Fishing Shepherd Lake in Garfield County, Colorado

• Overview

  The Garfield County end of Colorado holds Shepherd Lake. It lies 10,771 feet above sea level. It measures about 30 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The closest town, Gypsum, is 22 miles away. Beyond it, Glenwood Springs at 23 miles and New Castle at 26 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Shepherd Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Public occurrence data for Garfield County names cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill and brook trout. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Shepherd Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 53°F; by January the average is down near 16°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Ice-out usually falls in late May, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The lid tends to go about late May and return around early November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. It holds true on Shepherd Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. For a change of water, Wall Lake is 5 miles distant. Ask locally about Shepherd Lake if anything is unclear.