Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in red-feather-lakes, Colorado
Red Feather Lakes sits in the Roosevelt National Forest about 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, and the fishing here is almost entirely lake-based.
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View on mapFishing · 10 spots
Red Feather Lakes sits in the Roosevelt National Forest about 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, and the fishing here is almost entirely lake-based. The activity list tells the story: Bellaire Lake, Island Lake, Parvin Lake, West Lake, Camp Lake, Carey Lake, Creedmore Lake, and the Creedmore Lakes complex are all within reach, along with the more remote Rawah Lake Number 4 for anglers willing to put in some trail miles. The one river option in the mix is Stub Creek, accessible via the Stub Creek Cabin area. Most of these lakes hold rainbow and brown trout stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with some waters also supporting brook trout. Access ranges from drive-up picnic sites like Bellaire Lake and Creedmore Lake Fishing Site to lakes that require a short hike. The area sits above 8,000 feet, so the season runs roughly late May through October depending on ice-out and early snowfall. If you are coming from the Front Range for a day trip, you can realistically fish two or three of these lakes in a single outing given how close they cluster.
Frequently asked questions
Which lakes are easiest to access for a casual angler or someone with kids?
Bellaire Lake Picnic Site, Creedmore Lake Fishing Site, and West Lake Day Use Area all have drive-up or very short walk-in access and are good starting points. Parvin Lake is also relatively accessible and is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a state wildlife area, so check current access requirements before you go.
What species can I expect to catch at Red Feather Lakes?
The lakes in this area are primarily stocked with rainbow trout, and some waters also hold brown trout and brook trout. Rawah Lake Number 4 is a backcountry lake and may hold wild fish, but stocking schedules and species mix can vary year to year, so check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking report before your trip.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license, and are there any special regulations?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license. Some waters in and around Roosevelt National Forest and adjacent state wildlife areas carry specific bag limits or gear restrictions, so look up the individual water body in the CPW regulations booklet rather than assuming standard statewide rules apply everywhere.
When is the best time of day to fish these lakes?
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for trout in high-country lakes. Midday can slow down significantly, especially in midsummer when surface temperatures rise and fish move deeper.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing at Red Feather Lakes?
A light to medium spinning setup works well for most of these lakes. Small spinners, PowerBait, and worms cover the majority of situations for stocked trout. If you plan to hike into Rawah Lake Number 4, pack light and bring a compact rod that travels well on trail.
