Fishing Claymore Lake in Larimer County, Colorado

• Overview

  Look for Claymore Lake in the Larimer County part of Colorado. Rolling hill runs right down to the water. It runs to roughly 74 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The edge runs 1.2 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. It is low-lying compared with other Colorado water we list. The closest town, Laporte, is 1.1 miles distant. Beyond it, Fort Collins at 4.2 miles and Wellington at 9.8 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Claymore Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Public occurrence data for Larimer County names black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and white sucker. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Claymore Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 71°F and January about 28°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Anyone fishing Claymore Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Reservoir Ridge Michaud Trailhead is the nearest mapped car park, half a mile out. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Reservoir Ridge Natural Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, Watson Lake is 1.8 miles distant. Treat access at Claymore Lake as something to verify.