Forbes Park Lake, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Colorado, Forbes Park Lake belongs to Costilla County. The surroundings are lake country bush. Around 45 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Around 1.1 miles of margin, front to back. For a base, Walsenburg sits 25 miles out. Further out sit Alamosa East (36 miles) and Alamosa (38 miles). It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Forbes Park Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Survey and observation records for Costilla County include cutthroat trout, white sucker, black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and yellow perch. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Anyone new to Forbes Park Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 58°F and January reads 19°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. The lid tends to go about late April and return around late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It holds true on Forbes Park Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Mountain Lake, 5.6 miles away. For Forbes Park Lake in particular, ask before you travel.