Pikes Peak area offers some of the best trout fishing in Colorado. Trout Species in the area are Brook, Brown, Cutbow, Cutthroat, Lake and Rainbow trout. Some reservoirs have Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw, Perch, and Northern Pike. Whether you prefer fly fishing, bait-casting, or lures you have numerous reservoirs, lakes, and countless miles of gold medal trout streams to choose from. Most fishing areas are easy to access for families with young children, only Cheesman Reservoir is better for older children due to the hike. All fishing areas require a fishing license for kids 16 and older.
*Just like hiking wear layers, hats, sunscreen, and bring water & snacks.
Reservoirs & Lakes:
North Slope Reservoirs - *Crystal Reservoir - Fly, Lures or Bait - No minnows allowed (Ute Pass Area)
This reservoir is the first one you reach as you travel up the Pikes Peak Highway and is adjacent to the visitor’s center. There are nature trails, docks and picnic areas along the shores. Plenty of parking is available.
*The reservoir will be filled this year, but will not be restocked by Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife until the project is completed in 2021. Non-motorized boats allowed - carry in only.
Picnicking: Developed picnic sites are available. To protect the environment, groups are asked to confine picnics to the developed sites.
Hiking: Along lake trails.
Directions: Click Here From Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. View the map
Fee: $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. A Colorado fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Highway. Hours are subject to change. Website
North Catamount Reservoir - Flies & Lures Only (Ute Pass Area)
Fishing: Fishing allowed with artificial flies and artificial lures only.
Picnicking: Developed picnic sites are available. To protect the environment, groups are asked to confine picnics to the developed sites.
Hiking and Mountain Biking: On designated trails only.
Directions: Click Here From Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. View the map
Fee: $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. A Colorado fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Highway. Hours are subject to change. Website
South Catamount Reservoir - Flies, Lures & Bait - No Minnows (Woodland Park - Divide Area)
Fishing: Fishing allowed with bait (no minnows)
Picnicking: Developed picnic sites are available. To protect the environment, groups are asked to confine picnics to the developed sites.
Hiking and Mountain Biking: On designated trails only.
Directions: Click Here From Woodland Park take Hwy 24 east, to the Pikes Peak Highway exit in Cascade. Follow the signs to the Pikes Peak Highway entry gate. View the map
Fee: $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. A Colorado fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Highway. Hours are subject to change. Website
Rampart Reservoir (Woodland Park Area)
Fishing: Rampart is one of the deepest reservoirs in our area. Fish species include Rainbow Trout and Mackinaw. All visitors with vehicles must depart the boat launch area and exit pass the guard station gate by 5 p.m. Motorized boats will be allowed in late May.
Hiking and Mountain Biking: On designated trails only. Hiking and mountain bike trail runs all around the reservoir.
Directions: Click Here The area is located 4.2 miles east of Woodland Park on the Rampart Range Road, FDR 300. Take Rampart Range Road out of town. Turn right on Loy Creek Road. Turn right again to get back on Rampart Range Road (Forest Road 300). Continue south on Rampart Range Road until you reach 306 Forest Road. Turn left and continue across the dam to find parking.
Fee: There is a $7 fee for day-use. This fee is included in the overnight campground charge. There are some free areas to park and hike a short distance to the hiking/biking trails and reservoir to fish.
Open: Rampart Reservoir is typically open mid-spring to mid- to late October. 2019 dates are:
- May 3 to October 14
- Boats allowed from May 16 to October 3
- 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Manitou Lake (Woodland Park Area)
Fishing: This small reservoir is fed by Trout Creek and has several beaver ponds above the lake. Due to easy area access and popularity, fishing occurs year-round in the reservoir. Picnic sites have tables, fire grates, and trash collection. The lake is stocked regularly by the Division of Wildlife starting in May and going through August. Forest Service campgrounds are nearby.
Hiking: Trail along the lake and access to the Centennial Trail.
Fee: $6 day use fee per vehicle.
Directions: Click Here
Open: Year round
Cheesman Reservoir - Flies & Lures Only (Deckers)
Fishing: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Northern pike, Kokanee salmon, Smallmouth bass, and Yellow perch - slot limit of 2 trout 16 inches or longer. Fishing is only allowed on the North Edge of the lake and there is no camping permitted, no pets are allowed, and no boats. Fishing is prohibited on the dam or anywhere else around the reservoir. Ice fishing is prohibited also. Access for all fishing is by foot only.
Directions: Click Here is located off of Highway 67 above the town of Deckers. Park and hike west on a shoreline trail or on a fire road to the Goose Creek arm where fishing is allowed. * Moderate hike - difficult with small children.
Open: May 1 to September 30 and only from a half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset.
Fee: None
Eleven Mile Reservoir (Lake George Area)
Fishing: Gold fish trout waters, as well as northern pike. The lake is stocked with kokanee salmon. Carp can be found in shallow areas. Ice fishing is prime in the winter. Easy access to the reservoir.
Facilities include: Amphitheater, Boat Ramps, Camper Services Building, Campgrounds, Dump Station, Entrance Station, Marina, Park Office, Picnic Sites, Playground, Showers, Trails, Visitor Center.
Directions: Click Here 4229 County Rd 92, Lake George, CO 80827 Access via County Road 92 and County Road 59.
Fee: There is a $7 fee for day-use.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir - Flies & Lures Only (Lake George Area)
Fishing: Fish species include: Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Northern Pike. There are two boat ramps and several parking areas around the reservoir. Anglers bringing a boat make sure to clean it thoroughly because they are now inspecting for Zebra Muscles. You can harvest one trout over 20 inches.
Directions: Click Here 4229 County Rd 92, Lake George, CO 80827 Access via County Road 92 and County Road 59. Map: Spinney Reservoir
Fee: There is a $7 fee for day-use.
Tarryall Reservoir (Lake George Area)
Fishing: Four species of trout, you can also catch Northern Pike in the reservoir. Motorized boats are permitted on the reservoir and ice fishing is allowed in the winter months.
Directions: Click Here Access to the reservoir via County Road 77, also known as Tarryall Road.
Skaguay Reservoir (Victor Area)
Fishing: Stocked regularly by the Division of Wildlife. Non-wake boats are permited and it is popular for campers to load up their gear and camp on the far side for the reservoir. 7 miles east of Victor on County Road 861
Directions: Click HereTurn left at CO-67 towards Cripple Creek/ Victor, go 13.4 miles, Slight left at Co Rd 81/Lazy S Ranch Rd toward Victor, go 6.8 miles, Turn left at CO-67 S/Phantom Canyon Rd, go 0.8 miles, Turn left onto Co Rd 861/Skagway Rd, go 4.7 miles
• Wakeless boating
• Limit four trout, no limit on northern pike
Rivers & Creeks
Elevenmile Canyon of the South Platte River- The lower section of the South Platte River is trying to rebuild itself after being over-fished and un-stocked for years. This stretch of the river through Elevenmile Canyon is catch and release only and you must only use artificial flies and lures. There are still Gold Medal Waters before the river reaches the Elevenmile Reservoir.
Tarryall Creek - There are a few access points along the creek that have exceptional fishing: Ute Creek Trailhead and Twin Eagles Picnic Area. Both of these are easily accessible along County Road 77. If you're looking for more of an adventure, take Forest Road 210; the road is 4WD and hiking is required near the meeting of the South Platte River. If you're up for it, you'll find some of the best parts of the stream. Another great section of the creek is right below the dam.
South Platte River - Heading North out of Lake George, the South Platte River is very mild. The river is wider and the water is calmer. Perfect for a day of fly-fishing. This river is very popular which means it may be hard to find a spot and not be disturbed by other anglers; get there early in the morning and you'll have more luck. Access this section of the river via County Road 112.
Link: Colorado State Parks Stocking Report. Check the Southeast Region.
Tips & Hotspots
There are many resources that Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers to help those interested in fishing throughout the state:
- Fishing Report- This report offers a weekly fishing report from lakes all around Colorado
- Fishing Atlas- This is an interactive map that shows the many waters people can fish in Colorado
- 101 Places to Take a Kid Fishing- this webpage has an interactive map showing all of the possible places to take a kid fishing
- Stocking Report- The stocking report shows lakes, ponds, and rivers that have been stocked with catchable (9 to 12 inch) trout in Colorado.
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