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Fishing

The Forest boasts world class fishing streams and big game hunting. 

Shooting is prohibited in and around developed recreation sites.

Lake and Pond Fishing

The Forest offers more lakes, ponds and streams than you can visit in a summer! 

State laws apply to fishing laws and regulations on all national forests. Colorado fishing regulations.

Know Before You Go

Ice Fishing

Many of our lakes are generally available for ice fishing when the ice gets thick enough. Use extreme caution when testing the thickness of the ice. 

River and Stream Fishing

Rivers, creeks and reservoirs within the national forest system offer great opportunities for fishing. Many of the slow-moving bodies of water, especially reservoirs, offer an excellent variety of fishing opportunities.   There are miles of easy access fishing including on the Forest's namesake, the Rio Grande!

Search for Fishing Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 135 results

Adams Fork Trail # 713
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Winter Sports Fishing
The Adams Fork trail is 6.6 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 247 and ends at Forest Trail 813, CDNST.The trail starts above Platoro Reservoir and provides access into the South San Juan…

Alberta Lake Fishing Site
Site Open
Fishing Water Activities
Small impoundment holds Rio Grande Cutthroat and Brook Trout. Site has a concrete boat ramp and parking lot, and one dispersed camp site. Great place for canoes, small boats, float tubes.Fishing is…

Alder Bench Trail # 799
Hiking Fishing Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking Horse Riding and Camping
The Alder Bench trail is 6.5 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 610 right next to the Alder Creek Cabin and ends at Forest Trail 761.In the past, this trail was used by stockmen taking livestock up…

Alder Guard Station Cabin
Site Open
Biking Fishing Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking
The Alder Guard Station is located two miles north of the town of South Fork along Alder Creek. The guard station was built in 1910 and was the residence and office for the local ranger district. The…

Archuleta Trail # 839
Fishing Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
NOTE: Camping not permitted within 200 feet of Archuleta Lake.The Archuleta Trail is 7.0 miles long and well maintained. This trail is heavily used by hikers and stock users. It begins at Forest Road…

Aspen Glade Campground
Site Closed
Fishing Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
This is a pleasant and attractive campground that consists of three separate loops. There are 32 sites, 7 of which are pull-through. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and multiple restrooms on…

Bear Creek Trail # 778
Horse Riding and Camping Fishing Hiking
The Bear Creek trail is 4.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 653 and ends at Forest Trail # 777, Upper Deep Creek. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Fishing, and…

Bear Lake Trailhead - Trail # 721
Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Fishing Winter Sports
The Bear Lake trail is 3.34 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 105 and ends at Bear Lake, a popular fishing lake.The Bear Lake Trail provides a good starting point for longer backpacking trips.…

Beaver Creek Reservoir Boating Site
Site Open
Water Activities Picnicking Fishing Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Winter Sports Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Concrete boat ramp next to gravel boat trailer parking area with restroom. Serves as plowed parking in winter also for ice fisherman and snowmobilers. Motors are allowed on Beaver Creek Reservoir,…

Benino Trail # 786
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Biking Fishing Outdoor Science and Learning
The Benino trail is 5.2 miles long. It begins at Forest Trail 793 and ends at Forest Trail 792.Upper part of trail leads to the top of Mesa Mountain, great views of the Rio Grande River Valley. Lower…

Last updated February 11, 2026

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