Fly Fishing Lakes

Whether you crave the excitement of a feisty trout grabbing a dry fly off the surface or a carp making your reel scream, Colorado has a still-water for you. Below is a list of some of our favorite lakes and reservoirs within a two hour drive of Pueblo. The Drift Fly Shop employees are well acquainted with each of these, so if you would like further information on fly fishing them please come into the shop and we can help you out.       


Still Waters for Trout Enthusiast:

Often times still-water fishing is falsely thought of as being exclusively for those hunting warm water species, truth be told many lakes and reservoirs can satisfy trout-nuts as well. Here are just of few....

Lake Isabel

Lake Isabel is located in the beautiful San Isabel National Forrest, about 40 miles southwest of Pueblo along HWY 165. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps for the soul purpose of recreation, this lake boasts a heavy population of stocked Rainbow and Brown trout. Fed by the St. Charles creek, Brooke Trout find their way into its waters as well. These trout tend to be highly opportunistic and can offer great dry fly fishing during the summer months. Lake Isabel is open to non-motorized boating, and paddle boats can be rented on site as well. Walk-in tent sites are 15 to 50 yards from the parking areas. RV sites come with electric hookups. Lake Isabel is privately managed and requires the purchase of a daily parking pass. State Parks passes are not valid at this lake. 

Wahatoya Lake Reservoir

Positioned in the quaint city of La Veta along Bear Creek Rd (CR 358), only about 65 miles from Pueblo, Wahatoya offers a wonder of fishing possibilities. The waters hold Rainbow and Brown trout, Bass and Tiger Muskie. Wahatoya is restricted to flies and lures only. Camping is not permitted. Only boats propelled by hand or by wind are allowed. While this is a perfect water for a float tube or pontoon boat, shore access if also good. 

North Lake

North Lake is located on the Scenic Highway of Legends, about 30 miles south of La Veta on HWY 12 (about 90 miles from Pueblo) It was constructed in 1907 to create a water supply for the City of Trinidad. The lake is stocked with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, splake, and recently tiger trout. With all of the trout species availible it is a great place to achieve a grand slam. North Lake is restricted to fly and lure fishing only. The lake has a boat ramp and restrooms. Crafts may be propelled only by hand, wind, or electric motors. 

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

No matter how you pronounce it Spinney is a spectacular trout fishery. The health of the Rainbow population has given Spinney a Gold Medal water status, a distinction given to only a handful of Colorado Lakes. At a 2,500 surface-acre size this reservoir is home to Rainbows, Browns, Cutbows, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike. About 110 miles from Pueblo, Spinney offers fly fishing from both shore and boat alike. Inspections are mandatory for all trailed vessels. There is no camping at Spinney, but camping facilities are available at its neighbor Eleven Mile State Park.  

  

Warm Water Delight

With most of the year reserved for chasing Rainbows, Browns, and Brook trout, many anglers delight in the summer months as an opportunity to experiment with and enjoy fly fishing for the less traditional fish species; Bass, Pike, and Carp. 

Lake Pueblo

At 4,600 surface acres of water, Lake Pueblo is located about 5 miles west of Pueblo. As a fishery, Lake Pueblo is a plethora of diversity. This body of water is home to largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, wiper, walleye, crappie, carp, channel and blue catfish, sunfish, and trout. The reservoir has two full service marinas and an assortment of campsites, though if you plan of camping it is strongly encouraged to make reservations as this is a busy place during the summer. The boats ramps are open from 5am to 11pm daily, unless inclement weather makes launching unsafe was is rare. 

Valco Ponds

The Valco Ponds are located in Lake Pueblo State Park, just off Hwy 96. Three of the four Valco ponds are open to the public for fishing. They hold a variety of warm water species including bluegill, small mouth bass, and catfish. The ponds are easily accessed from the Valco Parking Lot, which requires the purchase of a State Parks Parking Pass, which if you don’t already have one can be purchased from the Kiosk at the parking lot. Float Tubes/Belly Boats are allowed in ponds number 1 and 2, but all other water crafts including pontoon boats and kayaks are not. 

Chico Basin

About a 40 minute drive northeast of Pueblo is a sweet bit of bass heaven. Chico Basin Ranch is comprised of private ponds. These waters are packed with sunfish and largemouth bass. Chico Basin offers non-stop fly fishing action. The fishing is not technical and is a great option for children and beginners. Due to the fact that this water is private, a guide trip must be booked in order to fish it. If interested please visit the shop or give us a call (719)543-3900.  

Lathrop State Park

What’s better than one fishy lake? TWO! Lathrop State Park is located 3 miles west of Walsenburg (about 53 miles from Pueblo). There are two lakes at the park, Martin and Horseshoe. Both lakes hold bass, walleye, northern pike, saugeye, blue gill, trout, carp, and catfish. Horseshoe Lake is also known for its large tiger muskies. Martin Lake allows water skiing, power and sail boating. Horseshow Lake is reserved as a wakeless waters. Camping opportunities are abundant at Lathrop State Park, with two campgrounds there are 103 sites which can accommodate motor homes, trailers and tents.