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Colorado · Fishing
Lakewood sits in the Denver metro area but still manages to offer a handful of legitimate fishing spots worth your time. The three main options are Smith Reservoir and Ward Reservoir Number 1, both suited to lake fishing, and the river fishing stretch at Bear Creek Lake City Park.
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Lakewood sits in the Denver metro area but still manages to offer a handful of legitimate fishing spots worth your time. The three main options are Smith Reservoir and Ward Reservoir Number 1, both suited to lake fishing, and the river fishing stretch at Bear Creek Lake City Park. The reservoirs are your best bet for a relaxed session — you can work the banks without much gear or planning. Bear Creek Lake City Park adds a different dimension with moving water, which tends to attract anglers looking for a change of pace from still-water fishing. None of these are remote wilderness destinations, so expect other park users sharing the space, especially on weekends. That said, early mornings on a weekday at either reservoir can be genuinely quiet. Lakewood's fishing is accessible and low-commitment — you're not driving two hours into the mountains, and you don't need a boat. It's a solid option for newer anglers, families, or anyone who wants to wet a line without making a full day of it.
Lakewood has two lake fishing spots — Smith Reservoir and Ward Reservoir Number 1 — and one river fishing location at Bear Creek Lake City Park. The reservoirs are calm-water environments good for bank fishing, while Bear Creek offers moving water with a different set of techniques and conditions.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required at all three locations for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online or at local sporting goods retailers before your visit.
Smith Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bear Creek Lake City Park
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ward Reservoir Number 1
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Cherry Creek State Park
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Soda Lakes
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Incinerator Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Grant B Reservoir
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bowles Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Hine Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lower Tule Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
King Fisher Lake Reservoir
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Centennial Park Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
For Smith Reservoir and Ward Reservoir Number 1, a basic spinning setup with 6-10 lb monofilament is practical for bank fishing. Bring a small tackle selection with bobbers, hooks, and a few soft plastics or PowerBait-style baits, which tend to work well on stocked reservoir fish.
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, is consistently the most productive window at both the reservoirs and Bear Creek. Evening before sunset is a close second. Midday fishing during summer is slower and the parks get busier with non-anglers.
Yes, all three spots are accessible and don't require technical skill or specialized gear. The reservoirs in particular are flat, open, and easy to navigate with kids. Bear Creek Lake City Park involves moving water, so it's slightly more engaging for beginners who want to learn river fishing basics without dealing with difficult currents.
