Fishing at Emerald Lake, San Juan County, Colorado

• Overview

  Out in San Juan County, Colorado, sits Emerald Lake. The surroundings are lake country bush. At roughly 9 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Colorado listings. Durango is the closest town at 25 miles. Further out sit Telluride (25 miles) and Bayfield (26 miles). The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Emerald Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in San Juan County include black-spotted cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and white sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Work Emerald Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 18°F to 54°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid May. Climate averages put the opening at about mid May and the closing near mid November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Time your trip to Emerald Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Pear Lake, 0.4 miles away. Treat access at Emerald Lake as something to verify.