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Fishing Creeks in Grand County

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Cont Divide WPR River Meadow.jpeg

Muddy Creek 

From the Winter Park Information Center drive west 52.7 miles through Kremmling on HWY 40 to the first turn off on the right, Co. RD. 229 to Wolford Reservoir-Wolford Mt Project - Ritchard Dam. Continue .8 miles to the parking area by the dam. Toilets, picnic area. Short ¼ mile walk down to the tailwater fishing below the dam.
SPECIES: Brown and Rainbow Trout
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide) - limit 4 trout.
TIP: Check on the flow below the dam before making the trip. 

Willow Creek

ACCESS #1: From the Winter Park Information Center go west through Granby 20.3 miles to HWY 125 on the right (north). Continue 11 miles to the first parking area in the Arapaho National Forest where public access to the creek is allowed. Parking is available at mile 12.1, 12.2 and 14.3 at the Denver Creek Campground. The creek meanders along 125 until it veers east at mile 21.6 before Willow Creek Pass. Toilets, camping (campground and dispersed), hiking, wildlife viewing.
SPECIES: Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout  
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide) - limit 4 trout.
TIP: Remote, pristine area with excellent wildlife habitat.

ACCESS #2: Willow Creek Reservoir Tailwaters. At the intersection of HWY 40 & 34 in Granby turn right towards Grand Lake and continue 5 miles to CO. RD.40 and turn left to Willow Creek Reservoir. Below the dam turn left on RD. 6003B to the parking area. No camping. 200 yd trail to the river with approximately ¼ mile of access.
SPECIES: Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brook Trout
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide), - fly/lure only, all Cutthroat Trout must be released  
TIP: Check on the flow below the dam before making the trip. 

St. Louis Creek

From the Winter Park Information Center turn right and go west on HWY 40 to Fraser and turn left at the Wendy’s at the stop light. Turn right onto CO. RD. 721 and left onto CO.RD. 73. Continue to the St.Louis Campground. Access to the creek can be found from the trail along the creek. Public access to the creek allowed within the Arapaho National Forest.
SPECIES: Cutthroat, Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout depending on location upriver.
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide), 4 trout  
TIPS: Intimate, small stream fishing.

Vasquez Creek

From the Winter Park Information Center, turn left and then right at the next stoplight onto Vasquez Rd. Continue over the railroad tracks and past all private residences into Arapaho National Forest. The creek is accessible at many points along the Forest Service Road. Dispersed camping allowed.
SPECIES:  Cutthroat, Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout, depending on location upriver.
REGULATIONS: Colorado State Fishing Regulations (Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Guide), 4 trout. Note: South Fork of the Upper Vasquez Creek and Lil’ Vasquez Creek are fly/lure only; all Cutthroat must be released.
TIPS: Intimate, small stream fishing.

Local's Tip

Stay Up to Date

Always refer to the annual Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Brochure for the most up-to-date rules and regulations. It is available online, at the Winter Park Information Center, and typically at retail outlets that sell fishing licenses. Always respect private property near fishing access points.