What You'll Find at Turquoise Lake

Turquoise Lake sits at 9,900 feet in the San Isabel National Forest, about 15 minutes west of Leadville on County Road 9. The lake holds native cutthroat trout and brook trout, with cutthroats running 8 to 14 inches on average and occasional fish pushing 16 inches. The water is cold year-round, which keeps the trout active even in midsummer when lower-elevation reservoirs slow down.

The lake spans roughly 1,200 acres and offers three developed campgrounds — Turquoise Lake North, Turquoise Lake South, and Molly Brown — all managed by the Forest Service. A paved road runs the perimeter, making access straightforward. The shoreline is rocky and steep in places, gentle and sandy in others, which means you can fish from shore or launch a boat, canoe, or float tube.

This is not a wilderness lake. You will see other anglers, especially on weekends and during the summer season. But the altitude and the cold water mean the fishing stays consistent, and the views of the Sawatch Range make the crowds feel less crowded.

Key Takeaways

  • Cutthroat trout dominate Turquoise Lake and respond well to small spinners, flies, and live baitfish, especially in early morning and late evening.
  • The lake is open year-round, but snow closes the access road from November through April most years, so call ahead before winter trips.
  • Three Forest Service campgrounds sit on the lake, and day-use parking is available at multiple pullouts along the perimeter road.
  • Boat launches exist at Molly Brown and Turquoise Lake South, and the lake allows electric motors only — no gas engines.
  • Leadville's altitude (10,152 feet) means Turquoise Lake sits only 250 feet lower, so arrive a day early if you are coming from sea level to acclimate.

When to Fish Turquoise Lake

Summer (June through September) is the busiest and most accessible season. The road is clear, campgrounds are full, and the lake is ice-free. Cutthroats bite steadily in the early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and again in the evening (last two hours before sunset). Midday fishing slows, but it is not dead — you can catch fish all day if you work deeper water or shaded shorelines.

Spring (May and early June) and fall (September and October) offer fewer anglers and good fishing. Water temperatures are still cold, which keeps trout active throughout the day. The road may have patches of snow or mud in May, so check conditions with the Leadville Ranger District before driving.

Winter fishing is possible but requires planning. The access road typically closes by November and does not reopen until late April or May. If the road is open, ice fishing is an option, though the lake can freeze solid by January. Call the Leadville Ranger District at 719-486-0749 to confirm road conditions before attempting a winter trip.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

Cutthroats at Turquoise Lake respond to small spinners — size 0 and 1 Panther Martins and Mepps spinners in silver, gold, and black work consistently. Cast from shore or troll slowly from a boat. The retrieve should be steady and not too fast; cutthroats are not aggressive chasers, and a slow, deliberate spin often outfishes a fast one.

Fly fishing is effective, especially with small nymphs and streamers. Olive and tan nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 work in the shallows and drop-offs. Streamers like Woolly Buggers in black or olive, fished slowly near structure, draw strikes from larger fish. A 4-weight or 5-weight rod is sufficient; the wind can pick up in the afternoon, so a slightly heavier rod helps if you are casting into gusts.

Live baitfish — small shiners or minnows — work well if you bring them from Leadville or catch them in the lake's shallows. Fish them under a bobber in 8 to 15 feet of water, or on a light jig near the bottom. Worms and grasshoppers work in a pinch, but they are less consistent than spinners or flies.

Where to Fish on the Lake

The northern shore, near Turquoise Lake North Campground, has rocky points and drop-offs that hold cutthroats. Fish the transition zones where rocks meet sand. The southern end, near Molly Brown Campground, offers gentler shoreline and shallower water — good for beginners or when you want to wade.

The eastern arm of the lake, accessible from pullouts along the perimeter road, has fewer anglers and good structure. Look for submerged logs and rocky outcrops. If you have a boat or float tube, the deeper water in the center of the lake (30 to 50 feet) holds larger cutthroats, especially in midsummer when the shallows warm up.

Early morning and evening, fish the shallows (2 to 8 feet) near the campgrounds and boat launches. During the heat of the day, move to deeper water or shaded areas near the shoreline. If the wind picks up (common in the afternoon), fish the lee shore — the side of the lake protected from the wind.

Facilities and Regulations

Turquoise Lake North, Turquoise Lake South, and Molly Brown Campgrounds all have vault toilets, water spigots, and picnic tables. Sites cost around $20 to $25 per night (rates vary by year). Reservations are recommended in summer and can be made through Recreation.gov. Day-use parking is free at multiple pullouts along the perimeter road.

The lake is open to boats with electric motors only. Gas engines are not permitted. Boat launches are at Molly Brown and Turquoise Lake South. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. The current cutthroat limit is 10 fish per day, and brook trout have the same limit. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before you go, as limits can change.

The Forest Service allows camping in dispersed areas outside the developed campgrounds, though amenities are limited. Fires are permitted in established fire rings at campgrounds and some dispersed sites, but check current fire restrictions with the Leadville Ranger District, especially in late summer when fire danger peaks.

Getting There and What to Bring

From Leadville, take US 24 west toward Turquoise Lake. Turn left (south) onto County Road 9, which is paved and well-maintained. Follow it for about 15 minutes until you reach the lake. The drive is straightforward, but the road can be rough after heavy rain or snowmelt. A standard passenger car works in summer, but high-clearance is safer in spring and fall.

Bring layers — the weather changes fast at 9,900 feet. Morning and evening temperatures can drop to the 40s even in July. Sunscreen and a hat are essential; the sun reflects off the water and the altitude intensifies UV exposure. Bring more water than you think you need; the altitude and dry air dehydrate you quickly.

If you are coming from lower elevations, plan to arrive a day early and take it easy. Altitude sickness is real at this elevation, and fishing while struggling to breathe is not fun. Drink water, avoid alcohol on your first night, and do not overexert yourself on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Turquoise Lake in winter?

The access road typically closes from November through April, so winter fishing is not reliable. If the road is open, ice fishing is possible, but call the Leadville Ranger District at 719-486-0749 to confirm conditions before driving. The lake can freeze solid by January, making access difficult.

Do I need a boat to fish Turquoise Lake?

No. Shore fishing is productive, especially from the rocky points and sandy areas around the campgrounds. A boat or float tube gives you access to deeper water and more shoreline, but it is not required. Many anglers catch fish from shore year-round.

What is the difference between the cutthroats and brook trout here?

Cutthroats are native to Colorado and tend to be more aggressive feeders. Brook trout are stocked and often smaller. Both bite the same lures and flies, but cutthroats are the target species. If you want to keep fish for dinner, either works, though cutthroats are slightly better eating.

Is there a time of year when Turquoise Lake is less crowded?

May, early June, September, and October see fewer anglers than July and August. The road may have snow or mud in May, so conditions are less predictable, but fishing is good and campgrounds are not full. Fall is often the best balance of good fishing and manageable crowds.

What should I do if I get altitude sickness?

Rest, drink water, and avoid alcohol. If symptoms worsen (severe headache, shortness of breath, confusion), descend to a lower elevation. Leadville itself is at 10,152 feet, so even staying in town and fishing the next day can help. Most people acclimate within 24 hours.