Fishing Island Lake in Gunnison County, Colorado

• Overview

  Island Lake is one of the Gunnison County waters in Colorado. It sits in lake country bush. It covers about 4 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. On size it sits at the modest end of our Gunnison County list. The closest town, Carbondale, is 19 miles away. After that come El Jebel at 22 miles and Basalt at 23 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Island Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Gunnison County records list rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Island Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 17°F to 60°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. Break-up near late April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. It sets the rhythm of the year at Island Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Aspen Leaf Reservoir, 6 miles away. What applies at Island Lake may have changed since it was mapped.