Rainbow Lake Fishing near Lyons, Colorado

• Overview

  Set in Boulder County, Rainbow Lake is a Colorado water. It sits at 7,543 feet above sea level. It covers about 6 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. The closest town, Lyons, is 8.8 miles away. Beyond it, Estes Park at 9.4 miles and Niwot at 17 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Rainbow Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Survey and observation records for Boulder County include black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill and rainbow trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Rainbow Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 25°F to 59°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Rainbow Lake fishes to that pattern most years. Rain lifts the level and moves fish about.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Willow Lake is 0.2 miles off. What applies at Rainbow Lake may have changed since it was mapped.