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Colorado · Fishing
Fishing near Crestone means high-altitude lake fishing, full stop. The four lake destinations accessible from this corner of the Sangre de Cristo Range — Deadman Lakes, Little Sand Creek Lakes, Upper Sand Creek Lake, and Willow Creek Lakes
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Fishing near Crestone means high-altitude lake fishing, full stop. The four lake destinations accessible from this corner of the Sangre de Cristo Range — Deadman Lakes, Little Sand Creek Lakes, Upper Sand Creek Lake, and Willow Creek Lakes — all sit well above the valley floor, which shapes everything about how you plan a trip. Expect a serious approach hike before you wet a line, water temperatures that stay cold well into summer, and afternoon thunderstorms that roll in fast enough to cut a day short if you're not paying attention. The San Luis Valley's high desert climate means mornings can be cold even in July, so layering is practical, not optional. None of these are drive-up fisheries, and that's precisely why they hold fish and see manageable pressure compared to front-range lakes. If you're coming from Crestone town, give yourself more time than you think you need for the approach, especially if you're carrying float tubes or a full pack. These are backcountry lake destinations, and they reward anglers who treat them that way.
All four destinations are high-altitude lakes, so you're fishing still water rather than moving water. Expect to work the shoreline or use a float tube to reach deeper structure. The specific species present can vary by lake and year, so check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking and survey data before your trip rather than assuming any particular lake holds a given fish.
All of these lakes require a backcountry approach on foot — none are roadside. The trails gain significant elevation given the Sangre de Cristo terrain, and Upper Sand Creek Lake in particular sits high enough that altitude fatigue is a real factor if you're coming from sea level. Plan for a half-day or full-day outing rather than a quick morning trip.
Mingus Ranch
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Spruce Group - Lake Isabel
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Arkansas River - Bighorn Sheep Canyon
~59 min drive
Moderate
Ohaver Lake
~1h 20m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Carnero Guard Station
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ponderosa Group - Lake Isabel
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Upper Sand Creek Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Deadman Lakes
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
La Vista Campground - Lake Isabel
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Little Sand Creek Lakes
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Southside Campground - Lake Isabel
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning is generally the most productive window, and it also gets you off exposed ridgelines before afternoon thunderstorms build. In the Sangre de Cristos, storms can arrive by early afternoon in summer, so starting at first light and planning to be heading down by midday is a practical approach, not just a fishing tip.
A light spinning or fly rod in the 7-9 foot range handles most high-lake situations. Bring a Colorado fishing license, a small selection of small spinners, soft plastics, or dry flies and nymphs depending on your method, and pack rain gear regardless of the morning forecast. A float tube with fins is worth the extra carry weight if you want to reach fish holding in deeper water away from shore.
A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Some of these lakes fall within the Baca National Wildlife Refuge or adjacent wilderness areas, which can affect access rules and whether motorized equipment is allowed. Check current access status with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before your trip, as regulations and open areas can change.
