Duck Lake Fishing near Nederland, Colorado

• Overview

  Duck Lake is a Boulder County water, Colorado side. Elevation runs to 9,413 feet. At roughly 8 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Nearest place of any size is Nederland, 8.5 miles away. Then Boulder, 14 miles, and Coal Creek, 14 miles. Within easy reach: Red Rock Lake at 1.5 miles, Tumbleson Lake after 1.8 miles, Beaver Reservoir at 2.4 miles, Silver Spruce Reservoir Number 1 after 2.7 miles and Left Hand Reservoir at 2.9 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Duck Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and brown trout. The county list is broader than any single water. The near bank of Duck Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 55°F, the coldest about 22°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid May. Open water usually runs from mid May until about mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. It holds true on Duck Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Red Rock Lake is 1.5 miles distant. Where Duck Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.