Gold Creek Lake, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Colorado holds Gold Creek Lake, in Routt County. The surface lies 9,600 feet up. It covers about 8 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. You are 22 miles from Steamboat Springs. It is 85 miles to Fort Collins, the nearest city. Others worth noting: Gilpin Lake a touch under 1.4 miles, Peggy Lake at 3.7 miles, Ute Lake a touch under 3.9 miles, Twin Lake at 3.9 miles and Blue Lake a touch under 4.3 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Gold Creek Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Routt County records list brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The shape of Gold Creek Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 17°F in January to roughly 53°F in July. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Winter locks it down, and late May brings it back. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late May and starts locking again about early November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Gold Creek Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Gilpin Lake at 1.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Gold Creek Lake before loading the car.