Ranger Lakes Fishing Guide, Jackson County, Colorado

• Overview

  Set in Jackson County, Ranger Lakes is a Colorado water. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. At roughly 8 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Some 25 miles away sits Estes Park, the nearest settlement. Then Granby, 29 miles, and Kremmling, 38 miles. Also on the doorstep: Lake Agnes 3.7 miles off, Grass Creek just 3.9 miles, Snow Lake 4.4 miles off, Michigan Lakes just 4.7 miles and Zimmerman Lake 5.9 miles off. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Ranger Lakes

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Records held for Jackson County cover brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, Arctic grayling and black-spotted cutthroat trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Ranger Lakes the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 53°F and January near 19°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid May. From about mid May to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Plan any trip to Ranger Lakes around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Facilities include toilets around 120 yards from here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Lake Agnes at 3.7 miles is the nearest alternative. None of that is settled for Ranger Lakes in what we hold.