the water is actually owned by the City of Aurora. This is a 2520 acre lake that contains rainbow, brown, and Snake River cutthroats which grow not only at an astonishing rate, but also to astonishing sizes.Those who enjoy searching for pike can find a small population that resides in the reservoir, if you enjoy fishing for these monsters Elevenmile Reservoir just down the road is a much better pike fishery. Fishing at Spinney Mountain Reservoir is by artificial fly and lure only and only one fish over 20" may be kept, though most who fish by fly in this spectacular mountain fishery, choose to practice catch and release. Spinney Mountain Reservoir generally opens in mid spring as ice off begins, and closes again in late fall as the reservoir freezes back over.There is no ice fishing allowed at Spinney Mountain Reservoir.This reservoir contains some of the largest stillwater trout one can catch in the state of Colorado, this is due to the high amount of aquatic life that resides in Spinney.With large hatches of callibaetis, damsels, and large amounts of scuds these fish tend to look like footballs. The best way to fish Spinney is by boat, but pay attention to the weather while on the lake, sometimes the wind will start up blowing gales, and before you know it you are on the other side of the lake. Due to the introduction of Zebra Mussels several Colorado stillwaters, all watercraft will be inspected prior to entry of the State Park. This is to help stop the spread of this parasite. This includes float tubes and pontoon boats, so please clean your craft before getting to the water.
Check out the Dream Stream if you want your chance at big South Park trout.
Antero Reservoir-Antero is now known for it's ability to grow amazingly large and strong trout. Located in South Park near Spinney Reservoir, this once dry lake now boasts some of the best fishing for large trout in the area. Lately fishing has been outstanding on this shallow body of water, work out from shore until you find the lanes then park it and hold on.
We recommend hitting the Dream Stream if you want to fish in South Park. Jefferson Lake-Though the fishing season is rather short for this upper 'South Park' lake, some incredible fishing can be had right after ice-off in the spring, and prior to the lake freezing over again in the fall. This reservoir contains some fairly decentcutthroat, brook and lake trout that can easily be taken from shore both early and late in the season. This is a fairly barren lake making for some very hungry fish, this is a great place for the family to get out do do some fishing together. Days of fishing are numbered at this lake, and the season is controlled by the weather. As with several other Colorado stillwaters motorized boats and trailored boats are prohibited on the lake. All hand powered boats are allowed. Currently the lake is still fishable with ice starting to work it's way out from the inlet. Lake trout are cruising the shallows and fattening up for the winter. Jefferson will not be fishable for very much longer this season.
Check out the South Platte if you want to fish in this area.
Trappers Lake-This lake can be considered one of the crown jewels of Colorado when it comes to fishing for wild cutthroat. This lake is used by the Colorado DOW for their stocking program, and has the largest population of greenback cutthroat in the world. This mountain lake is located at the base of the north side of the Flat Tops Wilderness area in western Colorado and is absolutely gorgeous, despite the fire that occurred here in 2005.There are also several smaller lakes in the area that also contain some impressive native cutthroats, but you must be willing to work for them since most are within the backcountry of the wilderness area. The campground in the lake is great for a base camp to explore the many lakes in the region. Trappers Lake is now free of ice and the road to the lake is plowed but fishermen have been slow to get to the lake. Right after thaw and just before the cutthroat spawn is one of the best times to hit this lake. Trappers is still fishable but with winter moving in this lake may not be fishable for long.
The lake is iced up, so we recommend hitting the Yampa or the Green below Flaming Gorge.
North and South Delany Butte Lakes-This group of three lakes, North, South, and East Delaney Butte make for some excellent stillwater fishing when in Colorado's 'North Park'. Though the North Platte River can be fished while in Colorado, public access is at a minimum, so when in the area sometimes fishing these incredible lakes is your best bet. With excellent hatches of damsels, callibaetis, and caddis can make for incredible fishing in the warmer months. During non hatch periods big black midges can be the ticket. Though North Delaney Butte is a designated 'gold water' fishery by the CDOW (Colorado Department of Wildlife), the other two lakes in the area can allow for some fairly decent fishing as well.
Up this far north? Why not check out the Yampa or the North Platte.
