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Colorado · Fishing
Edwards sits in the Eagle River corridor of the Vail Valley, and while the town itself is better known as a base for ski traffic, the surrounding area holds a handful of fishable lakes worth the detour.
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Edwards sits in the Eagle River corridor of the Vail Valley, and while the town itself is better known as a base for ski traffic, the surrounding area holds a handful of fishable lakes worth the detour. The three lakes covered in Roamze's Edwards listings — Big Lake, Lake Thomas, and Big Spruce Lake — are all lake fisheries, meaning you're working still or slow-moving water rather than chasing current. That changes your approach considerably: think early mornings when surface temps are cooler, lighter line for clear mountain water, and patience over distance. These are not roadside pull-offs with stocked trout jumping at PowerBait, but they're also not technical backcountry slogs requiring a guide. They sit in a middle range that rewards anglers who do a little homework before showing up. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages licensing statewide, so you'll need a valid CO fishing license regardless of which water you're on. If you're driving in from Denver or Vail, Edwards is roughly 30 minutes west of Vail on I-70, making it a reasonable day-trip anchor for anyone combining fishing with other Eagle County activities.
All three listings in the Edwards area — Big Lake, Lake Thomas, and Big Spruce Lake -- are lake fisheries. You're fishing still water rather than streams or rivers, so techniques like still-fishing, bobber rigs, and slow retrieves tend to outperform fast-moving lure presentations.
Yes. Colorado requires a valid state fishing license for anyone 16 or older fishing any public water. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods retailers in the Edwards and Avon area before heading out.
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A worthwhile stop near CO.
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~7 min drive
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~33 min drive
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Nolan Lake
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Printer Boy
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~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Molly Brown
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Beaver Lake
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A worthwhile stop near CO.
Missouri Lakes
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning is generally the most productive window for mountain lake fishing in Colorado. Water temperatures are cooler, fish are more active near the surface, and you'll avoid the afternoon wind that picks up in the Eagle River valley most summer days.
A light to medium spinning setup handles most situations on smaller mountain lakes. Bring a range of small lures, spinners, and bait rigs since you may not know what's actively feeding until you're on the water. A valid Colorado fishing license, a net, and polarized sunglasses for reading the water are all worth packing.
Most Colorado lakes are open to fishing year-round, though ice conditions in winter can limit access at higher elevations. The most reliable open-water season runs from late spring through early fall, roughly May through October, when access roads are clear and fish are actively feeding.
