Kelly Lake, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Kelly Lake is one of the Jefferson County listings for Colorado. The bank is 5,607 feet above sea level. Small at around 6 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is a small entry by Jefferson County standards. The closest town, Applewood, is 3 miles away. Golden follows at 4.1 miles, then Arvada at 4.4 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Kelly Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brown trout, common carp and green sunfish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Read Kelly Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 71°F in July and bottoms out near 31°F in January. Some winters cap it and some do not. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Time your trip to Kelly Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Hyatt Lake, 0.4 miles out. What applies at Kelly Lake may have changed since it was mapped.