Secret Fishing Spots

Don't tell anyone, but these places offer great fishing, no crowds and marvelous scenery.

Hunky Dory Lake, high (12,000 ft) above the North Fork may be the best fishing in the state of Colorado. At this lake, the cutthroat are so hungry and stupid that you could probably catch them with pine cones. To get there: Drive Highway 50 west out of Salida to the North Fork Road (county road 240), turn right here, and follow this road for several miles. North Fork Road is rough, but passable to cars with reasonable clearance. Look for a small Forest Service Sign saying "Town of Shavano". Park here, and get ready to hike. Near the parking area is a road/trail crossing the North Fork. Follow this, it ends pretty soon, and you are confronted with a rocky hillside, follow this up for several hundred feet, once on the plateau, turn right (west) and follow the valley to Hunky Dory. Toss out whatever you have, and catch those trout!

If you have a 4WD, continue up Hwy 50 to the small town of Garfield. Across from the Monarch Lodge you will find Forest Road 230. Take this up to the obvious end of the road. This is moderate four wheeling, most cars cannot do this road, it is only an hour and a half hike. From the parking area, walk a short 5 minutes to a large open meadow. Through this meadow, meanders the North Fork of the South Arkansas, a prettier stretch of water doesn't exit. This is real fishing, stalking required. Your best bet is to sneak up on your knees. While they may not see you, they can hear your footfalls. Pick your trout, and cast gently, small tippets and small flies work best here. Good Luck!

Finally, the best for last, for guaranteed trophy Rainbows, take Hwy 285 North out of Salida

... on second thought ... I have to keep some secrets for MYSELF!

Back to FourteenerNet Colorado Fishing Directory