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. 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.