Garrison Lake, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Jefferson County entry here is Garrison Lake, in Colorado. The ground around here is mixed woodland. At roughly 4 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Jefferson County. The nearest town is Arvada, 1.1 miles away. Arvada is the closest city, 1.2 miles away. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Garrison Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Open biodiversity records for Jefferson County list rainbow trout, brown trout, common carp and green sunfish. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Anyone new to Garrison Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 72°F, with January the cold end at about 31°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Garrison Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, North Henry Lee Reservoir at 1.6 miles is the nearest alternative. What applies at Garrison Lake may have changed since it was mapped.