Lake of the Clouds, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Colorado, Lake of the Clouds belongs to Custer County. The ground around here is pine and birch. It is high ground by Colorado standards. Nearest town is Cañon City, 31 miles off. Lincoln Park lies 31 miles off, Salida another 33 miles. Close by you have: 1.9 miles out stands Cotton Lake, Horseshoe Lake within 2.9 miles, 2.9 miles out stands Teasup Lake, Cherry Lake within 3.2 miles and 3.4 miles out stands Hermit Lake. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lake of the Clouds

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Reported across Custer County: rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The shape of Lake of the Clouds rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 53°F and January near 16°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid May. In an average year the thaw lands around mid May and the freeze near mid November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. That shapes the year on Lake of the Clouds.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Cotton Lake is 1.9 miles off. Check the current arrangement for Lake of the Clouds.