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Colorado · Fishing
Glenwood Springs sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, which means anglers here have options that most mountain towns don't.
5 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 5 spots
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Glenwood Springs sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, which means anglers here have options that most mountain towns don't. The area listings on Roamze cover both moving water and stillwater fishing: the Glenwood Springs Area river fishing stretches give you access to the kind of freestone and canyon water the Western Slope is known for, while Hopkins Reservoir, Monument Lake, Elk Lakes, and Yellow Lake round out the mix for anyone who prefers casting from a bank or float tube over wading a current. The lakes tend to hold fish through the warmer months when river flows are running high and off-color from snowmelt, making them a practical backup plan in late spring rather than a consolation prize. River fishing in this corridor picks up once runoff settles, typically by mid-to-late June in an average year, and stays productive well into fall. Skill level requirements vary considerably across these five spots — the lakes are accessible and forgiving for beginners, while river fishing around Glenwood demands more attention to reading water and managing a drift. A valid Colorado fishing license is required at all locations.
For river fishing in the Glenwood Springs area, late June through October is generally the most reliable window once spring runoff clears. The lakes — Hopkins Reservoir, Monument Lake, Elk Lakes, and Yellow Lake — can fish well earlier in the season, often from ice-out in April or May through the summer months.
On the river, early morning and the last two hours before dark tend to produce the most surface activity, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish deep. On the lakes, early morning is consistently productive, and overcast days can extend that window well into the afternoon.
Cottonwood Site
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Yellow Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Roaring Fork River - Basalt
~42 min drive
Hard
Fryingpan River - Ruedi Tailwater
~51 min drive
Expert
Roan Plateau - JQS Creek Cross
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Duck Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Catamount Bridge Boat Launch
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Monument Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Glenwood Springs Area
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Supply Basin Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
SE Flat Tops Area
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bison Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
All five listings are accessible for independent anglers with a Colorado fishing license. The lake locations are particularly straightforward for self-guided trips. River fishing in the Glenwood Springs area involves more complex water and can benefit from local knowledge if you're unfamiliar with the canyon stretches, but it's not required.
A medium spinning or light fly setup covers most situations at these lakes. A float tube or small inflatable is useful if you want to reach water away from the bank, though bank fishing is viable at all four. Bring a selection of small spinners, PowerBait, and nymphs or small streamers if you're fly fishing.
Access conditions and parking vary by location, so it's worth checking current road conditions before heading to the higher-elevation lakes like Elk Lakes, which may have limited or seasonal road access. The Glenwood Springs area river fishing is more centrally located and generally easier to reach year-round. Always verify current conditions with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before your trip.
