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Colorado · Fishing
La Veta sits at the foot of the Spanish Peaks in Huerfano County, and the fishing around town runs the range from small high-country reservoirs to mountain lakes tucked into San Isabel National Forest.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
La Veta sits at the foot of the Spanish Peaks in Huerfano County, and the fishing around town runs the range from small high-country reservoirs to mountain lakes tucked into San Isabel National Forest. The six fishable spots in and around La Veta split roughly into two types: lake and reservoir fishing at places like La Veta Lake North Reservoir, Daigre Reservoir, and McEvoy Lakes, and river-adjacent fishing at the Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campground areas in the national forest. None of these are heavily pressured destination waters, which is part of the appeal. You're not going to find boat ramps and bait shops at every turn, so self-sufficiency matters here. Most of the lake and reservoir spots are accessible without a long hike, while the San Isabel NF sites near Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campground put you in a more backcountry setting where you'll want to plan your access in advance. This is practical, unhurried fishing in a part of southern Colorado that doesn't get the same traffic as the Arkansas River corridor to the north, and that suits the water well.
The lakes and reservoirs in the area, including La Veta Lake North Reservoir, Daigre Reservoir, and McEvoy Lakes, are typical of Colorado's stocked high-country and foothill waters. Expect warm- and cool-water species in the lower reservoirs and trout in the higher San Isabel NF lakes near Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campground. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife's stocking reports before your trip for current species and recent stocking dates at specific waters.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older at all of these locations. The San Isabel National Forest sites, including Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campground, fall under standard state regulations unless posted otherwise at the access point. Always check CPW's regulation booklet for the South Platte and Arkansas units, as bag limits and gear restrictions can vary by specific water body.
Bear Lake Campground
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Mingus Ranch
~1h 20m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Cabresto Lake
~1h 23m drive
Moderate
Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel NF
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
La Veta Lake North Reservoir
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Purgatoire Campground
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Daigre Reservoir
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ponderosa Group - Lake Isabel
~1h 5m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
McEvoy Lakes
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Spruce Group - Lake Isabel
~1h 5m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Arnold Flood Water Reservoir
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel
~1h 7m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window, roughly May through September, once ice-off is complete on the higher lakes near Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campground. Summer mornings and evenings are the most productive times of day, especially on the smaller reservoirs like Daigre and McEvoy Lakes where midday sun can push fish deeper. Ice fishing is possible on some of the lower reservoirs in winter, but access roads to the San Isabel NF sites may be closed or require a high-clearance vehicle.
Most of the spots here are best approached as bank or wade fisheries. The reservoirs, including La Veta Lake North Reservoir and Daigre Reservoir, can accommodate small hand-carried watercraft like kayaks or float tubes, but don't expect developed boat launches. The river-fishing sites at Bear Lake and Blue Lake Campground in San Isabel NF are walk-in bank and wade situations.
Bear Lake Day Use Area, Bear Lake Campground, and Blue Lake Campground are all reachable by passenger vehicle during the main season, though the forest roads can be rough and slow going. Road conditions change after winter and after heavy rain, so it's worth calling the San Carlos Ranger District before heading up, especially early in the season. Give yourself extra drive time and don't count on cell service once you're in the forest.
