Summit County Colorado Mountain Lakes Fishing

Known for its great skiing, year-round outdoor activities and breathtaking panoramic vistas, the state of Colorado is home to great fishing. From numerous world-class rivers and lakes to streams and creeks, the variety of fishing in Colorado is top notch. Besides having many bodies of water with safe, easy access, Colorado fishing is also home to high mountain lakes that offer an adventurous alpine experience. With more than 50 14,000-foot peaks soaring into the thin Colorado air, hundreds of small and large alpine lakes dot the geographic landscape of the state, ultimately serving up excellent remote fishing settings. With most of the mountain lakes sitting near or above treeline, the journey to some of these special fishing holes is just as exciting as the fishing.

Fishing Colorado's high mountain lakes isn't for the faint hearted. If you're adventurous enough to go off fishing via four-wheel dive vehicles, backpack or day hike, you'll be rewarded with beautiful secluded lakes and hungry fish. Over a period of years, the Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service have stocked, from aircraft, most all high mountain lakes in Colorado. Most are full of cutthroat trout, but rainbow and brook trout are also quite plentiful. A few mountain lakes have golden trout and grayling. One of the best aspects of fishing high mountain lakes is that they receive virtually no fishing pressure, so landing a fish is relatively easy. Crystal clear waters, however, make for selective fish and demand proper presentation.

Beware of mountain weather. Although it might be warm and sunny on the valley floor, at 12,000-feet colder, winter-like weather persists through June and a storm can roll in at any time. For this reason, most high mountain lakes do not thaw until late June or July. The best way to arrange a trip to fish Colorado's mountain lakes is to either hire a guide or consult a good map and collect as much local knowledge about the area you want to travel in before going. The more you plan and familiarize yourself with the area you intend to fish, the better the outing will be.