White Owl Lake Fishing in Garfield County, Colorado

• Overview

  Within Garfield County, Colorado, you have White Owl Lake. It sits at 10,702 feet above sea level. At 13 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The nearest town is Glenwood Springs, 14 miles away. Boulder is the closest city, 109 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about. The surroundings are ordinary; the fishing is the reason to come.

• Where to Fish on White Owl Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Reported across Garfield County: cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill and brook trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Read White Owl Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 53°F, the coldest about 14°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Break-up comes around late May, and the run that follows is short and strong. The water is typically free of ice between late May and early November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. That is the shape of the year on White Owl Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Deep Lake is 1.9 miles distant. Confirm access to White Owl Lake locally before you travel.