One of the many lures (pun intended) of staying at the Outpost in the summer are the many options that our area offers fishermen and women. Whether fly fishing or spinner rod, fishing from a boat or hiking to remote locations, North Routt has plenty of options for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Great for Boats and Shore Fishing – Steamboat Lake State Park
Drive a half mile up the road from the Outpost and you’ll reach Steamboat Lake, a 1,053 acre reservoir that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and excellent trout fishing. There are two boat ramps, a marina, a fishing pier and a swim beach — perfect for the members of your group who maybe aren’t quite as excited about fishing as you are!
For more information on Steamboat Lake State Park, check out their website.
Great for Fly-Fishermen – The Elk River
The Elk River, which runs along Seedhouse Road and meets the Yampa further down Rt. 129, is the closest river to the Outpost. Runoff from the Zirkel Mountains makes the Elk unfishable in the springtime, but it usually slows down late June or early July, depending on the season.
For more specifics on the intricacies of fishing the Elk, check out this article.
Great for Families – Guided Fishing Tours with Steamboat Lake Outpost
Here at the Outpost we guide fishing cruises on Steamboat Lake throughout the week. Our tours are great for friends or families who want to relax on a pontoon boat that’s fully outfitted for fishing with casting and trolling options. Tours are 3-hours for up to 6 people. It’s a great way to enjoy the lake and have a great fishing experience without having to hassle over the gear or the boat–we’ll take care of it all!
You’ll find all the details on our fishing trips here.
Great for the Early Season Enthusiast – Inlet Streams
For anglers looking for a quieter experience and a chance to catch big fish, fishing the spring inlet streams isn’t to be missed. Join us for a very quiet time up here in the mountains—when there are no visitors and many locals head to the beach after a long winter. While there is less going on this time of year–many businesses have “mud season” hours and it’s too late for skiing but too early for hiking—it’s great for fishing and the solitude and space that many of us come to the mountains seeking.
Usually occurring late April through May, depending on the ice melt on Steamboat Lake, there are several streams in the area to fish.
Great for Fishing from Shore & Canoes – Pearl Lake and Hahn’s Peak Lake
One of the best things about our neighborhood (and admittedly, there are many!) is that Steamboat Lake is not the only lake in town. While it is the largest, nearby Pearl Lake (3.6 miles from us) and Hahn’s Peak Lake (5.0 miles) also have a lot to offer. Sitting at 167 acres and 100 acres respectively, these smaller reservoirs are great for shore fishing or canoes and other wakeless boats.
Entry to Pearl Lake is with a State Park daily or annual pass, while Hahn’s Peak Lake is run by the Forest Service, so be sure to bring a check or cash for the entry fee.
For the scoop on fishing at Hahn’s Peak Lake, check out this article from Coloradofishing.net.
Great for Adventurers – Gilpin, Mica and Gold Creek Lake
If you’re the type that wants an adventure on the way to fishing, then you should check out the trails that spur off of the Slavonia Trailhead down Seedhouse Road. From there you can ascend the steep trail to Mica Lake to fish for cutthroat on a beautiful alpine lake with great views of Big and Little Agnes. There’s also the Zirkel Circle hike leaving from that trailhead, which offers access the Gold Creek Lake and Gilpin Lake, both which are home to brook trout.
Remember, before you go: Colorado Fishing License
Remember that to fish at any of these locations, including on our guided tour, requires a Colorado State Fishing License. You can acquire these at the Visitor’s Center at Steamboat Lake State Park (check online for their hours) or by going to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Forgot something? We’ve got you covered!
We have a selection of fishing equipment in our store including live bait, rods, lures, flies and anything else you might have accidentally left behind. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction or to give you the latest fishing report.
Ready to plan your Steamboat Springs Fishing trip? Check out our lodging for the perfect base camp or book your guided fishing cruise here.
