Fishing Pagoda Lake in Routt County, Colorado

• Overview

  In Colorado, Pagoda Lake belongs to Routt County. It stands 10,371 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 6 acres — small enough to read in one session. 26 miles away sits Hayden, the nearest town. Craig is 29 miles and Meeker 31 miles. Within a short run: Stinsby Reservoir near enough 4.3 miles, Vaughan Lake 4.7 miles away, Lily Pond near enough 6 miles, Sable Lake 6.2 miles away and Anderson Reservoir near enough 6.5 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Pagoda Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Species logged across Routt County include brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Pagoda Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 18°F in January up to 55°F in July. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid usually goes in mid May, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Climate averages put the opening at about mid May and the closing near mid November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Pagoda Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Stinsby Reservoir, 4.3 miles away. What applies at Pagoda Lake may have changed since it was mapped.