A Guide to Fishing Near Breckenridge
Best Breck Fishing Spots
Breckenridge might just be a fisherman’s paradise. With year-round fishing opportunities, Gold Medal waters in abundance, and all the alpine lakes and rivers your heart could desire, no other mountain town compares. In the lakes, river, and reservoirs surrounding Breckenridge, you’ll find all kinds of trout, from Rainbow to Brown to the native Cutthroat Trout, but there’s also a chance that Arctic Char and Kokanee Salmon will be uncovered as well.
Today, we’ll break down some of the best spots to go fishing next time you’re visiting Breckenridge. Whether you’re just a beginner or you’ve been angling your whole life, this guide should be a great starting point for your next fishing adventure in Breck.
Fish the Nearby Blue River
For those who don’t want to travel too far out of town to get their fishing fix, the nearby Blue River offers plenty of opportunities to fish Gold Medal waters. This Colorado tributary boasts many different types of trout, no matter what month of the year that you are planning to visit.
The upper portion in particular is filled with brown trout during the early springtime, while winter fly fishing is often better on the portion of the river below the Dillon Dam due to the outflow’s steady 40 degree temperature. It’s safe to say, however, that no matter when you decide to fish this pristine river, you’ll find good-sized catches that’ll sate any fisherman’s thirst.
Angle in Every Season at Dillon Reservoir
Dillon Reservoir, located only about a 20-minute drive from Breckenridge, is a year-round fisherman’s dream. There’s a good reason that this reservoir is one of the most popular fishing spots in the state–it is annually stocked with around 50,000 Rainbow Trout and is one of the only places in the lower 48 states (other than Maine) where you are able to catch an Arctic Char, which were introduced into the lake in 1990 to aid in growing salmon and trout populations.
No matter what your skill level, from a first-day beginner to a lifelong angler, Dillon Reservoir has something to offer just about everyone. Best of all, it’s well-developed and incredibly accessible, making it an easy place to spend a day casting your line. If you’re not into fishing, there’s also plenty of other water activities to get up to as well.
Fish For Rainbow Trout at Montgomery Reservoir
For those who are just beginning to cut their teeth on fishing, Montgomery Reservoir is just a 30-minute drive south of Breckenridge off Highway 9. Although you cannot take a boat out onto these gorgeous waters, there are tons of opportunities to fish from shore while enjoying the majesty of the mountains unfolding before you. At this fishing locale, you’ll be able to find a large variety of trout, including Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Spend a few hours on these tranquil waters and you’ll come to find out why it’s one of the best beginner fishing holes near Breckenridge.
Find Cutthroat Trout and Beauty at Blue Lakes
Hunting for an alpine lake to cast your line? Check out Blue Lakes, both of which are located off of the Blue Lakes Trailhead about 25-minutes outside of Breckenridge. Although this trail can be quite popular because of its proximity to Mount Quandry, it leads to two of the most gorgeous lakes you’ll ever fish in, with pristine turquoise waters that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Here, there’s plenty of Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout for you to catch while spending a day full of alpine adventure.
Discover Trout and Salmon at Green Mountain Reservoir
About an hour north of Breckenridge lies another all-season reservoir: Green Mountain Reservoir. This spot, which is popular for ice fishing and fly fishing, feels like an escape from the rest of the world, with its gorgeous waters and incredible mountain views, and it feeds the aforementioned Blue River in an area well-known as “Jurassic Park”.
At this lake, you’ll find all types of trout, ranging from Rainbow to Hybrid Trout, but there’s also an opportunity to catch Kokanee Salmon and even some Northern Pike as well. Angling from shore is always a safe bet, but if you truly want to reel in the big catches, renting or bringing your own boat is a great way to spend an afternoon on the water.
Get in Some Epic Angling at the Mohawk Lakes
Up for a long hike to get to untouched lakes full of Colorado’s best fish? Check out the Mohawk Lakes for your next adventure. Although it is quite the trek to get to these pristine lakes (the Lower Lake is nearly 3 miles down the trail) you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible mountain vistas, waterfall views, and panoramic scenery on the way there. At both lakes, there’s the opportunity to catch plenty of healthy Cutthroat Trout. It’s a great place to spend a whole day enjoying the sunshine and fishing to your heart’s content.
Explore More Outdoor Recreation in Breckenridge
There’s few places better to fish (especially during the summer months) than in beautiful Breckenridge. Whether you’re hoping to land the coveted Arctic Char at Dillon Reservoir or you want a long hike that’ll have tons of Cutthroat Trout at its end, we have you covered.
Hunting for more fun outdoor activities in the Rocky Mountains? Have a glance at some of the best Breckenridge outdoor sculptures and art or some dos and don’ts for your first Breckenridge ski vacation.