The 5 Best Fishing Waters Around Grand County

In Grand County, prime fishing spots aren’t hidden—they’re woven into every ridge, creek, reservoir, and river bend. Whether you’re casting from a drift boat or slipping into a quiet pool, the real reward is found in the journey as well as the catch. In this year’s Best of Grand contest, anglers highlighted several waters that stand out—each with story, structure, and its own rhythm.

Colorado River

The stretch of the Colorado River flowing through Granby is managed via a “beat” reservation system, limiting the number of anglers and reinforcing quality over quantity. In fact, the Town of Granby mandates six‑hour windows for two people per beat—a tactic designed to reduce pressure and enhance fish size. Public access is mixed, and sections are designated Gold Medal Waters under Colorado’s fishing regulations, with strict rules on lures, catch limits, and seasonal closures.

Fraser River

The Fraser River begins on the Continental Divide, descends through alpine terrain, and meets the Colorado just west of Granby. The upper reaches flow through national forest and are publicly accessible; lower sections run through private land, but some angling access remains via road turnouts and trail corridors. The river supports populations of wild browns and rainbows, and local conservation groups suggest giving the Fraser Flats section periodic rest from fishing (e.g. avoiding Tuesdays and Thursdays) to protect habitat.

Lake Granby

As one of Colorado’s largest reservoirs, Lake Granby offers open water fishing year-round. Its fish community includes lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, cut bow, and kokanee salmon. The lake is entirely self-sustaining with no heavy reliance on stocking, owing to its complex benthic habitat and productive food webs. Boating, shore fishing, and even ice fishing in winter make it a go-to water for anglers with a variety of styles.

St. Louis Creek

This quieter creek flows along forested terrain near Fraser and offers a peaceful alternative when larger waters feel crowded. Anglers value its intimate feel and mix of riffles and pools. Because of its smaller size, conditions can be sensitive to precipitation and snowmelt, making timing—and stealth—essential.

Willow Creek Reservoir

Willow Creek Reservoir—formed by Willow Creek Dam—is a compact but productive fishery with populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and other cold-water species. Its relative remoteness and manageable size make it ideal for anglers seeking solitude without giving up access to trout. The downstream tailwaters further enhance its appeal for walk-in trout fishing.

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