Upper Peeler Lakes near Crested Butte: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Upper Peeler Lakes lies within the bounds of Gunnison County, Colorado. The setting is lake country bush on every side. It covers about 3 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. On size it sits at the modest end of our Gunnison County list. For supplies, Crested Butte is 4.9 miles out. Lakewood is the closest city, 121 miles away. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Upper Peeler Lakes

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Survey and observation records for Gunnison County include rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Take Upper Peeler Lakes a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 54°F, with January the cold end at about 12°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Once it clears, about mid May, the fishing comes on quickly. The water is typically free of ice between mid May and mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Plan any trip to Upper Peeler Lakes around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Lower Peeler Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on Upper Peeler Lakes is worth confirming on the day.