Smith Lake near Durango: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  La Plata County in Colorado is where Smith Lake sits. It sits in rolling bush country. The water measures roughly 3 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Most waters listed here for La Plata County are larger. Durango is the closest town at 14 miles. Bayfield follows at 20 miles, then Mancos at 29 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Fish documented in La Plata County include rainbow trout, brook trout and bluehead sucker. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Fish Smith Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 63°F and January near 23°F on the long-run figures. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. Averages suggest open water from about early April through to roughly early December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Time your trip to Smith Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Stratton Lake, 1.2 miles away. Rules at Smith Lake are worth checking on the day.