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Sitting in the shadow of Colorado’s tallest peak, Mt. Elbert, Twin Lakes offers visitors extraordinary vistas and the area is second to none for it natural beauty. Attracting folks from all over the state, this pair of lakes offers far more than fishing for the outdoor enthusiast. During the summer months people enjoy such recreational activities as hiking, camping, climbing high mountain peaks, canoeing, boating, four-wheeling, mountain biking, picnicking, and visiting historic sites, as well as fishing. During winter months, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are popular activites.
Twin Lakes are Colorado’s largest natural glacier lakes and were enlarged to provide extra storage for the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. Water is diverted from the Fryingpan River drainage west of the Continental Divide to Twin Lake via Turquoise Lake. Another diversion is from Grizzly Reservoir (Western Slope). Before heading down the hill to metro areas, the water is used to generate hydroelectric power.
While historically known for large lake trout, that reputation has diminished in recent years. However, CDOW report that the lake trout are making a comeback, with the typical fish being close to 20 inches, and an occasional fish approaching 40 inches. Ice-out near the hydropower plant and where the upper lake enters the lower lake are among the better areas to fish. When the summer temperatures rise many turn to fishing from a boat with downriggers for mackinaw. Beside lake trout, rainbows offer good action throughout the year, including through the ice in the winter. Most trout run 10-12 inches with a few pressing the 20 inch mark. Catchable trout are stocked during the summer.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forcast
Twin Lakes were historically known for trophy lake trout, and although that reputation diminished in the 1990’s that fishery is on its way back. Lake trout average just under 20”, but large lake trout approaching 40 inches have been more common in recent years. Some of the best action can be found at ice-out near the hydropower plant or where the upper lake enters the lower lake. Casting large Rapallas seems to work best. Fishing from a boat with downriggers produces the best catch as the summer progresses and mackinaw have moved to deeper water. Lures or deep water jigging with tube jigs tipped with sucker meat also works well at this time. Trout action has picked up in recent years and is consistent from iceout well into the fall. They average 12 inches in early summer with a maximum size of nearly 20 inches. Catchable rainbow and Snake River cutthroat trout are stocked from early June through September. Twin Lakes offer good fishing in an exceptional mountain setting and are serviced by two concrete boat ramps (one in the upper lake and one in the lower) and two campgrounds. Water level should be normal in 2009 and fishing should be good.
Getting there: From Leadville take US 24 south approximately 15 miles to CO-82, turn right (west) and travel approximately 5 miles to the lakes.
Fees: No access fees.
Boating: All Boats Allowed. Boat inspections begin on May 31at the Dexter Point boat ramp from 6 a.m. - dark, 7 days a week. The Red Rooster Boat Ramp will be closed to trailered watercraft all season. Both ramps will be closed at night. Overnight beaching of watercrafts is prohibited.
Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is allowed
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