McCaslin Lake, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Within Boulder County, Colorado, you have McCaslin Lake. It sits at 5,203 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 11 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Lyons lies 4.2 miles from the water. Niwot is 5.9 miles and Longmont 6 miles. Others worth noting: Foothills Reservoir (0.6 miles), Trevarton Reservoir at 0.9 miles, Davis Reservoir (1.6 miles), Independent Reservoir at 1.6 miles and McCall Lake (1.6 miles). It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on McCaslin Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Public occurrence data for Boulder County names black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout and bluegill. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The shape of McCaslin Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 71°F and January near 30°F. Spring and autumn are the strongest, but nothing is truly closed. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. The season on McCaslin Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Foothills Reservoir at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at McCaslin Lake for certain.