Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Alma, Colorado
Alma sits at over 10,000 feet in Park County, and the fishing around town reflects that altitude — cold water, short seasons, and lakes that don't fully shake off winter until late spring.
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Alma sits at over 10,000 feet in Park County, and the fishing around town reflects that altitude — cold water, short seasons, and lakes that don't fully shake off winter until late spring. The options here are lake fishing, full stop: Columbia Reservoir, Kite Lake, and Oliver Twist Lake are the waters you're working with. Columbia Reservoir is the most accessible and the most fished, while Kite Lake sits higher up and rewards the extra effort with less pressure. Oliver Twist Lake rounds out the list for anglers willing to explore. These are high-alpine lakes, which means you're typically targeting stocked trout — bring light to medium spinning gear or a fly rod rigged for still water, and plan your trip for July through early September when ice-out is reliably behind you and afternoon thunderstorms are your main scheduling concern. Morning hours before the wind picks up are consistently the most productive. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all of these waters, and given the elevation, layering up even on a July morning is just practical.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch at these lakes near Alma?
Columbia Reservoir, Kite Lake, and Oliver Twist Lake are high-alpine lakes that support trout fishing. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks many lakes at this elevation, so stocked rainbow trout are the most common target. Check the CPW stocking report before your trip to see recent activity on specific waters.
When is the best time of year to fish around Alma?
July through early September is the reliable window. Ice-out at lakes above 11,000 feet can run well into June, and by mid-September water temperatures drop fast and weather turns unpredictable. If you're visiting in late June, confirm ice conditions before heading up to Kite Lake specifically, as it sits higher than Columbia Reservoir.
What time of day is best for fishing these alpine lakes?
Early morning is your best bet — wind is usually calm, fish are active near the surface, and you'll beat the afternoon thunderstorms that roll in most summer days above treeline. Plan to be off exposed water by early afternoon, especially at Kite Lake.
Do I need a special permit or license to fish here?
A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all waters in the area. There are no special permits listed for these lakes, but regulations can change, so verify current rules on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website before your trip.
How difficult is the access to these lakes, and is it suitable for beginners?
Columbia Reservoir has the most straightforward access and is a reasonable choice for beginners or anyone with limited mobility. Kite Lake and Oliver Twist Lake require more hiking at elevation, so factor in altitude adjustment time if you're coming from lower elevations. The fishing itself at all three lakes is beginner-friendly — no technical casting or specialized skills required.
