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Colorado · Fishing
Carbondale sits at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers, which puts it in reasonable striking distance of some solid lake fishing in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Carbondale sits at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers, which puts it in reasonable striking distance of some solid lake fishing in the surrounding mountains and valleys. The four lake fishing spots tied to this area range from the accessible Von Springs Reservoir Number 1 to the more remote Geneva Lake, which sits inside the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District and requires a hike to reach. That ranger district covers a large swath of the White River National Forest above town, so conditions and access points vary considerably depending on which water you're targeting. The Carbondale area listings lean entirely toward lake fishing rather than river or stream fishing, so if you're coming specifically for moving water on the Roaring Fork or Crystal, you'll want to look at listings scoped to those drainages directly. For the lakes listed here, expect a mix of drive-up and hike-in options, with the reservoir offering the most straightforward access and Geneva Lake rewarding the extra effort with less pressure. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all of these waters.
A standard Colorado fishing license covers you for these waters. The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District is National Forest land, so no additional recreation fee or permit is required to fish there, though wilderness area rules may apply depending on the specific lake you're accessing. Check with the White River National Forest office in Carbondale before your trip if you're unsure about a specific trailhead or water body.
The activity listings here are categorized as lake fishing but don't specify species, so we won't guess. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks many Front Range and mountain reservoirs with rainbow trout, and high-country lakes in the Aspen-Sopris district often hold brook or cutthroat trout, but you should check the CPW fishing report for Von Springs Reservoir Number 1 and Geneva Lake specifically before making the drive.
Cottonwood Site
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lake Irwin
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
El Jebel Area
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Roaring Fork River - Basalt
~11 min drive
Hard
Fryingpan River - Ruedi Tailwater
~22 min drive
Expert
Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Aspen-Sopris Ranger District
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Glenwood Springs Area
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Carbondale Area
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Horse Pasture Site
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Basalt Area
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
SE Flat Tops Area
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ice-out on the higher lakes in the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District typically happens sometime in May or June depending on snowpack, and fishing tends to be productive through early fall before temperatures drop. Von Springs Reservoir Number 1 at lower elevation is generally accessible earlier in the season. Mornings and evenings are consistently the most productive windows for lake fishing, especially in summer when midday sun pushes fish deeper.
Geneva Lake is a hike-in destination, which means it's not a quick roadside stop. We don't have trail-length or elevation-gain data in our current listings, so check with the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District or a current trail source before you go. Plan for a half-day minimum and pack your gear accordingly -- a lightweight rod and a small tackle selection make the approach much more manageable.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most lake fishing situations here, whether you're casting from shore at Von Springs Reservoir or working the edges of a high-country lake. Small spinners, PowerBait, and dry or wet flies all have their place depending on the water and time of year. If you're hiking into Geneva Lake, keep your kit light -- a packable rod and a small box of lures is plenty.
