Lily Pad Lake in Pitkin County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Pitkin County end of Colorado holds Lily Pad Lake. The surroundings are lake country bush. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Start from Leadville North, 12 miles down the road. Leadville is 12 miles and Aspen 17 miles. Also within reach: Windsor Lake sits 2 miles out, Virginia Lake roughly 2.3 miles, Hagerman Lake sits 2.5 miles out, Three Lakes roughly 2.8 miles and Lyle Lake sits 3.7 miles out. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Lily Pad Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Pitkin County records list cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and black-spotted cutthroat trout among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Lily Pad Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 52°F and January at 14°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late May. Averages suggest open water from about late May through to roughly early November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Plan any trip to Lily Pad Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. If the gate is shut, Windsor Lake at 2 miles is the nearest alternative. For Lily Pad Lake in particular, ask before you travel.