Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. I probably use some variation of this pattern more than any other nymph pattern while fly fishing in Colorado lakes. They lie .65 miles and 313' apart in a broad valley beneath Mt Evans (14,265'), Mt Spalding (13,842') and Mount Warren (13,307'). Dispersed camping is allowed near the Chicago Lakes Trail, and all entering the Mount Evans Wilderness need a self-issued permit available at the trailhead. The map also shows hotspots where our fishing junkies have caught lunkers and posted photos and stories. This Colorado fishing area is a popular angling destination for catching Temperatures at Chicago Lakes today are expected to reach 25°, Snow, mainly before 11am. Chicago Lakes Trailhead (start): 10,650 ft. lowest point: 10,320 ft. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. Fishing Hot Spots near Chicago Lakes "Hooked onto a 2 1/2 pound cut throat within 2 minutes on the water..." The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Two-time North American Ice Fishing champion and USA Ice Team gold-medalist Tony Boshold says, âYou donât have to hop on a train and leave for Devils Lakeâ¦the perch train starts in Chicago!â Jumbos up to 15â³ and 2 lbs are even more fun to ⦠Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. Gaiters might be a good idea. 601 Denver, CO 80202. Anyone interested in fishing Chicago Lakes or nearby fishing Lakes should consult with guides and other local resources before heading out to fish. Whether youâre baitcasting, fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 39.6163766 (latitude), -105.634447 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 11,427 feet (3,483 meters) above sea level. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. The Chicago Lakes Trail exemplifies everything I love in a Colorado day hike, even if its high-elevation ascents had me pouring sweat and gasping for air. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. CHICAGO LAKES. Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Chicago Lakes posted by: sparker on Jul 15, 2013, French Gulch Trailhead: Sallie Barber Historic Mine site, 10,617' - 11,733' (11,752' max elevation), +1,116' net elevation gain (+2,392' total roundtrip elevation gain), "The trail is clear to the lower lake. fishing near lake city, colorado Fishing near Lake City has been the main attraction that has kept families coming to our area for generations. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. The valley has a string of three Chicago Lakes that hold cutthroat trout. The incredible beauty of the flowing mountain streams and shimmering high country lakes are just a bonus. It levels across a major tributary through treeline (3.2 miles : 11,321') to a marked spur for lower Chicago Lake (3.95 miles : 11,545'). From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Slim, sparse damsel #10-14 nymphs in olive seem to work the best. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Beautiful hike. Fish damsel fly nymphs deep with slow strips and twitches. Very low water levels and no snow looks like we are in for a drought this year folks. Elevation: 11,427 ft (3,483 m) Chicago Lakes Trail is a 11.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Georgetown, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. From the streams and ponds of Beaver Meadows, easily accessible from the front of the park, to the wild alpine lakes of the Mummy Range, the fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is world-class, searching for trout species such as brown, brook, rainbow, and the Greenback Cutthroat, one of the few species that is native only to Colorado. It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Youâll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Coloradoâs Mt. Trip Reports Hiking & Fishing Mohawk Lakes Near Breckenridge June 23, 2018 ⢠Colorado Day Hikes Fishing In the midst of Arizonaâs hottest month, we escaped to Colorado for ⦠Longitude: -105.634447°W You can find lots of⦠There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. The trail enters an area touched by the 1978 Idaho Springs Reservoir Fire, which burned over 400 acres, mostly on the valley's upper west side. ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. It continues to the Mount Evans Wilderness Area Boundary (2.05 miles : 10,652'), where it moderates on a rocky path up the valley's west side. There is no registration fee. The trailhead is located a few miles out side of Breckenridge Colorado. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Chicago Lakes â Echo Lake Trailhead, Idaho Springs | 1 Hour From Denver. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 39.6163766 (latitude), -105.634447 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 11,427 feet (3,483 meters) above sea level. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). ", "Hiked Chicago Lakes to Summit Lake and walked down the Mt Evans road. Even though they are near 12,000 feet they offer an easy backpack trip. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. The climb to Summit Lake was mostly clear of snow. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Group size is limited to 15 individuals. Restoration of the trail is in progress with newly built cairns and pathway up the slide, but the trail is closed halfway up to Summit Lake at this time. Grand Lake The largest natural lake in Colorado sits outside the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park in a town of the same name, with a boardwalk, marina and lots of family fun and events each year. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Popular Colorado Lakes. Fly fishermen make the trek up the Chicago Lakes Trail to fish for cutthroat trout (valid Colorado fishing license required). Colorado lakes fishing map, stocking information and tips. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. Evanâs Wilderness. Will not show on comments list. Damsel fly nymphs are active swimmers and trout are happy to search them out along weed bed and drop offs. Hundreds of lakes mapped, sorted by fish species and boating regulations & conditions reports. Trail Snapshot: Chicago Lakes Hike Near Idaho Springs, Colorado The trail starts at 10,390' and the first two miles are spent walking through a mix of fir, aspen, and spruce trees until the trail goes parallel to Spruce Creek Road and eventually crosses it and continues over a small dam (just follow the signs). Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Afternoon arrivals - or those who simply don't wish to fight the willows - will find easier access further up the main trail, though a steep knoll must be scaled to reach them (.35 miles ahead). Park another at Summit Lake and do a downhill hike, taking time to catch a ⦠Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Visitors will enjoy stunning alpine landscapes and wildlife that includes moose, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat: From the parking lot, follow the short dirt path to Echo Lake and continue south to the Chicago Lakes Trail split (.12 miles : 10,597'). Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. All in all a great hike lots of people with pets, I'd advise weekday hike or arrive very early", N39 39.548 W105 36.369 — 0.0 miles : Echo Lake Parking Lot (west side), N39 39.049 W105 36.602 — .7 miles : Steep descent to Chicago Creek, N39 39.067 W105 36.788 — 1.1 miles : Cross Chicago Creek, N39 39.066 W105 36.827 — 1.15 miles : Turn south on dirt road toward reservoir, N39 38.694 W105 36.995 — 1.65 miles : Idaho Springs Reservoir, N39 38.391 W105 37.009 — 2.05 miles : Mt Evans Wilderness Area Boundary, N39 37.996 W105 37.309 — 2.55 miles : Moderate climb up west side of valley, N39 37.681 W105 37.733 — 3.2 miles : Cross major tributary on flattened rocks, N39 37.470 W105 37.841 — 3.5 miles : Steady travel into upper valley, N39 37.182 W105 38.135 — 3.95 miles : Spur to lower Chicago Lake, N39 37.040 W105 38.073 — 4.1 miles : Chicago Lake #1 - northwest shore, N39 37.182 W105 38.135 — 4.25 miles : Back at spur to lower Chicago Lake, N39 36.965 W105 38.239 — 4.6 miles : Spur to southwest shore of Chicago Lake, N39 36.773 W105 38.366 — 4.9 miles : Upper Chicago Lake, The area between Upper Chicago Lake and Summit Lake is home to breeding populations of. 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