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Colorado · Fishing
Frisco sits at the center of Summit County with quick access to a handful of lake fishing spots that range from roadside easy to a solid backcountry hike.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Frisco sits at the center of Summit County with quick access to a handful of lake fishing spots that range from roadside easy to a solid backcountry hike. The six lakes in and around town cover a decent spread of effort levels: Old Dillon Reservoir and the Frisco Area lakes are the most accessible options for anglers who want to wet a line without much planning, while Wheeler Lakes up in the Gore Range require a real commitment on foot. Mayflower Tailings Pond and Buffehr Lake fill out the mid-range options, and Uneva Lake sits in that sweet spot between a casual walk and a genuine alpine approach. All of these are lake fisheries, so expect still-water tactics rather than river or stream techniques. Summit County sits above 9,000 feet, which means a short fishing season compared to lower elevations, cold water even in midsummer, and afternoon thunderstorms that can move in fast. None of the waters in this listing carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so set expectations accordingly. That said, a quiet weekday morning on Wheeler Lakes with the Gore Range behind you is a hard thing to complain about.
The lakes in this listing are typical Summit County high-country fisheries, so stocked trout are your most realistic target. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks many accessible lakes in the county seasonally, but none of the waters in this listing carry a gold-medal or wild-trout water designation, so don't expect trophy-sized fish. Check the CPW stocking report online before your trip to see which lakes have been hit recently.
Ice-out typically happens sometime in May depending on the winter snowpack, and the season runs through fall before ice returns, usually by November. Midsummer, July through early September, is the most reliable window for all six lakes including the higher-elevation Wheeler Lakes in the Gore Range. Frisco's elevation means water temperatures stay cold all season, which trout prefer but which also means fish can be sluggish in the middle of a warm afternoon.
Roberts Cabin
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Dillon Reservoir - Frisco Bay
~14 min drive
Easy
Blue River - Silverthorne
~16 min drive
Hard
Father Dyer
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Timberline Campground
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Printer Boy
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Spruce Creek (Mohawk Lakes) #58
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Baby Doe
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Deluge Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Molly Brown
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Gore Creek
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window at high-altitude lakes like these. Afternoon thunderstorms are a real and regular hazard above treeline, especially at Wheeler Lakes, so plan to be off exposed terrain by early afternoon. If you're fishing the more accessible spots like Old Dillon Reservoir or the Frisco Area lakes, evening can also be productive once the afternoon wind settles.
Wheeler Lakes in the Gore Range is a legitimate backcountry trip, not a roadside stop. The approach involves real elevation gain and trail miles, so go prepared with layers, rain gear, and enough water. The payoff is a more remote setting than the other lakes on this list, but it's not the right choice for a casual outing or for anyone not comfortable with mountain terrain and afternoon weather changes.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license, available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online or at local sporting goods stores in Frisco. Gear restrictions vary by water body and can include limits on bait type or hook style, so check the current CPW regulations for each specific lake before you go rather than assuming standard statewide rules apply.
