Fishing at Shavano Lake, Chaffee County, Colorado

• Overview

  Colorado holds Shavano Lake, in Chaffee County. Elevation runs to 11,926 feet. This is a pocket water of some 4 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Most waters listed here for Chaffee County are larger. Start from Salida, 14 miles down the road. Colorado Springs is the closest city, 77 miles away. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Shavano Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in Chaffee County include brown trout, rainbow trout, black-spotted cutthroat trout and brook trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Anyone new to Shavano Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 53°F; the cold one sits at 17°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Look for the thaw near late May; the fishing lifts straight after. The lid tends to go about late May and return around mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Plan around that when you fish Shavano Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Hunkydory Lake is 4.7 miles off. Where Shavano Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.