What Twin Lakes Reservoir Offers

Twin Lakes sits at 9,200 feet in the Sawatch Range, about 15 miles south of Leadville, and holds cutthroat trout, lake trout, and brook trout in cold, clear water that stays productive year-round. The reservoir spans roughly 3,000 acres across two connected basins, with the eastern lake deeper and colder and the western lake shallower and warmer. Most anglers fish from shore or small boats, and the setting—granite peaks rising directly from the water—makes it worth the drive even on slow days.

The water here is high-altitude and oligotrophic, meaning it's nutrient-poor and clear. That clarity makes fish spooky in summer but also means you can see what's working. Cutthroats dominate the shallows and inlets; lake trout hold deep most of the year; brook trout scatter throughout but concentrate near structure. The season runs year-round, though winter access depends on snow and road conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Twin Lakes holds cutthroat, lake trout, and brook trout at 9,200 feet elevation, with the eastern basin deeper and the western basin shallower.
  • Cutthroats bite best in spring and fall in shallow water near inlets; lake trout require deep jigging or trolling in summer and winter.
  • The road from Leadville is paved to the resort but rough beyond it, and winter access closes without chains or four-wheel drive.
  • Shore fishing works well at the inlet streams and dam areas; boat ramps are at the resort and near the dam on the eastern lake.
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake regularly, and a valid Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers.

Cutthroat Fishing in Spring and Fall

Cutthroats move shallow in April and May as the water warms from snowmelt, and again in September and October as it cools. During these windows, fish the inlet streams—especially the North Fork and South Fork inlets on the western lake—where cutthroats gather to feed on emerging insects and small baitfish. Nymphs in sizes 12 to 16 work well; try pheasant tails, hare's ears, and small stonefly patterns. If you see rises, switch to dry flies: small Adams, pale morning duns, and caddis imitations all produce.

Shore access at the inlets is straightforward, and you can often wade into the current without a boat. The water is cold even in May, so wear a wetsuit or waders. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive. In fall, the same approach works, but fish tend to be larger and more aggressive as they feed before winter.

Lake Trout Jigging and Trolling

Lake trout (mackinaw) live deep year-round, typically between 40 and 100 feet depending on season and time of day. In summer, they retreat to the thermocline—roughly 60 to 80 feet in the eastern basin. Vertical jigging with spoons (Hopkins, Kastmaster, or Krocodile in silver or gold) works best; drop to the bottom and work the lure with sharp, short strokes. Jigging works from a boat anchored over deep structure or from the dam area on the eastern lake, where the bottom drops quickly.

Trolling is also effective, especially in spring and fall when lake trout move shallower. Use small spoons or tube jigs trailed behind a downrigger or three-way rig. The eastern basin has the deepest water and holds the most lake trout; troll the main channel between the two basins for consistent contact. Winter jigging can be excellent if you're equipped for ice fishing, though the ice is not always safe—check with the resort or Colorado Parks and Wildlife before heading out.

Access, Facilities, and Road Conditions

The paved road from Leadville reaches the Twin Lakes Resort, where you'll find a boat ramp, rental cabins, a small store, and parking. Beyond the resort, the road becomes rough dirt and climbs steeply; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and four-wheel drive is necessary in winter or after heavy rain. A second boat ramp sits near the dam on the eastern lake, accessible via the same rough road.

Winter access is seasonal. Snow typically closes the upper road from November through April, though locals with four-wheel drive and chains sometimes get through. Call the resort before planning a winter trip. Summer parking fills quickly on weekends, especially in July and August. The nearest services—gas, food, lodging—are in Leadville, 15 miles north.

Regulations and Stocking

Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks Twin Lakes with cutthroat and lake trout regularly. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older. The current regulations allow two lake trout per day (combined species limit may apply—check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife brochure), and cutthroat limits vary by water. Brook trout are often not regulated separately, but verify before you fish.

The lake is open year-round, but winter access depends on road conditions. Catch-and-release is encouraged for lake trout to maintain the population, especially in winter when fish are stressed. No motors are allowed on the western lake, only on the eastern lake and the connecting channel.

Gear and Tactics for High-Altitude Water

Bring a 5- to 6-weight fly rod for cutthroat fishing in the shallows; a 6- to 7-weight works better if you're also targeting brook trout in deeper water. For lake trout jigging, a medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braid handles the depth and cold water well. The water is cold year-round—even in summer it rarely exceeds 55 degrees—so hypothermia is a real risk if you fall in. Wear a life jacket in a boat and waders or a wetsuit if you're wading.

Bring more flies and lures than you think you'll need; the clear water and spooky fish mean frequent changes. Polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting cutthroats in the shallows. The sun reflects hard off the water at 9,200 feet, so sunscreen and a hat are not optional. Bring water and snacks; the altitude affects energy and hydration faster than lower elevations.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April to May) is excellent for cutthroats in the inlets and shallows. Summer (June to August) is crowded and warm, but lake trout jigging remains productive in deep water. Fall (September to October) is arguably the best time—fewer people, cooler water, and aggressive fish preparing for winter. Winter (November to March) is quiet and can be excellent for ice fishing if you can reach the lake, but access is unreliable.

Expect to share the water with other anglers, especially on weekends. The resort area is popular with tourists and families, so mornings and weekdays are quieter. The inlet streams are less crowded than the main lake, and the eastern basin sees fewer anglers than the western lake because it requires a boat or a longer hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Twin Lakes?

No. The inlet streams and dam areas offer good shore fishing for cutthroats and some lake trout. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but it's not required. The western lake has no motors, so you'd need a canoe or kayak there.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Fall (September and October) offers the most reliable fishing, fewer crowds, and stable road access. Spring is also good for cutthroats. Summer is crowded and warm, and winter access is unpredictable. If you're targeting lake trout specifically, summer and winter jigging can be excellent despite the crowds or cold.

Can I fish in winter?

Yes, but the road is often closed. Call the resort before you go. Ice fishing can be productive, but ice safety varies year to year. Never assume the ice is safe without local confirmation.

What's the difference between the eastern and western lakes?

The eastern lake is deeper, colder, and holds more lake trout. The western lake is shallower, warmer, and better for cutthroat fishing. No motors are allowed on the western lake, only on the eastern lake.

How far is Twin Lakes from Leadville?

About 15 miles south. The paved road reaches the resort in roughly 30 minutes from town. The rough road beyond the resort adds another 10 to 20 minutes depending on conditions.