We strive to provide the latest and most accurate fishing information available to our users. Obtain water from North St. Vrain Creek, approx. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Ouzel Lake. The lake and creek are one of the most beautiful in Colorado. Obtain water from the lake's inlet stream. Fishing is also revered in Colorado lakes, and, best of all, it is a sport that can be done all year, with ice-fishing popular on many of the lakes listed here come winter. The Siskin site is located 3.2 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 9,460'. Use of lead sinkers (or other lead fishing materials) is strongly discouraged. Whether you’re fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a bite here are good. The sites lie in a thick lodgepole stand on the north side of the trail, just after it crosses North St. Vrain Creek. Colorado Fishing Guide The Tohosa site is located 1.7 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 9,040'. Obtain water from North St. Vrain Creek, approx. HookandBullet.com, a Montlake Media brand. We float and … Water is very close. It rises in the Chiltern Hills and flows 20 miles north to join the Ouse at Newport Pagnell. Visitors will enjoy prize fishing and good views through thin forests on the hike to Ouzel Lake: The trail rises gently beside North St Vrain Creek to spurs for Lower and Upper Copeland Falls (.35 and .45 miles). Ouzel Lake is accessed from the Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Add an additional 1/2 mile spur trail to reach great trout fishing at Ouzel Lake. The site is located north of the trail and east of the privy in a mixed lodgepole, spruce, and fir forest. Georgetown Lake is the first fishing destination on our list that puts you in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. +1,510' net elevation gain (+1,702' total roundtrip elevation gain), "Big bull moose hanging around the lake this weekend! Print Trail Colorado lakes offer some of the best fishing opportunities for walleye, bass, pike, trout, kokanee salmon, catfish, and crappie. Guided Fishing trips to learn the use of Baits, Lures, & Flies to fish for multiple freshwater fish species from the bank of a pond, lake, river or through the ice. There are 2 individual sites and a privy. The site is located north of the trail and east of the privy in a mixed lodgepole, spruce, and fir forest. The trail bends west through the heart of the 1978 Ouzel Fire zone with good views across Wild Basin through a culled forest: Pilot Mountain (12,222'), Mount Alice (13,310'), Mt Meeker (13,911) and Longs Peak (14,259') are visible to the northwest, and Copeland Mountain's (13,176') north flank frames Ouzel Lake to the south. The trail wraps up a north-facing valley wall and passes through an area touched by lightning-induced fire in 1978 (2.1 miles : 9,100'). Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. It is without a doubt one of the best campsites in Colorado. Children 12 years of age or under, however, may use worms or preserved fish eggs in all park waters open to fishing except those designated as catch-and release areas. No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. Obtain water from the lake's. Join us as we discuss the Colorado Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Ouzel Lake is considered to be one of the best fly fishing destinations for greenback cutthroat trout in the entire park. Populations of at least four species of trout exist in the park - brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat. Page 4. You should obtain a copy of the Colorado sport fishing regulations when you purchase a Colorado fishing license and Park fishing regulations from Park officials when you enter the Park. Now get out there and fish! All rights reserved. Despite significant damage, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Beyond getting into the water, lakes offer opportunities to hike, as well as beaches for sunbathing , … Colorado Fishing Photos submitted by Fish Explorer members. The Upper Ouzel Creek Backcountry Campsite is a remote one-site camping area in the valley below Bluebird Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Wild Basin. From Estes Park, head south on Highway 7 for 11 miles to the Wild Basin turnoff on the west side of the road. Dogs are not permitted on hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Good base camp to go to Bluebird. Hiking to Bluebird Lake offers up incredible views of Rocky Mountain National Park and relative solitude. The Wild Basin Trailhead is located 2.15 miles from the entrance station. A food storage cable is located 20 steps up the access trail in a small clearing on the left, and parallel to the trail. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. Sitting at an elevation of roughly 10,020 feet, Ouzel Lake has a reputation as being one of the top fly-fishing destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park, most notably for its native greenback cutthroat trout (catch and release only). Bluebird Lake is a 6 mile hike to an alpine lake surrounded by craggy peaks in the Wild Basin of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trip Reports The trail steepens to Ouzel Falls (2.6 miles : 9,366'), drops and rises back to the Ouzel Lake - Thunder Lake Trail split (2.95 miles : 9,418'). The site is located along the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail in a lodgepole stand. There is 1 individual site and no privy. The spur turns south and crosses the valley on a variously faint and uneven path to Ouzel Lake (4.95 miles : 10,010'). Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Obtain water from the creek. The campsite is awesome. River Ouzel between Northall and Billington. Grasses and flowers now fill the hillsides, while young aspen and lodgepole emerge in replenished soils. The lake, on both sides of the Rockies, promises a great time of fishing in Colorado. Ouzel Lake (10,010') is located 4.95 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a moderate, 4.9 mile, creekside hike that passes several beautiful cascade waterfalls, including one of our favorites, Ouzel Falls. There is 1 individual site and a privy available. The site is located along the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail in a mixed aspen-spruce-lodgepole forest. Ouzel Lake is nestled in an expansive valley in the Wild Basin, and is one of the better fishing destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ouzel Lake Trail is a 10 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Allenspark, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Ouzel Falls, Ouzel Creek and Ouzel Lake are all named after the water ouzel (or dipper), which is a small bird that dives under the water in search of food. Here is your Grand County fishing report for the week of 10-11-2020 Grand Lake - Lake trout are in 20 to 40 feet of water and the bite has been decent. There are 3 individual sites, 1 group site, and 1, The Ouzel Lake site is located 4.9 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead at 10,020'. Length 10 miElevation gain 1683 ftRoute type Out & back Obtain water from the creek. Ouzel Lake Backcountry Campsite sits on the north edge of Ouzel Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Wild Basin. There are numerous back country campsites en route to the lake. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. A food storage cable is about 8 steps past the spur to site #1. Did not get..." Watson Lake. There is 1 individual site and a privy available. Obtain water from North St. Vrain Creek, approximately 200 yards downhill from the site. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. There are 2individual sites and a privy. Whether you’re fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a bite here are good. Turn west on the dirt road to the entrance station .15 miles ahead. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is 1 individual site available, located north of the trail above the hitchrack and natural terraces. The site, 5.6 miles from Remote fly fishing river rafting trips in Alaska and Kamchatka FISH AND FLOAT All of our trips travel by Sotar inflatable rafts human powered by oars. 135 yards downhill from the site. Sport fishing is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park. *Individuals over 18 and under 65 are required to purchase a $10 Habitat Stamp with the first license purchase for the year. If you would like to escape the crowds, consider staying away from popular fishing locations like Chatfield State Park , Cherry Creek Reservoir , and Boulder’s Reservoir. The lake is surprisingly shallow to have holdover fish, but a few deep channels keep fish through the winter. Obtain water from North St. Vrain Creek. Built for Colorado anglers, by Colorado anglers. The Thunder Lake site is located 6.8 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead at 10,574'. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and restore the forest to its ecological climax. ", "The views along the way are spectacular. The Upper Ouzel Creek site is located 5.6 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead at 10,600', approximately .7 miles below Bluebird Lake. Fishing was popular with early settlers and visitors in the Rocky Mountains. The Colorado Fishing Atlas, the latest interactive mapping tool offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, allows users to search for fishing opportunities by species, specific interest or proximity to your home or destination. Comments, Backcountry Campsites in the Wild Basin Area. Check out our Fishing Times chart to determine when the fish will be most active. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. The site is located .3 miles up the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail in a lodgepole stand at the edge of a small rocky bluff. Ouzel Lake 45.0766, -109.7885 Fishing Status is the world's largest provider of fishing spots and data for the fishing community. Check with the back country office well in advance, as they're popular sites and may be periodically closed due to bear activity. ", "The secluded road to the Wild Basin trailhead makes one think they have found a hidden spot, but upon arrival the lot was nearly full and crawling with people all headed for Ouzel Lake - definitely not a trail for those seeking solace. The Wild Basin Area is heavily traveled; arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. No bait or worms are allowed in catch-and-release waters. Tips, tactics, gear reviews for everything from bass and bluegills to stripers and bluefish - if it's fishing related, we cover it. The Pine Ridge site is located 1.4 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 8,880'. The trail undulates along the exposed ridge to the Ouzel Lake spur (4.5 miles : 10,026'). With all of the options — from fly fishing to bank fishing, lake fishing to night fishing and more — it can be difficult to zero in on just one spot. Catch and release only, but because of that you can catch a variety of fish..." Thomas Reservoir, "Right by the parking lot watched the lake get stocked today pulled in about 50 not exaggerating get..." Harper Lake, "Caught a couple of 12in rainbows by the inlet off of a gold and a silver castmaster. The North St Vrain site is located 3.5 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 9,560'. One of the four lakes in the Park which contains brookies and greenback cutthroat, Ouzel Lake is the most prolific with sizable populations of both. Call ahead for conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Information: 970.586.1206. It's in a small clearing to the left and runs perpendicular to the trail. Trail conditions are more rugged and may be obscured by snow and runoff well into summer. Will not show on comments list. December 22, 2020 4:31:00 PM Choose from 24 fishing rivers and lakes in Colorado where you and your family can vacation. Bring your fly rod and extra batteries for your camera. Learn to use Spinning Reels & Traditional Reels. It's your responsibility to know and obey them. Fishing conditions in a lake, river, or reservoir vary; a fishing location could hardly have fish one day and abounding with fish the next day. The trailhead is located 2.3 miles west of Highway 7 between the towns of Allenspark and Estes Park. Trail Photos The Colorado fishing license year is April 1 – March 31. The sites are located along the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail, right where it rejoins the main trail. Lawn Lake and Big Crystal Lake (along the Roaring River) Whether you’re baitcasting, spinning or fly fishing your chances of getting a bite here are Give yourself about 4 hours if you are carrying a pack. This does not include: (a) any hand malleable material designed to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell; (b) any device to which scents or smell attractants have been externally applied; (c) molded plastic devices less than one and one-half inch in length; (d) foods; (e). Ouzel Lake is a lake located just 13.6 miles from Estes Park, in Boulder County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Allenspark, CO. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brook trout and cutthroat trout here. Bluebird Lake is a challenging 1.9 mile - 968' climb from the Ouzel Lake spur. 9 & 10. The northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park, bordering the Mummy Range, has some the best high altitude fishing in the park, with a number of options for truly secluded fishing with a difficult backpack and hike approach, but some of the most remote territory in the park. ", N40 12.464 W105 33.990 — 0.0 miles : Wild Basin Trailhead, N40 12.230 W105 34.391 — .45 miles : Spur to Upper Copeland Falls, N40 12.022 W105 35.293 — 1.35 miles : Spur to backcountry campsites, N40 11.731 W105 35.426 — 1.8 miles : Calypso Cascades, N40 11.919 W105 35.981 — 2.65 miles : Ouzel Falls, N40 12.094 W105 36.197 — 3.0 miles : Ouzel Lake and Bluebird Lake Trail junction, N40 12.040 W105 36.332 — 3.3 miles : Reach E-W ridge over Ouzel Lake drainage, N40 12.196 W105 36.898 — 3.8 miles : Undulating travel along exposed ridge, N40 12.141 W105 37.518 — 4.5 miles : Ouzel Lake spur - bear left, N40 11.983 W105 37.875 — 4.95 miles : Ouzel Lake. Aurora Reservoir This waterbody of 800 acres holds a record for the largest smallmouth bass both by weight and by the length in the state while largemouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, and catfish also reside in abundance. A $20 Day Use Fee is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park (or $30 for a 7 Day Pass). Enjoy. Parking is limited, and roadside restrictions are strictly enforced. Those continuing on will have a good view across the Ouzel Lake basin and the fire's selective path. 160 yards downhill from the site. Bear left for a short, moderately steep climb to a divisive E-W ridge between the Ouzel Creek drainage (south) and North St Vrain Creek drainage (north). Some suckers also inhabit the streams and lakes. "This Lake is amazing. Find accommodations near fishing lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, streams & creeks. The Ouzel Lake site is located 4.9 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead at 10,020'. There is 1 individual site and no privy. While the cuttys are catch-and-release only, you can keep a legal amount of brook trout from the lake and the creek (as long as you’re fishing above the falls). The Wild Basin tapper down, located north of the most beautiful in Colorado where you and family... 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