Fishing at West Lost Lake, Routt County, Colorado

• Overview

  West Lost Lake is a Routt County water, Colorado side. It sits at 10,338 feet above sea level. It covers about 13 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. The nearest town is Hayden, 29 miles away. Boulder is the closest city, 104 miles away. Near neighbours: Deep Lake 0.7 miles, 1.1 miles away is East Lost Lake, Dines Lake 1.1 miles, 1.6 miles away is Lily Pond and Long Lake 2.4 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on West Lost Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Reported across Routt County: brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, mountain whitefish and mountain sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Fish West Lost Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 53°F on average, January about 16°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Once it clears, about late May, the fishing comes on quickly. Climate figures give an open season running late May to early November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Plan any trip to West Lost Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. 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 the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Deep Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at West Lost Lake before loading the car.