Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Red Cliff, Colorado
Red Cliff sits in a narrow stretch of the Eagle River valley in Eagle County, and the fishing around town leans heavily toward high-country lakes rather than big tailwaters.
11 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 11 spots
Red Cliff sits in a narrow stretch of the Eagle River valley in Eagle County, and the fishing around town leans heavily toward high-country lakes rather than big tailwaters. The surrounding Holy Cross Wilderness and adjacent terrain hold a solid collection of alpine lakes — Whitney Lake, Robinson Lake, the Seven Sisters Lakes, Blodgett Lake, Black Lake, the Missouri Lakes, Lost Lakes, and Lonesome Lake — most of them sitting well above 11,000 feet and holding populations of cutthroat and brook trout typical of Colorado's alpine basins. For moving water, Fancy Creek, Fall Creek, and the Missouri Lakes drainage offer smaller stream fishing that rewards patience and light tackle. Access to most of these spots requires a hike of at least a few miles, so this isn't a pull-up-and-cast destination. The tradeoff is real solitude and water that doesn't see heavy pressure. If you're based in Red Cliff and want to fish multiple days, you can realistically work through several lake basins across a long weekend without repeating yourself.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to fish the lakes around Red Cliff?
Most of the alpine lakes in this area — including the Missouri Lakes, Seven Sisters Lakes, and Whitney Lake — are locked under ice until late June or early July, depending on snowpack. The productive window runs from ice-out through mid-September, after which early storms can make the approach trails slippery and the fish less active. July and August are the most reliable months for consistent access and feeding fish.
What time of day is best for fishing these high-country lakes?
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows at alpine lakes like Blodgett, Robinson, and Lonesome Lake. Midday sun pushes fish deeper and slows surface activity significantly. On overcast days the bite can hold through the afternoon, which is worth noting since afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August — plan to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon regardless.
What gear should I bring for the stream fishing on Fancy Creek and Fall Creek?
These are small mountain streams, so a 7- to 8-foot rod in the 2- to 4-weight range is practical. Ultralight spinning gear works too. The fish aren't large, but the brushy banks and tight casting lanes mean shorter, more accurate presentations matter more than distance. A small selection of dry flies or inline spinners in the 1/16 to 1/8 oz range covers most situations.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license, and are there any special regulations I should know about?
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Several of the lakes near Red Cliff fall within or adjacent to the Holy Cross Wilderness, which doesn't add fishing-specific restrictions on its own, but Colorado Parks and Wildlife does designate some waters with special bag limits or gear restrictions. Check the current CPW regulations for Eagle County waters before your trip, as rules can change season to season and vary by specific water body.
How difficult is the hike to reach lakes like the Missouri Lakes or Seven Sisters Lakes?
Both the Missouri Lakes and Seven Sisters Lakes trails involve several miles of hiking with meaningful elevation gain — these aren't short walks from the trailhead. The Missouri Lakes trail from the Fancy Creek trailhead area is roughly 4 miles one way with around 1,600 feet of gain. Factor in the altitude, which starts above 9,000 feet at the trailhead and climbs from there, and plan for a slower pace than you'd keep at lower elevations. Day-hiking with a full pack of fishing gear is doable for reasonably fit hikers, but an overnight camp at the lakes gives you far more fishing time.
