Parika Lake, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Grand County, Colorado, this is Parika Lake. The surface lies 11,404 feet up. At roughly 4 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Most waters listed here for Grand County are larger. Start from Granby, 20 miles down the road. Boulder is the closest city, 43 miles away. Round about: Ruby Lake at 1.7 miles, Blue Lake lies 2.2 miles on, Bowen Lake at 3.5 miles, Pinnacle Pool lies 4.1 miles on and Lake of the Clouds at 4.3 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Parika Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Grand County cover black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Read Parika Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 51°F, with January the cold end at about 17°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late May. On average, late May opens the water and early November closes it again. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. The season on Parika Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Never Summer Wilderness runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Ruby Lake is 1.7 miles off. For Parika Lake in particular, ask before you travel.