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Colorado · Fishing
Golden sits at the edge of the Front Range foothills, and while it's better known for its brewery and canyon roads, there's a quiet fishing scene worth knowing about.
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Golden sits at the edge of the Front Range foothills, and while it's better known for its brewery and canyon roads, there's a quiet fishing scene worth knowing about. The three stillwater options in and around the city — Duke Lake, Ralston Reservoir, and Lower Long Lake — are all lake fisheries, which means you're working the banks or a float tube rather than wading a river. That format suits a wide range of anglers: beginners who want a calm surface and room to cast without overhead obstacles, and experienced stillwater anglers who know how to read drop-offs and weed edges for fish holding in warmer months. None of these waters appear on Colorado Parks and Wildlife's gold medal or wild trout designations, so expect stocked fish alongside whatever naturally reproduces, and plan your trips around stocking schedules posted on the CPW website. Access and parking vary by site, so it's worth checking current conditions before you load the truck. Golden's elevation keeps summer mornings cool enough to fish comfortably, and the proximity to Denver makes any of these spots a realistic half-day outing without burning a full vacation day.
All three listed waters — Duke Lake, Ralston Reservoir, and Lower Long Lake — are lake fisheries. You'll be fishing from shore or a float tube rather than wading moving water. Expect a mix of stocked and naturally reproducing fish typical of Colorado Front Range reservoirs and lakes.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older at all three waters. Purchase one through Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you arrive — wardens do check these sites. Some waters may also have additional access fees or permits, so confirm current requirements for each specific location.
Lower Long Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bear Creek Lake City Park
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Blunn Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Arvada Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ralston Reservoir
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Hyatt Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Duke Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Leyden Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Fairmount Reservoir
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Prospect Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Standley Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Garrison Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and late evening are generally the most productive windows for stillwater fishing, when fish move shallower to feed and surface temperatures are cooler. Midday fishing in summer can slow down significantly as the sun climbs and fish push deeper.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most stillwater situations well. Bring a selection of PowerBait, small spinners, and worms for stocked fish, and add a few jigs or small swimbaits if you want to target fish holding deeper. A float tube or small inflatable kayak opens up more water at larger bodies like Ralston Reservoir, though shore fishing is viable at all three sites.
Lake fishing is generally more forgiving for beginners than river fishing — there's no current to manage and casting room is usually adequate. Duke Lake and Lower Long Lake tend to be smaller and calmer, which can make them a more relaxed setting for younger anglers. Check current access conditions before visiting, as parking and trail conditions can vary seasonally.
