Meridian Lake in Gunnison County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Gunnison County entry here is Meridian Lake, in Colorado. It sits at 9,695 feet above sea level. It measures about 30 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Crested Butte lies 2.9 miles from the water. Lakewood is the closest city, 116 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about. It suits a short session as much as a full day.

• Where to Fish on Meridian Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. 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. Survey and observation records for Gunnison County include rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Take Meridian Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 12°F and July at about 54°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Count the season from break-up, usually 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. Time your trip to Meridian Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. It is tagged for fishing in public mapping. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. The nearest alternative is Nicholson Lake, 0.7 miles out. Where Meridian Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.