Fishing Archives - Bushwhack Lodge

We have already sent you out to visit Goose Island and take a cold plunge at Lake San Cristobal, so it only makes sense that we eventually fish it. As Colorado’s second-largest natural lake, formed about 700 years ago when the Slumgullion landslide blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, it is kind of a big deal. It also holds more fish species than any other body of water close to town — rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, and most excitingly, kokanee salmon. Kokanee are the only salmon you will find in any lake near Lake City and Colorado Parks & Wildlife stocks them regularly. That alone is a reason to bring a rod.

I will admit, as I have said before, that I am not exactly a master fisherman. I am more of a person who uses fishing as an excuse to be near water. But I took the two boys out to the east shore and we gave it a proper go. There was casting. There was enthusiasm. There was also a fairly significant bug distraction — if you have ever tried to fish with kids you know that a caterpillar on a plant will always beat a fish in the water for their attention. I respect that honestly.

HOWEVER. We caught one. Netted it right at the shoreline with the San Juan Mountains sitting in the background like they were posing for a postcard. Hard to beat that.

Lake San Cristobal fishes well from the shore, especially near the outlet and along the east side by Wupperman Campground. If you want to get serious about it — particularly for kokanee and lake trout — you really want to be on the water trolling. Alpine Outfitters runs guided boat trips on the lake and will put you on fish. If you want to gear up or get local advice first, Dan’s Fly Shop on Gunnison Ave has been doing this in Lake City for over 60 years — was the oldest single-owner fly shop in Colorado (great new owner these days). Sportsman’s Fly Shop is another great local option with guides and rentals as well.

You will need a Colorado fishing license if you are 16 or older. Get one before you come or pick one up in town. The lake fishes year-round — even ice fishing in winter if you are into that sort of thing, which apparently a lot of people are.

Also… bring a net.

Things to do in Lake City, CO #13: Fish Lake San Cristobal

CR 33, Hinsdale County, Colorado, United States

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Waterdog Trail is one of the most intimidating hikes you can do walking from downtown Lake City because it is steep the whole way up. HOWEVER, there is a seldom hiked trail that is much more manageable that is more of a traversal. You can drive up 149 and park at a well disguised trial head that will put you on Horse Park Trail. This trail is gorgeous and leads to the same place as the Waterdog Trail. Rather than hiking back to your car you can also hike down Waterdog trail back to Lake City and get a friend to drive you back to your car later after you have had a burger and a beer.

This is now one of my favorite hikes close to town. My phone died and so I do not have exact distances for you but I would say it is about 4.5 miles to waterdog lake and then 4 miles down to Lake City. I took my youngest on this one who is 7 and that means most everybody reading this can also handle this hike. This is an excellent day hike with some spectacular views. It is one of the few great hikes that is accessible directly off the highway.

We did not see anybody all day. It is wild how often I hike out here on an outrageously beautiful trail and get the whole thing to myself (and my children). The benefits of being the most remote county are real.

We did have one surprise encounter. When we came up on the last stretch to the lake which is an old 4×4 road overgrown with trees, we caught a whiff of something pungent. I had some ideas on what it might be but I was shocked when we encountered a giant dead moose blocking the path. Seemed like it had died from living a full life in the ideal location. Not sad. Just the circle of life in its raw form. I love the kids getting exposed to that sort of reality in its natural state. I did not put it in the video but thought I would recount it here anyways.

I usually run music in these videos but this one I just loved the natural background sounds of nature and the kids funny commentary so much that I had to use the original audio.

Other sidenote… I did not actually get more than a few casts in. We were more excited about the water bugs. I may go back by myself to do some real fishing. Also, I think it would have been better to bring a full reel given the size of the lake instead of the tenkara I usually hike with.