Fishing in Telluride, CO
Telluride is quite the catch! And trout tends to be the name of the game across the Uncompahgre, with more lakes, streams, and creeks than one angler could fit into a lifetime. With that, the cast leans mostly towards fly fishing, not to say there aren’t a couple lakes to bob around.
Around Telluride
To go fishin’ within the fairly-immediate area of Telluride, check out the list of our favorite spots below. And get your Colorado Fishing License if you haven’t already!
Dolores River - Upper Creek
The Dolores River near Telluride is a popular fly fishing area, with plenty of trout, caddis and hoppers to chase. This is a great river to fish when the water is lower and the pools emerge in the fall or early spring, not to say that the high flows through summer can’t be just as bitey.
Trout Lake
Trout Lake’s incredible scenery and easy access makes it a popular destination to fish near Telluride year round. As for the trout, anglers can snag brookies, rainbow and cutthroat from the banks or in non-motorized boats. Matterhorn Campground is a great basecamp for a fishing trip to Telluride with its close access to Trout Lake and other nearby brookies for fly fishing.
Alta Lakes
Alta Lakes comprises three high alpine lakes that are fairly easy to get to with 4WD. The scenery is nothing short of impeccable here, and if you just can’t get enough, dispersed camping is permitted. Anglers can explore all three lakes, but the lower lake is the only lake that is restocked by the Parks Service.
San Miguel River
The San Miguel River is an exceptional place to fish for trout, be it farther down river into warmer waters near the Dolores River, or higher up right in Telluride. For downstream fishing, easy spots can be found along CO 145, whereas the extra high country streams will require hiking or offroading.
3 Prime Fishing Spots along CO 145
While the Dolores River makes it easy to just pull off of CO 145 and pick a spot to cast off from, its contributing streams provide more secluded areas that are exceptional for solitude, scenery and supply.
Bear Creek
A gorgeous trail with plenty of meadows to stop and fish from about 40 miles from Telluride (about an hour drive). Trailhead is right off CO 145, 1.5 miles west of the Priest Gulch Campground.
Scotch Creek
Scotch Creek is about 30 miles from Telluride. It follows County Road 550. 1, offering plenty of pools along the way. The dirt road is fairly tame a few miles in, but 4WD is still recommended. Head south on CO 145 towards Rico, the turnoff will be on the east side.
Snow Spur Creek
If you don’t want to drive or hike into the boonies, Snow Spur Creek runs along CO 145 as the Dolores breaks south. You can find great places to pull off and fish between the Cross Mountain Trail and Lizard Head Pass.