Big Alkali Lake Fishing Guide, Gunnison County, Colorado

• Overview

  Gunnison County, Colorado, is where Big Alkali Lake sits. It stands 10,397 feet above sea level. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. Our Gunnison County list holds plenty of bigger water. Nearest town is Crested Butte, 8.8 miles off. Gunnison lies 14 miles off, Aspen another 31 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Big Alkali Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Public occurrence data for Gunnison County names rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Take Big Alkali Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 11°F in January and 54°F in July. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Count the season from break-up, usually mid May. Climate figures give an open season running mid May to mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Plan any trip to Big Alkali Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Red Mountain Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat Big Alkali Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.