Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Bellvue, Colorado
Bellvue, Colorado sits at the mouth of Poudre Canyon, which puts it within easy reach of one of the more varied fishing landscapes in northern Colorado.
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Lake fishing
Grandview Campground
CO
Lake fishing
Hanii Lake
Bellvue, CO
Lake fishing
Hourglass Reservoir
Bellvue, CO
Lake fishing
Joe Wright Reservoir
Bellvue, CO
Lake fishing
Long Draw #1 Fishing site
CO
Lake fishing
Long Draw #2 Fishing Site
CO
Lake fishing
Long Draw #3 Fishing Site
CO
Lake fishing
Pakinumu Lake
Bellvue, CO
Lake fishing
Pakinumu Lake
Bellvue, CO
Lake fishing
Watson Lake
Bellvue, CO
Bellvue, Colorado sits at the mouth of Poudre Canyon, which puts it within easy reach of one of the more varied fishing landscapes in northern Colorado. The Cache la Poudre River runs through the canyon at around 5,900 feet elevation, offering fly fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout on moving water rated moderate in difficulty. If stillwater is more your speed, the area has a solid spread of lakes and reservoirs to choose from, including Chambers Lake, Joe Wright Reservoir, Hourglass Reservoir, Comanche Reservoir, and Watson Lake, plus smaller spots like Beaver Pond, Hanii Lake, and Pakinumu Lake. The Long Draw corridor alone has three named fishing sites. That range means you can reasonably plan a multi-day trip and fish a different type of water each day without a long drive. Most of these sites sit at higher elevation, so conditions shift fast with the seasons. Knowing which water you're targeting and when to go makes a real difference between a productive day and a cold, slow one.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch near Bellvue?
The Cache la Poudre River in Poudre Canyon holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The lakes and reservoirs in the area are not individually species-tagged in our current data, but high-country Colorado stillwater typically supports trout as well. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking reports for specific lakes like Chambers Lake, Joe Wright Reservoir, and Comanche Reservoir before your trip.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license?
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license to fish any of these waters. Licenses are available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online or at local sporting goods retailers. Some waters may have additional regulations like artificial-lures-only or catch-and-release sections, so pull up the CPW regulation booklet for the specific water body you plan to fish.
What gear should I bring for fly fishing the Cache la Poudre River?
The Poudre Canyon section is rated moderate difficulty at roughly 5,900 feet elevation, so it suits intermediate fly anglers reasonably well. A 9-foot 5-weight rod with a floating line covers most situations. Bring a mix of dry flies and nymphs sized for mountain stream conditions, and pack waders since the water runs cold even in summer. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in the canyon's varied light.
When is the best time of year to fish around Bellvue?
Late June through September is the most reliable window for the higher-elevation lakes and reservoirs, as ice-out timing varies and some access roads don't fully open until early summer. The Cache la Poudre River can fish well from late spring through fall, though spring runoff in May and early June can make the river high and off-color. Early mornings and evenings are generally the most productive times of day for trout in both moving and still water.
How do I access spots like Long Draw and Chambers Lake?
Chambers Lake and the Long Draw fishing sites are reached via Highway 14 west through Poudre Canyon, then onto Long Draw Road, which is a gravel forest road. High-clearance vehicles are helpful, and the road is typically closed in winter. Watson Lake is closer to Bellvue itself and more accessible year-round. Always check current road conditions with the Roosevelt National Forest before heading out, especially early or late in the season.
