Get Ready for Summer Fishing in North Park

If you talk to just about anyone who has been to Walden, CO and North Park, it’s no coincidence they will mention fishing. Jackson County is an angler's dream destination for sport fishing in Colorado. But you don’t need to be a professional fly fisherman to enjoy the waters of North Park. It’s also a great place for beginners! 

From bait fishing on flat lakes and ponds to flies and lures only on gold medal waters such as the headwaters of the North Platte River and Delaney Lakes, Jackson County, CO has a wide range of water to choose on your fishing adventure. Just be careful you don’t get “hooked” on a new obsession. Many serious anglers started off casting a line with a worm on a hook in one of our lakes or rivers. It usually starts off small and builds up from there, leading to a lifetime interest and one of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer weekend yet conceived.

What Makes North Park a Great Place for Fishing?

Colorado and Wyoming have plenty of places to get your fishing game on, but North Park offers a real sweet spot when it comes to making the experience so rewarding. Other areas might be heavy on panfish, but where Jackson County lacks in bass, it more than makes up for in trout fishing.

Due to the altitude of most of North Park, lakes are restocked several times throughout the year, providing a variety of fingerling sized trout as well as larger fish that have wintered over year after year. You might already be familiar with the annual ice fishing contests that are hosted by the North Park Area Chamber of Commerce at Lake John.

Many waterways in North Park are connected at some point, allowing trout to spread out into remote areas where not only limited animal predation occurs, but the two-legged kinds of predators are also less likely to hike into these hard-to-reach spots to reel in some healthy trophy-sized trout.

The Trout of North Park

When it comes to mountain sportfishing, many anglers have their favorites. North Park has a good cross-section of many different types. Here’s what you can expect to find:

• Brook trout
• Cutthroat trout
• Rainbow
• Brown
• Mackinaw
• Cuttbow
• Lake Trout
• Tiger Muskie
• Arctic Grayling

Knowing the Habitat

The environmental conditions of clean, cold water, plenty of shrimp and other arthropods that make up the majority of forage, and plenty of duckweed to offer shelter from predation and sunlight are all ingredients that create ideal conditions for sportfish. The result is healthy trout with that sought-after pink flesh you cannot get from tank-raised fish. 

With our altitude and clean glacial water, you won’t find many fishing destinations outside of Montana with these kinds of conditions. Deep glacial lakes are home to mackinaw trout, tiger muskies, cutbow, brown, and other lake trout. Brook trout thrive in churning streams with cold runoff currents, hanging out during the bright times of day beneath undercuts and old fallen logs. 

Where there are bugs…

North Park is often a land of extremes, with some summer fishing seasons starting off strong after a long winter with plenty of bugs for the fish to eat. Common flying insect forage includes midges, a few brief weeks of mayfly hatching, and a few months of what locals often dread the most: mosquito season. Mosquitos make up a large part of trout diet, from the larvae, nymphs, and grown blood-sucking adults.

Trout also eat plenty of water beetles, dragonfly larvae, and anything else from tadpoles to rodents (depending on the size of the fish). Though the bugs are a nuisance to the rest of us, for the fish, it’s feeding time!

Knowing the lifecycle of local insects is almost as important as mastering the perfect cast. Details like knowing what rising fish are hitting the most are the best ways to catch your limit.

Do Your Research and Talk to a Local

When fishing in North Park, you’re in luck with how many resources you already have at your disposal. Doug Gibbs at Lake John Resort posts a regular fishing report as to what is working and at which lakes, creeks, and reservoirs in North Park. You can also drop in at North Park Anglers in Walden to visit with outfitters and other fishermen who know which areas are poppin’ and what bait, lures, or flies to use. 

Places in Jackson County to buy bait, lures, tackle, and other equipment are found on our Business Directory page:

• Lake John Resort
• North Park Anglers
• Powderhorn Cabins General Store
• Corkle’s Mini Mart
• Walden Sinclair Station
• North Park Supers
• Timberline Builder’s Supply

Free Fishing Day is Coming in June

In Colorado, summer kicks off on the first weekend in June with Free Fishing Day. This year, on June 7 and 8th, new would-be anglers can try out what could become their favorite pastime without having to purchase a fishing license. It’s a good way to find out if fishing is a good match for you. 

Many spring for a full year license, which can be purchased at numerous businesses around Walden and other towns in Jackson County (or elsewhere in Colorado). Fishing licenses are not only ways to regulate fishing and make sure anglers follow the law, but also go a long way to protecting fish and game habitats in Colorado for future generations.

Good places to fish in Jackson county

Here’s a brief guide to get you started in North Park with some great fishing spots. This list is by no means exhaustive! Visit with a local to find out where the fish are biting!

Walden

• Lions Club Park: half a mile west of town next to the caboose
• Michigan River: half a mile north of Walden on HWY 127. This river is very active and many places along its length allow public access on ranch land. Just look for the signs
• Illinois River: on the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge. Click link for regulations
• Canadian River: South of Walden

Gould

• Michigan Reservoir: at the State Forest State Park
• Michigan River: The headwaters of this river are active in brookies with plenty of beaver dams
• Lake Agnes: Fly fishing and lures allowed at this high country lake
• Ranger Lakes: Shallower waters, good chance of seeing moose!

Coalmont

• Teal and Tiago Lakes: Remote lake fishing with campgrounds
• Hidden Lakes: Plenty of options for RV camping near flat water
• Grizzly Creek: Plenty of brook trout for flies, bait, and lure fishing.

Mt Zirkel Area

• Big Creek Lakes: Deeper lake fishing with mackinaw, tiger muskie, and grayling!
• Lake John: Well-stocked with fat brown, cuttbow, and lake trout
• Delaney Lakes: Gold Medal Waters. Check limits for maximum fish allowed
• Various creeks and small rivers: Crystal clear lake creeks and beaver dams offer some great fishing holes for flies and bait fishing

Cowdrey

• Cowdrey Lake: on HWY 127 just south of Cowdrey
• North Platte River: Gold Medal Waters. Check max limits allowed. North of Walden on HWY 125 towards Saratoga, WY

A Summer for Fishing

If you’ve been waiting all winter for the weather to clear up so you can get your summer on, North Park not only has some dream destination spots for fishing, but also camping, backpacking, cycling, and stargazing. Check back on the VisitNorthParkCO.com site for regular updates of what is happening in the area. We also have social media and a substack you don’t want to miss. Each week a new article drops that helps you explore North Park like a local!

So break into summer this year by going out and touching some grass. Take a hike. Fish a lake. Explore this incredible outdoorsy retreat just beyond your backyard, far from the noise and traffic of the city. Visit North Park this summer to find out what Colorado is really about!

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Open House for the Continental Divide Trail Coalition

You might have read some of our articles on the CDT in North Park and what is being done to complete trail gaps at Muddy Pass. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is having an Open House on June 9th at the River Rock in Walden, CO. Light refreshments will be provided! Check the link here to learn more about it. There’s also a promo on our Calendar.