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Colorado · Fishing
Granby sits at the center of some of Grand County's most accessible stillwater fishing, with lakes and reservoirs spread across the surrounding national forest and recreation area.
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Granby sits at the center of some of Grand County's most accessible stillwater fishing, with lakes and reservoirs spread across the surrounding national forest and recreation area. The Arapaho National Recreation Area anchors much of the fishing here, and Willow Creek Group and Sunset Point Campground both offer lake access that puts you on the water without a long hike. Crater Lake is another option worth putting on your list. The fishing around Granby is primarily lake and reservoir-based — expect to be casting from shore or a small watercraft rather than wading a river. Species and conditions vary by water body, so it pays to check with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office before you go rather than assuming what's biting where. Elevation keeps water temperatures cooler longer into the season than you might expect at lower-altitude Colorado destinations, which affects both fish behavior and when the bite turns on each day. If you're driving up from Denver or the Front Range, you're looking at roughly a 90-minute trip, which makes this a realistic weekend destination rather than a major expedition.
The fishing around Granby is almost entirely lake and reservoir fishing. Crater Lake, Willow Creek Group, and the lakes within the Arapaho National Recreation Area are the main options listed by local outfitters. If you're expecting technical river or stream fishing, this area's guided and accessible offerings skew toward stillwater.
Yes. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older fishing any of these waters, including those within the Arapaho National Recreation Area. You can purchase a license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods stores in Granby before you head out.
Willow Creek Group
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Arapaho National Recreation Area
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Sunset Point Campground
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Rocky Mountain National Park Moraine Park Campground
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Sulphur Ranger District, near Winter Park & Granby
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Rocky Mountain National Park Aspenglen Campground
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Shadow Mountain Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Crater Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Confluence River Access
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Pipit Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and late evening are generally the most productive windows for lake fishing at elevation, when water temperatures are cooler and fish are feeding closer to the surface. Midday in summer can slow things down significantly, especially on smaller, shallower lakes that warm quickly.
A medium-light spinning rod with 6-8 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line covers most situations on these lakes. Bring a selection of small spinners, PowerBait, and live or artificial worms for shore fishing. If you have a float tube or small inflatable, it's worth bringing — bank access can be limited on some of these waters, and getting out on the water opens up more options.
Yes, particularly at Sunset Point Campground and the Arapaho National Recreation Area, where shore access is relatively straightforward. Lake fishing in general is more forgiving for newer anglers than moving water — you're not managing a current, and the casting doesn't need to be precise. Bring simple rigs and keep expectations realistic on any given day.
