Granite Lake in La Plata County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Granite Lake belongs to La Plata County, Colorado. The water sits 10,299 feet up. Around 29 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The town to know is Pagosa Springs, 30 miles out. After that come Bayfield at 30 miles and Ouray at 34 miles. Others close at hand: 4.7 miles out stands Squaw Lake, Ute Lake at about 5.8 miles, 6.8 miles out stands Twin Lakes, Emerald Lake at about 7.3 miles and 7.5 miles out stands Half Moon Lake. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Granite Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brook trout, bluehead sucker, black-spotted cutthroat trout and brown trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Anyone new to Granite Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 51°F, while January sits near 14°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late May. Average temperatures cross freezing around late May in spring and again near mid November in autumn. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Granite Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The water borders Weminuche Wilderness, so expect the reserve rules to apply. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Squaw Lake is 4.7 miles distant. Where Granite Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.