Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado - Jefferson Lake is known for good numbers of Lake Trout (Mackinaw) and rainbow trout, with a small population of browns, cuts and brookies.
Jefferson Lake, situated in a steep valley among 12,000 foot peaks, is a picturesque body of water that produces good numbers of lake trout and rainbow trout. One of the highest lakes in our database at over 10,000 feet, Jefferson is one of the first each season to freeze and develop a solid ice lid for ice fishermen. The lake is primarily managed as a catchable rainbow trout fishery, with plenty of mackinaw mixed in. However, it is a very deep, steep, cold, and fairly sterile lake which leads to slow growth rates for the numerous lake trout in the system. CDOW Biologist Jeff Spohn comments “tagged fish that were planted prior to ice-up at 10 inches only measured one-quarter inch longer when ice came off in June.” The DOW encourages anglers to keep, within regulations, some of the smaller lake trout. If you catch a tagged fish, make note of the ID number and email it to us or take to Jonah’s Bait Shop in Jefferson.
It is rare that the water at Jefferson lake reaches much above 50 degrees. Anglers may also find some brown trout, brook trout, and snake river cutthroat trout, although numbers are few. Most lake trout measure in the 16-20 inch range, yet potential exists for extremely large lakers. The largest mackinaw Spohn has sampled out of this lake was 24 pounds, and tales from a few anglers imply that a potential state record may be lurking in the craggy depths.
Jefferson is a wakeless boating lake with a small boat ramp on the south end. Strong storms and winds move in and out quickly so take precaution. The section of road leading to the lake has been paved recently, but there are no plans for plowing in the wintertime. The lake freezes most often in early November, but snow typically causes gate closure in December leaving ice anglers a long hike or the need for snowmobiles which are permitted. ATV’s are not permitted, and snowdrifts can become dangerous even for experienced snowmobilers. Ice-out typically occurs in late May or early June. As is typical with mackinaw lakes, early and late season fishing can be great in the shallows.
No camping is allowed at the lake, but three campgrounds exist on the road into the lake and are open in the summer. The closest is Jefferson Lake, followed by Lodgepole and Aspen campgrounds. All facilities including the lake have picnic tables and vault toilets. Many beaver ponds can be found along the road, offering decent brook and brown trout fishing. A trail winds its way around the lake with frequent cleared spots, offering decent shore fishing.
Getting there: From Jefferson head west on Co Rd 35. Turn right on Co Rd 37 and head north towards lake about 5 miles. Fees: $5 daily pass, $35 annual pass. Required year-round. Boating: Wakeless. Hand launched and wakeless boating only. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing allowed
9/1/2010 - Jefferson Lake - Fishing for lake trout was slow to poor, from shore, using sucker meat, salmon eggs, night crawlers and PowerBait this past weekend (7/17). Fishing was slow to fair, from shore, for small rainbows, using a variety of flies and lures on the north side of the lake near the inlet. The lake is stocked throughout the summer. If you happen to hook into any lake trout that are tagged, please email Jeff Spohn (Aquatic Biologist) @ jeff.spohn@state.co.us
Conditions History
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Three campgrounds exist on the road approaching the lake, but none exist at the lake itself. Primitive camping is available outside the park off rd 427.
