Fishing at Lake Ridge Lakes, Pitkin County, Colorado

• Overview

  Set in Pitkin County, Lake Ridge Lakes is a Colorado water. The ground round it is rolling bush. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. Our Pitkin County list holds plenty of bigger water. For supplies, Carbondale is 11 miles out. Boulder sits 120 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Lake Ridge Lakes

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Public occurrence data for Pitkin County names cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, black-spotted cutthroat trout and brown trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Lake Ridge Lakes gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 59°F and January about 18°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, late April opens the water and late November closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Plan around that when you fish Lake Ridge Lakes.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Lewis Lake at 8.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position at Lake Ridge Lakes before loading the car.