Fishing at Upper Cabin Creek Reservoir, Clear Creek County, Colorado

• Overview

  Upper Cabin Creek Reservoir lies in Clear Creek County, Colorado. Pine and birch runs right down to the water. At roughly 24 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Georgetown lies 4.1 miles from the water. Idaho Springs is 13 miles and Keystone 15 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Upper Cabin Creek Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Survey and observation records for Clear Creek County include black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and lake trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Upper Cabin Creek Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 50°F and January about 16°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late May. The lid tends to go about late May and return around early November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. It holds true on Upper Cabin Creek Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Lower Cabin Creek Reservoir at 1 mile is the nearest alternative. Rules at Upper Cabin Creek Reservoir are worth checking on the day.