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Colorado · Fishing
San Luis is the oldest incorporated town in Colorado, and while most people pass through on the way to somewhere else, the fishing around here is worth stopping for.
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San Luis is the oldest incorporated town in Colorado, and while most people pass through on the way to somewhere else, the fishing around here is worth stopping for. The three lakes within reach of town — Salazar Number 1 Reservoir, Leandro Lake, and Mesito Reservoir — are all still-water fisheries, which means you're working from the bank or a small watercraft rather than wading a river. That setup suits anglers who want a quieter, lower-effort outing without sacrificing a real chance at fish. The Costilla County area sits at high elevation in the San Luis Valley, so even midsummer mornings can be cold, and afternoon wind off the valley floor is a regular factor. None of these are trophy-destination lakes with a marketing budget behind them, but they're accessible, uncrowded, and the kind of places where a few hours with a simple setup can produce solid results. If you're driving down from Alamosa or up from Taos, any of these three reservoirs makes a reasonable half-day detour.
All three waters — Salazar Number 1 Reservoir, Leandro Lake, and Mesito Reservoir -- are lake fisheries managed under Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking programs. Without current stocking data in hand, it's worth checking the CPW weekly fishing report before your trip to confirm what species are active at whichever water you plan to visit.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most still-water situations well. Bring a range of small jigs, PowerBait rigs, and spinners. Since you're fishing from the bank or a small float tube rather than a drift boat, a simple tackle setup is more practical than a heavy load of gear.
Purgatoire Campground
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Salazar Number 1 Reservoir
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Cabresto Lake
~43 min drive
Moderate
Red River - Main Street Access
~49 min drive
Easy
Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel NF
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Eastdale Reservoir Number 1
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bear Lake Campground
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Mesito Reservoir
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)
~1h 20m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Leandro Lake
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bear Lake Day Use Area
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Beaver Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window at high-elevation lakes in this region. Afternoon wind picks up across the San Luis Valley and can make casting and presentation harder, especially from the bank. If you can only go midday, focus on shaded shoreline structure where fish tend to hold when the sun is high.
Yes. A valid Colorado fishing license is required to fish any of these waters. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods retailers. Make sure to check current regulations for Costilla County, including any bag or size limits that apply to the specific lake you're fishing.
Late spring through early fall is the primary fishing season at these elevations. Ice-off timing varies by year, but May through September generally offers the most reliable access and fish activity. Fall can also be productive as water temperatures drop, but check road and access conditions before heading out late in the season.
