Hohnholz Lake #3, Walden Colorado - Honholz Lake #3 is regulated for flies and lures only and produces some large brown trout and cutbows. Species in Hohnholz Lake #3: Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Longnose Sucker
The Hohnholtz Lakes are located in the Laramie River Valley, about 4 miles from the Wyoming border. The road to the lakes (Larimer County road 103) from Highway 14 in Poudre Canyon can be closed during winter, and the only access when the gates are shut is from Wyoming. The lakes are a State Wildlife Area, and about a mile of the Laramie River is open to fishing in the wildlife area. Only boats propelled by hand, wind or electric motor are permitted. Wade fishing from shore is easy--very little brush, and there is good hiking access all the way around both lakes. Lakes #2 and #3 both have an outhouse (bring your own TP) and a primitive gravel boat ramp. Dogs MUST be leashed, and the ranchers around the lake will enforce that rule. No camping is allowed, but there is a SWA campground near lake #1 just off county road 103, and primitive camping is allowed 2 miles past lake #3 after reaching Forest Service land.
Hohnholtz Lake #1 doesn't offer much for fishing, and can be completely dry near the end of summer. Hohnholtz Lake #3 is frequently stocked with browns and Snake River Cutthroat. Lake #2 has no special tackle restrictions and standard statewide limits apply The fish are usually smaller but easier to catch than in Lake #3. Lake #2 is good for beginning anglers and families with children. Lake #3 is regulated for flies and lures only with a 4 fish limit for both daily and possession limit. The browns and cutbows can get quite large. Mid-day fishing can be extremely challenging on both lakes when the wind whips the water to a froth and thunderstorms move in--be careful, and be aware that high winds will often drive the fish down deep. Lake #3 maxes out at about 28 feet, Lake #2 at 18 feet.
The Hohnholtz lakes generally follow the same pattern of insect emergences as do the high plains lakes in North Park near Walden, but the timing is somewhat different due to the lower elevation and distance. Midges in early spring and then all year long, Callibaetis at high noon starting in June and going through the end of summer, and damselfly nymphs swimming towards shore from June to August too. The big 'streamer hatch' happens in the fall until the lakes ice over. If you are getting frustrated trolling a spoon during high summer, just wait a couple months and go back in the fall for some good action. And if you get frustrated any time of year at the Hohnholtz Lakes, think 'chironomid' in all their stages and try them at all depths, starting at the surface and working your way down. There are lots of fish here, including some monsters, and you'll get them eventually.
Thanks to Dan Fink for this information on the Honholz Lakes along with contributions from Greg Sturbaum
Getting there: From Highway 14 at the upper end of Poudre Canyon, go 30 miles north on Laramie River Road (County Road 103) to the entrance. Stay right at fork to Lake #2. Travel another 1.75 miles to main entrance to Lake #3 on left. (4 miles from Co. Rd. 103) Fees: Habitat Stamp Boating: Electric Motors Only. Only boats propelled by hand, wind or electric motor are permitted. The lake does have a primitive gravel ramp for launching. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing allowed. Potential difficult winter access
No camping is allowed, but there is a SWA campground near lake #1 just off county road 103, and primitive camping is allowed 2 miles past lake #3 after it reaches Forest Service land.
