Fishing at San Luis Lake, Alamosa County, Colorado

• Overview

  San Luis Lake is one of the Alamosa County waters in Colorado. It stands 7,516 feet above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 798 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. Some 4.7 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. It is the biggest water on our Alamosa County list. Alamosa East is the closest place, 15 miles off. Alamosa lies 16 miles off, Center another 22 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on San Luis Lake

  This is salt or soda water, not a conventional fishery: do not expect the usual freshwater species here. Expect a pan of salt and mud most years; water arrives rarely and leaves fast. Anglers passing through do better on the neighbouring fresh waters listed on this page. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. At San Luis Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 67°F, the coldest about 18°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Once it clears, about late March, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, late March opens the water and late November closes it again. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish San Luis Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. There is a slipway on the shore, half a mile from the water we list. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. There are picnic tables half a mile away. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Bachelor Lake, 2.2 miles away. Signs at San Luis Lake carry more weight than any list.