Fishing Owen Lake in Dolores County, Colorado

• Overview

  Owen Lake lies within the bounds of Dolores County, Colorado. It sits in rolling bush. Small enough that any disturbance crosses the whole surface. The closest town, Mountain Village, is 11 miles distant. Then Telluride, 13 miles, and Ouray, 23 miles. Near neighbours: Navajo Lake 3.3 miles away, Barlow Lake within 4.1 miles, Trout Lake 5.8 miles away, Priest Lakes within 6.2 miles and Woods Lake 6.3 miles away. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Owen Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Across Dolores County, recorded fish include black-spotted cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Owen Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 53°F and January near 17°F on the long-run figures. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late May. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late May until roughly mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. The season on Owen Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Navajo Lake at 3.3 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm before you fish Owen Lake.