Fishing
Explore Fishing in Winter Park, CO
The fishing in Grand County is just grand! With 1,000 miles of streams and rivers, almost 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, 11,000 acres of reservoirs, as well as stocked ponds, there are fishing opportunities for everyone. Wading, floating, boating, ice fishing or fishing from the shore — it's your choice during all four seasons.
From remote to easily accessed locations, the combination of great fishing, wildlife viewing, and stunning views is an experience of a lifetime! Some of our waters are designated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife as Gold Medal Waters; high-quality, cold-water habitats that produce abundant, trophy-size trout. Twenty-five percent of Colorado’s Gold Medal Waters are in Grand County. There are many public access locations to our fisheries throughout Grand County.
Keep in Mind:
- All CO residents and nonresidents 16 and over are required to buy and have in their possession a current Colorado State Fishing License, available nearby for purchase at Murdoch's and Safeway.
- Always refer to the annual Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Brochure for the most-up-to-date state fishing rules and regulations.
- Visit the Winter Park Information Center in the heart of Winter Park for maps, camping information, dining and lodging options, services, and recreational activity information.
Be a good fisherman/woman -- respect private property and avoid fishing during the hottest time of day and during low water periods.
Pro tip: Sign up for a Winter Park Experience Pass and gain access to deals and discounts as well as the insider's guide to incredible local adventures and experiences. It is free and available on your mobile device.
Click here for kid-friendly fishing locations
*Stay away from creeks and rivers during high water periods.
SPECIES: Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout
REGULATIONS: Per Colorado state fishing regulations, all cutthroat trout must be released
Explore two stocked ponds with rainbow trout. Follow Colorado state fishing regulations, and the two-fish limit.
Click here for detailed access points, species info, regulations, and tips for fishing our ponds.
Kids Fishing at Kaibab Park
Have fun at the kids fishing pond at Kaibab Park. It's stocked pond for children 15 and under accompanied by an adult 16 years or older. Fish for Brown or Rainbow Trout, and follow Colorado state regulations, and the two-fish limit of any species.
- ACCESS #9: 15.3 miles from downtown Winter Park - from HWY 40 turn left into the parking area.Toilets, Breeze Kid’s Pond for 15 and under-2 fish limit. No camping allowed. Easy mile trail to the river. Deck overlook. Over 2 miles of public river access east & west.
- REGULATIONS: Fly/lure only - catch & release
- ACCESS #15: Junction Butte Wildlife Area BLM Fishing Access
- ACCESS #14: Barger Gulch BLM Fishing Access
Winter Park/Fraser:
- Lion’s Club Ponds
- Cozen’s Open Space Ponds
- Fraser River along the Fraser River Trail
- Lower Vasquez
- St. Louis Creeks
- Granby: Kaibab Park Kid’s Pond, Granby Trails Kid’s Ponds
- Colorado River west of Granby
- Colorado and Blue Rivers south of Kremmling
- All reservoirs and lakes from the shore or by boat
- Lake Granby
- Meadowcreek Reservoir
- Monarch Lake
- Shadow Mountain Lake
- Grand Lake
- Willow Creek Reservoir
- Williams Fork Reservoir
- Wolford Reservoir
Grand County is home to many pristine alpine lakes located in the spectacular Rocky Mountains between 10,000 and 12,500 feet elevation in Arapaho National Forest; Vasquez, James, Byers Peak, Never Summer and Indian Peaks Wilderness Areas and Rocky Mountain National Park. They are accessible via hiking trails on these public lands. Some require an overnight stay and backpacking. The streams that feed and flow from the alpine lakes also offer fun small-stream fishing opportunities in a wild fishery.
SPECIES: Brown, Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout
REGULATIONS: Colorado state fishing regulations, four trout limit. Refer to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Guide for special regulations on high alpine streams.
TIPS: The best time to hike into these lakes is from early June through mid-October. July, August, and September are the best months to reach the higher lakes. Plan on moderate to challenging treks. Be aware of lightning and severe weather; carry correct gear, water, and food. A few of the most popular alpine lakes in the area include the following: Lake Evelyn, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Dorothy, Columbine Lake, Strawberry Lake, St. Louis Lake, King, Betty and Bob Lakes, McQuery Lake, Bowen Lake, Pawnee Lake, Gourd Lake, and Lost Lake.
Click here for detailed access points, species info, regulations, and tips for fishing our ponds.
Granby Ranch
Located on a private 3-mile stretch of the Fraser River and nestled between mountain ranges, the views are quintessentially Colorado.
SPECIES: Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
REGULATIONS: Visitors to Granby Ranch may only access our fishing waters when accompanied by professional guides, a policy strictly enforced.
TIP: Call 888.850.4615 for more information.
Fraser River:
The Fraser River is the first main tributary of the Colorado River, running north 32 miles from Berthoud Pass to its confluence with the Colorado River west of Granby. Fairly flat, meandering with riffles, runs, and tailouts connected to deep pools. This is a wild fishery with fish averaging 12”–15”, with some in the 20” range.
Click here for detailed access points, species info, regulations, and tips for fishing the Fraser River.
COLORADO RIVER:
The mighty Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon millions of years ago and has its headwaters in Grand County on the west side of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park and ends in Mexico forming the boundary between Sonora and Baja California before entering the Gulf of California.
Click here for detailed access points, species info, regulations, and tips for fishing the Colorado River.