Hooked on South Fork
The Rio Grande Waters between Creede and South Fork are Gold Medal waters, which are catch-and-release fishing areas. Gold Medal waters keep the fish in the water and lets them grow to a larger size. The section of water between South Fork and Del Norte provides the best location for the opportunity to catch a Trophy Brown Trout. For more information on Gold Medal Waters in the South Fork area please consult the Colorado Regulations and property directory.
Gold Medal Waters are lakes and streams that offer the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing. When fishing any Gold Medal waters, be sure that you know what the possession limits for the area are and what types of fish are allowed. This information can be obtained through the current Colorado Fishing Season information printed, by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Rivers/Streams
The Rio Grande and its tributaries offer slow running waters, excellent for fly fishing as well as with lures. Many of its smaller tributaries, while offering smaller streamed size fish, are abundant with aquatic life, like Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. Some of the most popular fishing streams include; Embargo, Beaver, and Rock Creeks. The South Fork of the Rio Grande offers good stream and bank fishing, wading, bait, cast, and fly fishing for Browns, Rainbows, and Brooks. It is accessible by car with some walk-in areas.
Fishing Guide Services
South Fork Anglers
South Fork Anglers offers float trips and wade trips on the Rio Grande River and its tributaries. If you prefer a stretch of water all to yourself, allow South Fork Anglers to guide you to one of the their “Private Access Ranches”. Whether you are looking for your first fly fishing lesson or a well traveled angler, South Fork Anglers experienced local guides can show you the Rio Grande like no one else. For information or to book a float or wade trip please call 877-873-1977 or visit their website.
Local Hot Spots
Million Reservoir
Elevation 8,700 ft. The 4 acres of water offers a variety of Rainbow Trout, which are best caught on either bait, lures or flies.
Big Meadows
Elevation 9,200 ft. 114 acres of water, with easy access for kids and seniors, it is also HANDICAPPED-accessible. Big Meadows offers a variety of fish including Rainbow, Brook Trout, Salmon, and German Browns.
Beaver Creek Reservoir
Elevation 8,850 ft. 114 acres of water offers easy access for kids, seniors, and is also HANDICAPPED-accessible. Like Big Meadows there are various types of trout, browns and salmon, found in its water. Caught on any type of rig that you may want to use whether bait, lures or flies.
Shaw Lake
Elevation 9,850 ft. 20 acres of water. This lake offers good trolling for Cutthroats and Brookies. All caught equally well on any type of lure.
Hunters Lake
Elevation 11, 400 ft. 8 acres of water. The fish can be slow to bite, but are available for the patient angler. However, fly fishing is good for Rainbows. This lake requires a 1/2 mile hike from your car.
Pass Creek Pond
This lake is also good for bait and fly fishing for Rainbows.
Poage Lake
Elevation 11,100 ft. 12 acres of water. Slow but good fishing for Cutthroats.
Tucker Ponds
Elevation 9,700 ft. with 4 acres of water. This is a great spot for amateur fishing, with good bait and fly fishing for Rainbows.
High Mountain Lakes
Archuleta Lake
Elevation 11,720 ft. 4 acres of water is located in wilderness area and is only accessible by horseback or hiking. It offers slow fishing for Cutthroats, Rainbows and Brooks.
Crystal Lake
Elevation 11, 300 ft. approx. 9 acres of water in both the upper and lower lakes. Fishing is good for Brookies, Cutthroats and Rainbows at both locations.
Crater Lake
Elevation 12,700 ft. The 10 acres of water is excellent for fly, cast and bait fishing. It is located on the west side of the Divide, and offers great trophy Cutthroats and Rainbows. Access is by 4-WD or a difficult hike.
Also remember that Chinook Snowy Pines Cabins & RV Park can fix you a sack lunch to enjoy while on your great fishing adventure.
For more information on fishing in the area and local regulations, please visit the following websites:
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Fishing
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Fishing Rules and Regulations
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Buying Fishing Licenses
Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Colorado Fishing Atlas