Loading trail…
Colorado · Fishing
Molina sits on the western slope of Colorado at the edge of Grand Mesa, and the fishing around town is almost entirely stillwater.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 4 spots
No additional spots match this filter.
Molina sits on the western slope of Colorado at the edge of Grand Mesa, and the fishing around town is almost entirely stillwater. The four lakes and reservoirs in the area — Griffith Lake, Bull Creek Reservoir Number 5, Monroe and Barnes Reservoir, and the waters accessible from Black Bear Cabin at Mesa Lakes — are all lake fishing destinations, which means you're casting from shore or a small watercraft rather than wading a river. Grand Mesa itself is one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world and holds a dense concentration of lakes at elevation, so conditions here run cooler and seasons run shorter than what you'd find down in the valley. Ice-out typically comes later than anglers expect, and the bite can be strong in the weeks immediately after. If you're staying at or near Black Bear Cabin at Mesa Lakes, you have direct access to some of the closest water on the mesa without a long drive. The other reservoirs require a bit more navigation on forest roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is worth having. This is a practical, low-pressure fishery suited to anglers of most skill levels who want a quiet day on the water rather than a technical challenge.
The listings here are all classified as lake fishing, which on Grand Mesa typically means stocked trout — rainbow and cutthroat are the most common targets in these high-elevation impoundments. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking reports before your trip, since stocking schedules vary by water body and year.
Late June through September is the most reliable window once ice-off is complete and forest roads are passable. Early summer right after ice-out can produce aggressive fish that have had limited pressure all winter. By October, weather on the mesa turns quickly and some access roads close.
Black Bear Cabin at Mesa Lakes
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Grand Mesa
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Gunnison River - Black Canyon
~1h 8m drive
Expert
Jumbo Campground
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Roan Plateau - JQS Creek Cross
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Moose Manor Cabin
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Island Lake Campground
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Oak Cabin
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Aspen Leaf Cabin (Uncompahgre National Forest, Co)
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Monroe and Barnes Reservoir
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Griffith Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for trout in high-elevation lakes. Midday can slow down significantly in summer when surface temperatures rise, though overcast days tend to keep fish active longer.
A medium-light spinning setup with 4-6 lb monofilament covers most situations. Powerbait, small spinners, and worms account for the majority of fish caught at stocked reservoirs like these. If you fly fish, a floating line with a long leader and small nymphs or dry flies works well when fish are rising near the surface.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Black Bear Cabin at Mesa Lakes is a private lodging property, so confirm access details with the host before assuming public shore access. The other reservoirs are on or near Grand Mesa National Forest land, but road conditions to them can be rough — check with the Collbran Ranger District if you're unsure about current access.
