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Colorado · Fishing
Nederland sits at 8,228 feet in Boulder Canyon, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — which suits a lot of anglers just fine.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Nederland sits at 8,228 feet in Boulder Canyon, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — which suits a lot of anglers just fine. Long Lake and the two Green Lakes sit up in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, accessible by trail, while Barker Reservoir is right on the edge of town and walkable from Main Street. Left Hand Reservoir and Lower Neva Lake round out the options for those willing to put in a bit more legwork. Because all six waters in and around Nederland are lakes rather than streams, you're fishing stillwater year-round when ice allows, targeting whatever the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking schedule brings through. The elevation means a shorter open-water season than you'd get on the Front Range — expect ice-out somewhere between late April and late May depending on the winter, and ice-back by November. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly: this is solid mountain lake fishing, good for a half-day outing, not a destination trophy fishery. That said, an early morning on Long Lake with the Indian Peaks reflecting off the water is a hard thing to complain about.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks most of the accessible lakes in this area with rainbow trout, and some waters also hold brown trout or brook trout. Barker Reservoir has historically held a mix of trout species. Check the CPW stocking report before your trip since schedules and species vary by water and year.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license for all six waters listed here. Long Lake and Lower Neva Lake are inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness, which doesn't require a separate wilderness permit for day use, but the state fishing license still applies. Pick up your license through CPW's website or at local retailers before you head up.
Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Willow Creek Group
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Arapaho National Recreation Area
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Rocky Mountain National Park Moraine Park Campground
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Green Lake Number 1
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Left Hand Reservoir
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Long Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Barker Reservoir
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Duck Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lower Neva Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Crater Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Beaver Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window, especially in summer when afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast at this elevation. Plan to be on the water by 7 a.m. and off exposed terrain by early afternoon. Evening can also be good on Barker Reservoir since it's lower and easier to access quickly if weather turns.
The Long Lake trailhead is at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, which sits above 10,000 feet. Long Lake itself is a short, relatively flat walk from the parking area. Lower Neva Lake requires more elevation gain and a longer trail. Both are manageable for reasonably fit hikers, but the altitude hits harder than the mileage suggests if you're coming from sea level.
A light to medium spinning rod with 4-6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon covers most situations. Small spinners, PowerBait, and worms account for the majority of stocked trout caught in these lakes. If you're fly fishing, a floating line with a long leader and small nymphs or dry flies works well during warmer months when insects are active on the surface.
