Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Granby Colorado - Shadow Mountain Reservoir is a large lake located just outside of the southwest boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park. Best fishing for rainbow and brown trout through July.
Shadow Mountain Lake is the shallowest lake of the three in the Colorado River headwaters area, the other being Granby and Grand. With a maximum depth of only about 24 feet, the best fishing occurs early in summer. Rainbow and brown trout can be caught through July and kokanee later in the summer. As the summer wears on, the lake becomes weedy and can become very difficult to fish, but recent attempts have been made to reduce this growth via winter freeze and lake drawdown. Splake could be found in this lake from stockings in Grand Lake.
Shadow Mountain has one boat ramp that gives access to Grand Lake. The lake is close to the town of Grand Lake and you can find lodging and restaurants in town. It is also close to Rocky Mountain National Park providing a great place to access the park.
Getting there: Shadow Mountain Reservoir is located about 12 miles north of the town of Granby on Highway 34. From I-70 take the US 40 or Winter Park exit to the town of Granby. Go north on US 34 to the lake. Fees: Arapahoe Nat. Forest Fee includes access to Grand, Shadow Mtn and Granby. $5 per day per vehicle. $2 per day for walk-in access $10 for 3 day pass $15 for 7 day pass $30 for annual pass. Boating: All Boats Allowed. Boat inspections begin May 15 at the Green Ridge boat ramp from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., 7 days a week. The Hilltop boat ramp will be closed to trailered watercraft for the entire 2009 season. The Green Ridge Ramp will be open to nighttime use. Boaters are expected to follow the Clean, Drain and Dry protocol when inspectors are not present and must have their vessel inspected at a state-certified site before launching at a new location. Inspection hours will decrease as daylight and recreational use diminish in late summer and fall.
7/27/2010 - Shadow Mountain Reservoir - Most of this reservoir is shallow, but trolling the channel, spin or bait fishing the east shoreline north of the dam can be productive. The south boat ramp area can also be good. Fishing the pump canal and below the dam can be highly rewarding using flies, slip bobber rigs, lures, and nightcrawlers on the bottom. The canal pumps are being run again, making the canal and the area where it enters the reservoir, prime fishing sights. Small jigs tipped with wax worms, mealworms, power bait or eggs are commonly used. The south boat ramp is open. The flow rate below the dam is low, but the spillway and the river is fishing well. All species of fish that reside in the reservoir are being caught in the spillway area. 7/18/2010 Ill. No change.
Conditions History
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