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Colorado · Fishing
Saguache sits in the broad San Luis Valley, and the fishing around it is quieter and more remote than what you'll find in the more trafficked corners of Colorado.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Saguache sits in the broad San Luis Valley, and the fishing around it is quieter and more remote than what you'll find in the more trafficked corners of Colorado. The options here lean toward smaller high-country lakes rather than big rivers, with Trites Lake, Davey Lake, and the Upper Crossing Guard Station area making up the core of what's accessible from town. These are not destination waters that draw crowds from Denver on holiday weekends, which is part of the appeal. Expect to share the water with a handful of other anglers at most, and in shoulder seasons you may have a spot entirely to yourself. Because all four listings in this area are lake fishing, you'll want to plan accordingly: a float tube or small inflatable can open up water that bank anglers can't reach, and that often makes a real difference on smaller mountain lakes. Access roads in this part of the San Luis Valley and the surrounding terrain can be rough and seasonally dependent, so checking current road conditions before you head out is worth the five minutes it takes. If you're driving from Saguache itself, build in time for the approach.
All of the listed fishing spots around Saguache are lake fishing locations, including Trites Lake, Davey Lake, and the Upper Crossing Guard Station area. There are no river or stream listings in this scope, so if you're set on moving-water fishing you'll need to look outside this immediate area.
For high-country lakes in this part of Colorado, late spring through early fall is the primary window once ice-out has occurred, typically sometime in May depending on elevation and snowpack. Early morning and late afternoon tend to produce the most activity, especially in summer when midday sun warms the shallower water.
Carnero Guard Station
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Brewery Creek Guard Station
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central CO)
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Rio Grande River - Wagon Wheel Gap
~1h 6m drive
Moderate
Kerr Lake Fishing Site
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Upper Crossing Guard Station
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Stone Cellar Guard Station
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ohaver Lake
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Arkansas River - Bighorn Sheep Canyon
~1h 15m drive
Moderate
Angel Of Shavano Group
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Cochetopa Creek Rec Site
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Platoro Cabin 1
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife before your trip. Check the CPW website for any specific regulations that apply to individual lakes, as rules on bait type or bag limits can vary by water body.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations on smaller mountain lakes like these. A float tube or small pontoon boat is worth hauling in if you can manage it, since it lets you work the full shoreline and deeper structure that bank fishing can't reach. Bring layers regardless of the forecast, as weather in the San Luis Valley and surrounding high country can shift quickly.
Access difficulty varies by location, and roads leading to more remote spots like the Upper Crossing Guard Station area can be rough, particularly early in the season when snow melt is still affecting unpaved surfaces. A high-clearance vehicle is a reasonable precaution for any of these lakes. Check road conditions with the local ranger district or county before heading out, especially if you're visiting before late June.
