Thompson Lake Fishing near Ouray, Colorado

• Overview

  Thompson Lake is listed under Hinsdale County, Colorado. The surface lies 9,990 feet up. Some 19 miles away sits Ouray, the nearest settlement. Telluride is 27 miles away, with Mountain Village at 30 miles. Also within reach: Crystal Lake 2 miles away, Waterdog Lake just 3.5 miles, Lake San Cristobal 5.7 miles away, Slide Lake just 7 miles and Devils Lake 7.8 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Thompson Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Reported across Hinsdale County: brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout and black-spotted cutthroat trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Thompson Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 14°F to 56°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid May. Break-up sits around mid May on average, with the water closing again about mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Plan around that when you fish Thompson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Crystal Lake sits 2 miles off and takes the overflow. None of that is settled for Thompson Lake in what we hold.