Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in salida, Colorado
Salida sits in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, and while the river itself draws most of the attention, the fishing around town covers more ground than a lot of visitors expect.
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Salida sits in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, and while the river itself draws most of the attention, the fishing around town covers more ground than a lot of visitors expect. The listings here lean toward still water — Sands Lake and Ohaver Lake are the main lake options, Shavano Pond is a smaller, more accessible spot, and the Angel of Shavano Group area and North Fork Campground both offer lake fishing tied to their respective sites. If you want moving water, Bassam Guard Station puts you on a river stretch worth the drive. The mix means you can match your day to your skill level and how far you want to hike: Ohaver Lake has pier access, which makes it a reasonable choice if you're bringing kids or don't want to scramble a bank. None of these waters are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so set expectations accordingly — this is solid Colorado mountain fishing, not a trophy destination, but the scenery is hard to argue with and the crowds are lighter than you'll find on the main Arkansas corridor through Buena Vista.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at these spots?
The lakes and ponds around Salida — including Sands Lake, Ohaver Lake, and Shavano Pond — are typical of Colorado's stocked stillwater fisheries, where rainbow trout are the most common target. None of the waters in this listing set are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so you're fishing stocked fish rather than a self-sustaining wild population. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife's stocking schedule before your trip to time it right.
Is Ohaver Lake good for beginners or families?
Yes, more so than the other spots here. Ohaver Lake has pier access, which removes the need to navigate a rocky or brushy bank and makes it a practical choice for kids or anyone who wants a stable casting platform. The tradeoff is that pier spots can get busy on summer weekends, so an early morning arrival helps.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license to fish any of these waters. You can buy one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods shops in Salida. Carry it with you — wardens do check in this area.
What's the best time of day to fish these lakes and ponds?
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for trout in Colorado stillwaters. Midday in summer, especially at higher-elevation spots like those near the Shavano area, can slow down significantly as the sun gets high and water temperatures rise near the surface.
What gear should I bring for the lake and pond fishing here?
A light to medium spinning setup in the 5- to 7-foot range handles most situations at these stillwaters. Powerbait, small spinners, and worms all work reliably on stocked trout. If you're fishing Bassam Guard Station on the river, bring a slightly longer rod and add some split shot to get your presentation down in the current. Waders aren't required at the lake spots but are useful for the river.
