I get a lot of questions about where to fish close to Denver and other metro towns. Some want a place to learn fishing, some want to go fishing after dinner, and some just want an escape for a couple of hours while here on business. This feature will start a series of fishing spots in the foothills, within an hour or so driving distance from the Denver metro area. Some places will be easy to reach and some require a hike, but all offer fishing with a great view and a bit of a challenge.

This week's trip is to the St. Vrain creeks (North, Middle, and South) and several mountain lakes which are accessed off of the Peak-to-Peak Highway (State Hwy 72 and 7). The area is blessed with splendid views of Longs Peak and other Front Range mountains. Wildlife abounds (including big horn sheep). Some areas can be crowded, but if you're willing to hike you can easily avoid seeing any other anglers. This area, west of Boulder and Lyons, is home to small-stream fishing. Although the St. Vrain gets to be decent sized by the time the its tributaries merge, the mountain creeks are quite narrow running thru canyons. Most of the creek beds are filled with large boulders, tumbled down from the walls above.. Be wary when fishing in spring or summer. Spring run-off can be large, and summer can produce flash floods. However, these creeks abound with small pools which hold browns, rainbows, and cutthroats. Though they may not be large in size, these fish present a challenge - release them for another day's fishing.

North St. Vrain Creek starts in Rocky Mountain National Park, just south of Longs Peak. You can fish it in the park by entering at the Wild Basin ranger station. There is road and trail access to the creek. As it flows east, the North St. Vrain crosses under Hwy 7 north of Allenspark and runs through private property. That portion of the creek, from its confluence with Horse Creek to Button Rock Reservoir, is designated as Wild Trout Water. Most of the creek is on Nat'l Forest land and in a deep canyon. Access is tricky - we could find no road access from the west (and people weren't especially friendly about offering advice). You can access two forest roads from Hwy 7 on the south. They are not marked, so you'll need a forest service map and good sense of direction. One trail in is Dry St. Vrain #920. The roads are rough, and once at the end you'll need to hike for a mile or so to get to the canyon. It's 600 to 1000 feet down to the river! This is a challenge. What out for rattlesnakes and watch your footing on the steep canyon trails. You can also access North St. Vrain Creek from the east. From Lyons, travel northwest on Hwy 36. After about 3.5 miles, turn left on county road 80 and follow this to a parking area. It is a two-mile hike to the dam, but you can fish the creek along the way. The tailwater just below the dam is closed to fishing. This area stays open year round.

Middle St. Vrain Creek

Middle St. Vrain Creek starts just south of Rocky Mtn Park in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. It flows east through Camp Dick and Peaceful Valley campgrounds, just west off Hwy 72 at Peaceful Valley. There is a road and trails by which you can access the creek. Look for cutthroats in the small pools. The creek then flows alongside Hwy 72, running northeast and merging with South St. Vrain Creek east of Riverside near Hwy 7. Most of the access to the creek between Peaceful Valley and through Raymond is private.

South St. Vrain Creek; Brainard, Red Rock and other lakes

South St. Vrain Creek has its headwaters also in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. You can access this area off of Hwy72 at Ward. Look for the Brainard Lake Recreation Area - there is a $5 per car charge to enter. But this gives you access to several varieties of fishing. You can hike to the creek (South St. Vrain Creek trail). For a change of pace, hike or drive to one of several lovely mountain lakes.

How to get there?

Rules for the St. Vrain Creeks

Where to stay?