Lost Lake Fishing near Vail, Colorado

• Overview

  Out in Summit County, Colorado, sits Lost Lake. It sits at 10,177 feet above sea level. At roughly 10 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. For a base, Vail sits 11 miles out. The nearest city of size is Boulder, 55 miles away. Nearby alternatives: Black Lake after 1.2 miles, Black Creek Reservoir out at 1.7 miles, Doig Lake after 2.2 miles, Slate Lake out at 2.6 miles and Upper Slate Lake after 2.7 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lost Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Fish documented in Summit County include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and black-spotted cutthroat trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Lost Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 53°F; by January the average is down near 17°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid May. Open water usually runs from mid May until about early November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. That shapes the year on Lost Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Black Lake at 1.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Lost Lake.