Forest Lake, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Forest Lake sits within Grand County in Colorado. This is mixed forest ground. This is a pocket water of some 8 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Estes Park is the closest town at 11 miles. It is 35 miles to Boulder, the nearest city. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Forest Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Reported across Grand County: black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Work Forest Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 51°F and January near 18°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late May. In an average year the thaw lands around late May and the freeze near early November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Forest Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Rock Lake is 0.8 miles off. Check the position at Forest Lake before loading the car.