Woodland Park is surrounded by some of the best fishing in Colorado. Within 30 minutes of town, you can fly fish Gold Medal waters on the Dream Stream, troll for lake trout at Elevenmile Reservoir, or take the kids to a stocked mountain lake for an easy afternoon of catching rainbow trout. The fishing here is year-round, with ice fishing in winter adding another dimension to an already outstanding angling scene.
Here's your complete guide to the best fishing spots near Woodland Park.
Top Fishing Spots
Dream Stream (South Platte River)
Colorado's premier fly fishing destination. The Dream Stream refers to the 1.3-mile section of the South Platte River between Elevenmile and Spinney Mountain reservoirs. Gold Medal designated for its exceptional trout population — fish average 16-20 inches with trophy browns and rainbows regularly exceeding 24 inches. Fly fishing only in most sections.
🐟 Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout
Eleven Mile Reservoir
A 3,400-acre reservoir surrounded by granite hills and open prairie. One of the most productive fisheries in the state with excellent opportunities for both boat and shore anglers. The reservoir is stocked regularly and supports a healthy population of multiple species. Ice fishing is popular from December through March.
🐟 Rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, kokanee salmon, carp
Manitou Lake
The closest fishing to Woodland Park and the best option for families with young anglers. This small, scenic lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Easy shore access, picnic areas, and a peaceful setting surrounded by Ponderosa pines. No boats — shore fishing and float tubes only.
🐟 Rainbow trout (stocked), brook trout
Catamount Reservoir
A beautiful reservoir near Green Mountain Falls known for its northern pike population and scenic mountain backdrop. Good shore access along the south side and opportunities for float tubes and small boats. Less crowded than Eleven Mile, making it a great local option for a quiet morning of fishing.
🐟 Rainbow trout, northern pike, sucker
Rampart Reservoir
A peaceful mountain reservoir at 9,000 feet surrounded by Pike National Forest. No motorized boats allowed, making it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and float tubes. The 12-mile hiking trail circles the reservoir, so you can hike to a secluded fishing spot. Trout fishing is good from shore and even better from a float tube.
🐟 Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout
Fourmile Creek
A small mountain creek near The Crags trailhead with populations of wild brook and brown trout. This isn't a destination fishery — it's a small stream with small fish — but it's a beautiful place to spend a morning with a lightweight rod. Access via Fourmile Road from Divide.
🐟 Brook trout, brown trout (wild)
Fishing Licenses & Regulations
What You Need to Know
- Colorado fishing license required. Available online at cpwshop.com or at local sporting goods stores. Annual resident license is approximately $36; non-resident is $98. One-day licenses available.
- Gold Medal waters have special regulations. Dream Stream and some Elevenmile sections require artificial flies and lures only, with catch-and-release or strict slot limits. Check CPW regulations before fishing.
- State park pass required at Eleven Mile State Park ($10/vehicle day pass or $80 annual Colorado Parks pass).
- Bag limits vary by water. Standard limit is 4 trout on most waters, but Gold Medal and special regulation waters have different rules. Always check current regulations.
- Kids under 16 do not need a fishing license in Colorado. Manitou Lake is the perfect place to take them.
Fishing by Season
Spring (April–May): Ice-off on reservoirs brings excellent fishing as trout feed aggressively after winter. Dream Stream is productive with midges and blue-winged olive hatches. Runoff can muddy streams later in spring.
Summer (June–September): Prime season for all waters. Reservoirs are fully accessible, streams run clear after runoff subsides in late June. Early morning and evening are best as trout avoid midday heat. Manitou Lake gets regular stockings.
Fall (September–November): Many anglers' favorite season. Brown trout spawn in streams, making them more aggressive. Fewer crowds at all locations. Kokanee salmon run at Eleven Mile. Cooler water temperatures keep trout active all day.
Winter (December–March): Ice fishing takes over at Eleven Mile Reservoir and Catamount. Set up a shelter, drill through the ice, and fish for trout, pike, and kokanee. Eleven Mile is one of the top ice fishing destinations in Colorado. Dream Stream remains open year-round for the dedicated fly angler.
Gear & Local Shops
You can pick up basic tackle, bait, and licenses at sporting goods sections in Woodland Park. For fly fishing gear, guided trips, and expert advice, Colorado Springs (25 minutes away) has several dedicated fly shops. Many local guides operate trips to the Dream Stream, Eleven Mile, and other area waters — a guided trip is the fastest way to learn the fisheries if you're new to the area.
- Essential gear for altitude fishing: Sunscreen (UV is intense at 8,000+ feet), extra water, layers (mountain weather changes fast), polarized sunglasses for spotting fish, and a Colorado fishing license.
- Float tube tip: A float tube opens up water that's unreachable from shore at Rampart Reservoir and Catamount. If you're serious about fishing here, invest in one.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dream Stream (South Platte River) is the premier fishing destination — Gold Medal trout waters with fish averaging 16-20 inches. For lake fishing, Eleven Mile Reservoir offers the most variety and size. For a quick, easy trip, Manitou Lake is just 10 minutes from town and regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Rampart Reservoir is excellent for peaceful mountain fishing from a float tube or kayak.
Manitou Lake is the best option for kids. It's 10 minutes from Woodland Park, regularly stocked with rainbow trout, has easy shore access, and includes picnic areas. Kids under 16 don't need a Colorado fishing license. The lake is small enough that kids can fish from almost anywhere along the shore, and the stocked trout are eager to bite on worms or PowerBait.
The Dream Stream is a 1.3-mile section of the South Platte River between Elevenmile and Spinney Mountain reservoirs, about 30 minutes from Woodland Park. It's designated Gold Medal water by Colorado Parks & Wildlife for its exceptional trout population. Fish commonly reach 16-20+ inches, with trophy browns and rainbows exceeding 24 inches. It's primarily fly fishing with special regulations.
Yes. Eleven Mile Reservoir is one of the top ice fishing destinations in Colorado, typically frozen from December through March. Anglers target trout, northern pike, and kokanee salmon through the ice. Catamount Reservoir also offers ice fishing when conditions allow. You'll need an ice auger, shelter, and warm gear — temperatures at these elevations can drop well below zero.
More Outdoor Activities
Fishing is just the beginning in Woodland Park.
Live Where the Fish Are Biting
Gold Medal trout water 30 minutes away, stocked lakes 10 minutes out — that's the Woodland Park lifestyle. Let's find your home base.