There are a million places to fish in Colorado. From brooks and creeks in the national forests around Denver to the barren, high-altitude lakes of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, there’s enough great fishing to last you a lifetime and more.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most scenic places to fish in the Colorado Rockies and well worth the trip. The park offers extensive guidance on where and when you can and can’t fish, so figuring out where to go is easy! Get your fishing licenses and any necessary backpacking permits you’d need and head into the snow-capped peaks and meadow-covered valleys for the freshest selection of brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout you could ever find!
10+ high-altitude fishing spots in Rocky Mountains NP
Odessa, Fern, Spruce & Loomis Lakes
Elevation: 10,040 feet
Hiking distance: 9 miles, out & back
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Fishing type: catch-and-release
These lakes are just two of a collection of closely-gathered lakes, ponds and streams in the center of the park.
The trail starts either at the end of Fern Lake Road or at Bear Lake (which is the shorter and more accessible route). Bear Lake is closed for fishing, but once the trail crosses over Mill Creek into the Sourdough Campsite area, a wealth of water opens up. Small ponds and lakes dot the crook of the valley between Joe Mills and Flattop Mountains, then a sharp descent to the north deposits you right at the shores of stunning Odessa Lake. There’s a campground here to set up shop, or you can keep trekking down to Fern Lake and camp there; either way, you’ve got a lot to choose from.
That area also has trails that lead to Loomis Lake and Spruce Lake, both of which are fishable aside from the east and southeast sections of Spruce Lake, which are protected areas for the Boreal Toad. Loomis Lake, however, offers the highest elevation and most secluded feel, as it's tucked away at the very end of a small, narrow valley.
Be aware that a wildfire raged through this area a few years ago and, as a result, felled several trees along the trail to Loomis Lake. It’s not impossible to get through, but it does make for slow going.
articleMills, Jewel, Solitude & Black Lakes
Elevation: 11,602 feet
Hiking distance: 11.5 miles, out & back
Elevation gain: 2,539 feet
Fishing type: catch-and-keep
This trail of lakes along Glacier Creek is a stunning trek through a glacier-carved valley under the shadow of Longs Peak — the highest peak in the park. This is almost definitely one of the highest fishable elevations in the area, and it’s sure to be a memorable one if you plan your trip accordingly.
The hike is long but gradual, and if you make the trek you’ll be rewarded with solitude, scattered waterfalls, meadows of wildflowers and gorgeous camping spots right along the creek below the tree-line.
Mills Lake is the larger of the bunch and first on the trail, followed by crystal-clear Jewel Lake immediately after. Cross the threshold into alpine country and take an optional detour up a grueling slope to Solitude and Shelf Lakes, of which the first is fishable at a whopping 11,400 feet of elevation (the highest we’ve found in the park!). Stick along Glacier Creek past Ribbon Falls and the trail will lead you straight to Black Lake, a picture-perfect circular lake surrounded by an impressive bowl of ancient silver granite.
These waters are catch-and-release, so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with the most rewarding fresh trout you’ve ever had in your life!
articlevideoRoaring River
Elevation: 8,596–11,024 feet
Hiking distance: 0.7–12.5 miles, out & back
Elevation gain: 82–2,513 feet
Fishing type: catch-and-release
Park at either the East or West Alluvial Fan Trailhead to access the closest areas of the Roaring River, right before it deposits into the Fall River heading east to Estes Park.
If you want a more secluded and scenic experience of this fishable river, park at the Lawn Lake Trail Head and follow the popular trek up the slope and toward Horseshoe Falls. From there, the trail follows Roaring River for 5 miles until it reaches Lawn Lake (a 12.5-mile round-trip in total), which is another great fishing spot. Roaring River officially ends — or begins, depending on which way you’re going — at Crystal Lake another 1.6 miles further.
Stop anywhere along this riverside trail, though, and you’ll be rewarded with great views and plenty of opportunity to fish in the aptly-named river.
articlearticleDream Lake
Elevation: 9,906 feet
Hiking distance: 2.0 miles, out & back
Elevation gain: 459 feet
Fishing type: catch-and-release
This short-but-stunning trail to Dream Lake is perfect for a day or afternoon of fishing. It’s at enough of an elevation that you’re nearly above the treeline, but the short walk and the gentle slope are more of a stroll than a strenuous hike. Once you’re there, enjoy the long shores of this crystal-clear lake and fish to your heart’s content.
articlevideoIf you live in or near our luxury Denver apartments, then pack your bags and head out to these stunning spots next time you’re craving a fight with a fish. Chances are you’ll walk away with some of the best fishing memories you’ll make!
Enjoy!
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Featured photo by Alex Lange on Unsplash
