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Colorado · Fishing
Fishing around Aspen means high-elevation lakes and mountain streams tucked into the White River National Forest, most of them sitting well above 10,000 feet.
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View on mapFishing · 7 spots
Fishing around Aspen means high-elevation lakes and mountain streams tucked into the White River National Forest, most of them sitting well above 10,000 feet. The options in and around town lean toward alpine lake fishing rather than big-river angling — Weller Lake, Willow Lake, Lost Man Lake, Warren Lakes, and Maroon Lake are the waters you'll actually be casting on here. That mix of lake and river fishing gives you flexibility depending on how far you want to hike and what kind of experience you're after. Maroon Lake sits inside the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area and draws crowds for its scenery, so if solitude matters to you, Lost Man Lake and Warren Lakes reward the extra trail miles. The season is compressed by altitude — ice-out typically runs late May into June, and the best fishing window closes as water temperatures drop again in September and October. Most of these waters hold trout, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks a number of high-country lakes on a seasonal schedule, though stocking dates and quantities vary year to year. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older before you wet a line.
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license regardless of whether the water is inside a wilderness area or a scenic area. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods shops in Aspen before you head out.
The fishable window at most of these high-elevation lakes runs from late June through mid-September. Ice lingers well into spring at altitude, and by late October water temperatures and shorter days slow things down considerably. July and August offer the most reliable access and the longest days.
May Queen
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Crescent Mining Camp
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Fryingpan River - Ruedi Tailwater
~28 min drive
Expert
Roaring Fork River - Basalt
~36 min drive
Hard
Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
White Star
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Weller Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lakeview Campground
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Fancy Creek
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Silver Dollar
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Crystal Lake Fishing Site
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Molly Brown
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, and the hour or two before sunset tend to produce the most activity. Midday sun at altitude can push fish deeper and make them less willing to feed, especially in midsummer.
It varies significantly. Maroon Lake is accessible by shuttle bus and involves minimal walking from the parking area, making it the most accessible option. Lost Man Lake and Warren Lakes require several miles of trail hiking with meaningful elevation gain, so plan for a half-day or full-day outing and pack accordingly.
A light to medium spinning rod or a 4-5 weight fly rod covers most situations on these lakes. Small spinners, PowerBait, and dry flies or small nymphs are all practical choices. Pack layers regardless of the forecast — afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline in summer and temperatures drop fast when clouds roll in.
