Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Telluride, Colorado
Fishing around Telluride means lake fishing, full stop. The four waters listed on this page — Trout Lake, Matterhorn, Alta Reservoir Number 3, and Lewis Lake — are all stillwater destinations, so if you're picturing a classic San Juan River drift-boat day, that's a different trip.
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Fishing around Telluride means lake fishing, full stop. The four waters listed on this page — Trout Lake, Matterhorn, Alta Reservoir Number 3, and Lewis Lake — are all stillwater destinations, so if you're picturing a classic San Juan River drift-boat day, that's a different trip. What you get here instead is high-country lake fishing in genuinely remote terrain, where the crowds thin out fast once you leave the pavement. Trout Lake sits just off Highway 145 near Ophir and is the most accessible of the bunch, making it a reasonable option if you're short on time or hiking with kids. The others require more effort to reach, which tends to mean better fishing and fewer people on the bank. Gear-wise, a light spinning setup or a 4-weight fly rod covers most situations on these lakes. Mornings and evenings are reliably the most productive windows, particularly in summer when midday sun pushes fish deeper. Colorado fishing regulations require a valid state fishing license for anyone 16 and older, and rules can vary by water, so check the CPW regulation booklet for the specific lakes before you go rather than assuming uniform rules apply across all four.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fishing is available near Telluride?
All four listed waters are lakes, so the fishing here is stillwater rather than river or stream fishing. Trout Lake, Matterhorn, Alta Reservoir Number 3, and Lewis Lake are the options covered on this page. If you want moving-water fishing, you'll need to look at nearby rivers outside this scope.
Which of these lakes is easiest to access from Telluride?
Trout Lake is the most accessible, sitting close to Highway 145 near Ophir, roughly a 20-minute drive from town. The other three lakes involve more elevation gain and trail time, so factor in your fitness level and how much gear you're carrying.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing at this elevation?
A light to medium spinning rod with 4-8 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon handles most situations on these high-country lakes. If you fly fish, a 4- or 5-weight rod with a floating line and a selection of nymphs and dry flies is a solid choice. Bring layers regardless of the forecast — weather at elevation changes fast and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
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. Midday sun in summer pushes fish deeper and makes surface activity sparse. If you're fishing in late summer, arriving at first light gives you the best shot before the heat sets in.
Do I need a fishing license, and are there any regulations I should know about?
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Regulations including bag limits and any special restrictions can vary by specific water body, so check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing regulations for each lake before your trip rather than assuming the same rules apply to all four.
