Fishing
Discover great fishing in the rivers and lakes of Grand County. For those who savor fly-fishing, the lure is mountain trout—the native cutthroat, brook, brown and one of the greatest of all game fish, the rainbow. Great jumpers, rainbows put on a display of aerial acrobatics when hooked. A favorite spot for fly-fishing is the Fraser River, which begins on Berthoud Pass and flows north through Winter Park, Fraser and Tabernash. The river parallels Hwy 40 with several Forest Service campgrounds and picnic areas along the highway. The famous Colorado River is joined by the Fraser River west of Granby. This stretch of river from Granby downstream to Troublesome Creek, five miles from Kremmling, contains some of the best trout fishing in the state. This area is artificial flies and lures only and all trout must be returned to the water immediately. Check local fishing regulations regarding barbless hooks.
The Lions Club Fishing Ponds in Fraser off Hwy 40 offer a convenient and enjoyable fishing experience for the entire family. The upper pond is just for kids and disabled anglers.
Willow Creek and Willow Creek Reservoir, located west of Granby, are both good fishing areas for trout. Willow Creek Reservoir has a boat ramp, campground and picnic area. Fourteen miles of Willow Creek are open to public fishing. The Forest Service has two campgrounds in this area.
The mountains make an impressive setting for fishing on Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain and Grand Lake. In addition to rainbows and browns, the lakes are popular for mackinaws and kokanee salmon.
Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park are not stocked and only about 50 of the 147 lakes have fish. Pick up a brochure listing lakes with fish and park regulations at a visitor center in the park.
