Fishing at Allen Lake, Boulder County, Colorado

• Overview

  Allen Lake is a Boulder County water, in Colorado. Height above sea level is 5,679 feet. It measures about 38 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 0.9 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. On our Boulder County list it sits near the top for size. For supplies, Lyons is 5.9 miles out. Beyond it, Niwot at 6.5 miles and Gunbarrel at 8 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Allen Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Survey and observation records for Boulder County include black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and brown trout. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. On Allen Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 69°F and January reads 30°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Time your trip to Allen Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. The approach is tagged private, which usually means permission is needed. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Mapping shows a jetty some 130 yards off. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Joder Reservoir is 2 miles off. Treat access at Allen Lake as something to verify.