Middle Zapata Creek Lake Fishing in Costilla County, Colorado

• Overview

  In Colorado, Middle Zapata Creek Lake falls inside Costilla County. The setting is pine and birch on every side. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Our Costilla County list holds plenty of bigger water. Alamosa East at 21 miles is the nearest place to stop. After that come Alamosa at 23 miles and Center at 34 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Middle Zapata Creek Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Across Costilla County, recorded fish include cutthroat trout, white sucker, black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and yellow perch. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Treat Middle Zapata Creek Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 17°F in January and 57°F in July. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. On average, early May opens the water and mid November closes it again. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Middle Zapata Creek Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Lily Lake sits 2.4 miles off and takes the overflow. For Middle Zapata Creek Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.