With 50,000 trout stocked in it each year, Lake Trinidad offers superb fishing. Anglers have caught rainbow trout, bass, saugeye, yellow perch, wiper, black crappie, and catfish here. The lake’s annual fishing tournaments attract anglers of all skill levels. You can fish just about anywhere, excluding the dock and boat launch areas. The diverse species of fish make this an ideal fishing spot.
The best time to fish for walleye and saugeye is between May and August, and you will find them throughout the lake. If you’re looking for catfish, head towards the lake’s western end. To catch Bluegill and black crappie, try fishing at lower water levels, and consider using chicken livers as bait if you’re hoping to catch a wiper. Make sure you read the mercury advisory posted at the reservoir for walleye, saugeye, and smallmouth bass over 15” in length.
There is a public boat launch ramp towards the lake’s northeast corner. There is also a convenience store, restaurant, bait and tackle store, and RV campground nearby. You will need a valid fishing license to fish at Lake Trinidad. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website to obtain your license online or find a location for an in-person pick-up.