O'Haver Lake Fishing in Chaffee County, Colorado

• Overview

  In Colorado, O'Haver Lake belongs to Chaffee County. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. About 15 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Salida sits 11 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Buena Vista is 29 miles and Gunnison 43 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on O'Haver Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Chaffee County: brown trout, rainbow trout, black-spotted cutthroat trout and brook trout. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. O'Haver Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 58°F in July and bottom out at 18°F in January. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. It sets the rhythm of the year at O'Haver Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Overnight stays are possible about 150 yards out, where camping is mapped. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Silver Creek Lakes sits 2.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish O'Haver Lake.