South Park

Fishing in Park County varied

Photo: Gary E. Nichols

Looking to tackle some trout or maybe pounce on some pike? Then Park County is the place for you. Be sure to check fishing regulations with the Colorado Division of Wildlife at 303-297-1192 or visit www.wildlife.state.co.us.
Antero Reservoir: After being drained as a resullt of the ’02 drought, Antero is being refilled and is expected to be open to the public in 2007.

Eleven Mile Reservoir: From Lake George, turn south on CR 90 and drive for six miles to CR 92. Continue south on 92 for 5 miles to the park. Rainbow, brown, northern pike and kokanee salmon. Boating is allowed. Bait fishing is allowed. Four-fish limit on trout. Ten-fish limit on kokanee salmon. No limit on northern pike.

Geneva Creek: At the town of Grant take CR 62 north. Small rainbow and brown trout. Bait fishing is allowed.

Jefferson Lake: Take CR 35 out of Jefferson, turn right on CR 37 and follow it to the lake. Fishing includes rainbow and lake trout. Bait fishing is allowed. Boats are allowed.

Kite and Emma Lakes: Traveling north to Alma, take CR 8 left to the lakes. Rainbow trout. Small flies and lures.

Middle Fork of the South Platte: Most of the river from Alma to the bridge on Colo. 9 is private. From the bridge on 9 to the confluence with the South Fork of the South Platte is Gold Medal Water. Flies and lures only. All trout between 12-20 inches must be released immediately. Bag and possession limit is two trout and only one of them can be over 20 inches.

Within the Tomahawk SWA – Wild Trout Water. Fishing will be closed from Sept. 1 to Jan. 31. Brown trout are the predominate fish but you can catch a few rainbows.

North Fork of the South Platte: On U.S. 285, from the bottom of Crow Hill (Bailey) to Kenosha Pass. There is some public access, but most is private land. Most areas are not marked. Rainbow and brown trout are the main fish. An occasional cutthroat is possible. Bait fishing is allowed.

South Fork of the South Platte: Starts on Weston Pass and from where it crosses U.S. 285 to Antero Reservoir it is flies and lures only. Below Spinney Mountain Reservoir to the county line is Gold Medal Water. Flies and lures only. All trout between 12-20 inches must be released immediately. Bag and possession limit is two trout and only one of them can be over 20 inches. Brown and rainbow trout.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir: Rainbow, Snake River cutthroat, brown trout and northern pike. Boating is allowed. There are two boat ramps. Gold Medal Waters — flies and lures only. One fish limit on trout over 20 inches. No size or bag limit on pike.

Tarryall Reservoir: Tarryall was filled and open to the public in 2005. It is well-stocked with fish.

Montgomery Reservoir: Take Colo. 9 north out of Fairplay. Turn left onto CR 408 and follow it to the lake. Be alert for private property and closed areas. Fishing is prohibited on south side of reservoir and from the west face of dam.

Also, be sure to check out the map for even more places to fish.