Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Woodland Park, Colorado
Woodland Park sits at 8,465 feet in the Pikes Peak region, and the fishing around it is almost entirely stillwater — reservoirs and mountain lakes rather than moving water.
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reservoirLake fishing
Catamount Reservoir South
Woodland Park, CO
Lake fishing
Dikeside Boating Site
CO
Lake fishing
Homestake Fishing Site
CO
Lake fishing
North Catamount Reservoir
Woodland Park, CO
Lake fishing
Northfield Reservoir
Woodland Park, CO
Lake fishing
Promontory Picnic Area
CO
Surf fishing
Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area
CO
Lake fishing
Red Rocks Group Campground
CO
Lake fishing
Thunder Ridge
CO
Woodland Park sits at 8,465 feet in the Pikes Peak region, and the fishing around it is almost entirely stillwater — reservoirs and mountain lakes rather than moving water. Rampart Reservoir is the anchor of the local scene, with surf fishing access along its shoreline and enough elbow room that you rarely feel crowded even on summer weekends. Catamount Reservoir South and North Catamount Reservoir sit closer to town and offer lake fishing in a quieter setting, while Manitou Lake, just down the highway, has a paved pavilion area that makes it one of the more accessible spots for anglers who don't want to hike to the water. Northfield Reservoir, Thunder Ridge, and Homestake Fishing Site round out the options for those willing to explore a bit. The elevation keeps water temperatures cold well into June and again by late September, which generally works in your favor for trout. Most of these waters are stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, so checking the CPW stocking schedule before your trip is worth the two minutes it takes. None of the listings here are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so expect a mix of stocked rainbow trout alongside whatever has carried over from previous seasons.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at these Woodland Park reservoirs?
The waters around Woodland Park are primarily stocked rainbow trout fisheries. Rampart Reservoir and the Catamount reservoirs also hold some brown trout and kokanee salmon, though kokanee availability can vary by season and stocking cycle. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking report before your trip to know what has been put in recently.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license, and are there any local regulations I should know about?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license, available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online or at local sporting goods stores in Woodland Park. Some of these waters, including Rampart Reservoir, fall within Pike National Forest and may have specific rules around bait type or bag limits, so pull up the CPW regulation booklet for Water District 69 before you go.
What is the best time of year to fish around Woodland Park?
Late May through early July is productive once ice-out is complete and CPW stocking ramps up for the summer season. Early September through mid-October is a second strong window as water cools and fish feed more actively before winter. Midsummer can slow down during the warmest part of the day at lower-elevation spots like Manitou Lake, so early mornings are worth the alarm clock.
Which spots are easiest to access, especially for families or anglers with limited mobility?
Manitou Lake Pavilion has paved access and is one of the more family-friendly setups in the area. The Promontory Picnic Area and Meadow Ridge sites at Rampart Reservoir also offer relatively flat access to the water. Rampart Reservoir does require a short drive on a dirt road, but it is generally passable for standard vehicles.
What gear setup works well for lake and reservoir fishing at this elevation?
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations here. Powerbait and small spinners like a Panther Martin or Rooster Tail are reliable for stocked rainbows. If you want to fly fish from shore, an intermediate or slow-sink line with a small leech or chironomid pattern works well on calmer mornings at spots like North Catamount Reservoir.
