Petry Lake Fishing Guide, Jackson County, Colorado

• Overview

  Petry Lake belongs to Jackson County, Colorado. This is pine and birch country. Surface area runs to about 10 acres — small enough to read in one session. The closest town, Steamboat Springs, is 23 miles distant. Fort Collins is the closest city, 70 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about. The county lists dozens named waters in all.

• Where to Fish on Petry Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Species logged across Jackson County include brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Petry Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 59°F and January at 18°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. After late April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Averages suggest open water from about late April through to roughly mid November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Petry Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Should this one be busy, Pole Mountain Lake is 4.2 miles off. Confirm access to Petry Lake locally before you travel.