Crystal Lake Fishing in Ouray County, Colorado

• Overview

  In Colorado, Crystal Lake belongs to Ouray County. It sits at 9,626 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 16 acres — small enough to read in one session. Ouray lies 4.5 miles from the water. Telluride lies 8.2 miles off, Mountain Village another 11 miles. Within easy reach: Lake Como (3.3 miles), Ptarmigan Lake just 4.3 miles, Rock Lake (4.4 miles), Lake Emma just 4.7 miles and Denver Lake (4.8 miles). The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Crystal Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Species logged across Ouray County include rainbow trout, brown trout and black-spotted cutthroat trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Crystal Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 52°F; by January the average is down near 13°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Once it clears, about late May, the fishing comes on quickly. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late May until roughly mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It sets the rhythm of the year at Crystal Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. A car park lies half a mile away, so the walk in is short. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Lake Como is 3.3 miles distant. Confirm before you fish Crystal Lake.