Fishing the high lakes and creeks above Gilpin County's East Portal

The trails leaving East Portal in western Gilpin County climb to a string of high-country waters: South Boulder Creek and alpine lakes like Forest Lakes and Crater Lakes inside the James Peak Wilderness. These cold, clear waters draw anglers willing to hike for them.

Two things are worth knowing before you cast. First, anyone 16 or older needs a current Colorado fishing license, and the rules are not one-size-fits-all. Colorado Parks and Wildlife sets limits, allowed methods, and special regulations by individual water, so a lake and the creek below it can have different rules. CPW’s fishing pages and its online Fishing Atlas are the place to check what a specific water holds and which rules apply — do not assume every lake up here fishes the same.

Second, this is a hike-in trip through designated wilderness. There is no road to the lakes, the weather turns fast at this elevation, and afternoon storms are common. Plan to start early, carry layers, and follow wilderness rules: leashed dogs, no campfires, and no motors or bikes.

For license details and water-by-water rules, see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing pages before you go.