It is a popular facility for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Chicago Lakes Colorado fishing map and location information: Chicago Lakes is a Lake in Clear Creek County, Colorado and can be found on the Mount Evans USGS topo map. The valley has a string of three Chicago Lakes that hold cutthroat trout. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. Temperature falling to around 9 by 5pm. Whether you’re baitcasting, fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. You can find lots of… The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness. Beautiful hike. The Chicago Lakes Trail begins at Echo Lake (west side), 13.25 miles south of I-70 on HWY 103. Will not show on comments list. Wildflowers are starting to bloom at the upper lake. Although this stream is relatively small, it is one of the best fishing destinations in Colorado. The trailhead is located a few miles out side of Breckenridge Colorado. The incredible beauty of the flowing mountain streams and shimmering high country lakes are just a bonus. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Latitude: 39.6163766°N Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and even small, easy hiking trails that provide plenty of family fun. Copyright © Locality, LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | About | Contact. Located south of the Breckenridge area lies a cute little community called Blue River right under Quandary Peak. 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'). 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. Clear Creek County Streams (53). Not so much an alpine lake hike as it is a recreation hot spot, Wellington Lake is an awesome place to explore earlier in the season before the alpine lakes in Colorado are thawed. Cutthroat trout can be found in each, along with brook trout in the reservoir. A bit muddy heading up to the second lake with runoff down the trail, but dry where it gets steeper. An unofficial-looking sign correctly points up this road on a steady climb to Idaho Springs Reservoir (1.65 miles : 10,617'). One member of each party is required to register at the Mt Evans Wilderness boundary board and carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. 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. Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. 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. It crests a ridge in open tundra overlooking upper Chicago Lake, from which the shore is easily reached (4.9 miles : 11,733'). Explore the full trail profile below for the Chicago Lakes which includes driving directions, map, and tips. fishing near lake city, colorado Fishing near Lake City has been the main attraction that has kept families coming to our area for generations. USGS Topo Map: Mount Evans ", "Intended to hike to the summit of Mt. From the marked spur, the main trail continues above Chicago Lake up and down a rugged knoll and last thick patch of forest to the lake's far side. I guess it’s hard to complain about such challenges when the trail I was hiking lead to a crystal clear glacial lake at the base of a towering 14,000-foot mountain as a bald eagle circled the sky above. Gaiters might be a good idea. Is Chicago Lakes open to fishing, and if so, what can you catch there? Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. Be mindful of changing weather patterns and aim for treeline well before storms develop. The Roaring Fork River which begins high above Aspen before making its way through Basalt to Glenwood Springs, meeting… Includes a mile of road walking and 0.1 mile of scrambling over boulders. The trail is intermittently rocky and steep heading up the valley with a full view of Mt Spalding, and a partial look at Mt Evans. CHICAGO LAKES. The Chicago Lakes fishing map contains information about some of the best fishing spots this lake has to offer as well as the nearby cottages, campgrounds, and bait and tackle shops. Despite its skeletal appearance, the forest is in a natural state of recovery. Fishing Chicago Lakes. Some of the best hikes are between Breckenridge and the beginning of Hoosier Pass, Mohawk Lakes being one of them. Lakes are the only places in Colorado that allow you to try for some of Colorado’s lesser sought after species such as Arctic Char, Kokanee Salmon, and some Esox species. Season: Midsummer through mid-fall. Fishing Hot Spots near Chicago Lakes "Hooked onto a 2 1/2 pound cut throat within 2 minutes on the water..." 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. Idaho Springs Reservoir covers 20 square acres with a maximum depth of 30'. The upper lake was gorgeous but the wind coming over the mountain ridge made lingering long rough. Fish damsel fly nymphs deep with slow strips and twitches. Bikes, mechanized vehicles and hunting are. Comments. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. Ridge lines connecting Rogers Peak (13,391') and Mount Warren (13,307') form the east valley wall. Park another at Summit Lake and do a downhill hike, taking time to catch a … Chicago Lakes is a lake located just 7 miles from Georgetown, in Clear Creek County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Silverdale (historical), CO. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout here. West Chicago Creek Campground sits along its namesake creek at the base of Mount Evans and is located off Highway 103 on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado. A short climb past a second Chicago Lakes Trail sign crests over a deep gorge carved by Chicago Creek with views of Mt Spalding and Mount Evans in the distance. A wonderful hike--trail conditions good until encountering significant mud between the lower Chicago lake and the upper lake. Below are the latest Chicago Lakes fishing reports submitted by charter captains, fishing … Note bristlecone and limber pine in this area, high altitude species adapted to extreme conditions. Note that high valley walls may block your view of oncoming weather. Trail Photos We had to cross about 50 yards of snow just prior to reaching the upper lake. Grasses and wildflowers fill the hillsides, while young aspen have emerged in replenished soils. ", "Hiked Chicago Lakes to Summit Lake and walked down the Mt Evans road. Recreation The area provides easy access to many hiking trails that lead into the Mount Evans Wilderness. 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). 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. Slim, sparse damsel #10-14 nymphs in olive seem to work the best. Longitude: -105.634447°W Fishing Location Type: Lake, Clear Creek County Lakes (50) 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. Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions. 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. Why it Made the List: … Dogs are allowed on the trail if … 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'). ", "Nice hike to great views of lower lake above falls in the cirque of the upper lake. Trail Map With the current road closure on Mt Evans, the walk down the road was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Chicago Lakes – 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. Popular Colorado Lakes. Box 3307 Idaho Springs, CO 80452 303.567.3000 Denver Mountain Parks 201 W. Colfax, Dept. Circle the lake, or continue over its outlet on the trail leading up to Summit Lake (12,830'), which provides panoramas over the basin, and back down the entire Chicago Creek drainage. 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. Relatively easy access by the Chicago Lakes Trail means you can expect company. You’ll pass three more mountain lakes as you punch up into the high country of Colorado’s Mt. Even though they are near 12,000 feet they offer an easy backpack trip. The map also shows hotspots where our fishing junkies have caught lunkers and posted photos and stories. Anglers who are familiar with Chicago Lakes are asked to submit reviews of the Lake. The Chicago Lakes hike begins at Echo Lake. Wind chill values as low as -15. 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. Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Chicago Lakes Colorado fishing map and location information: Chicago Lakes is a Lake in Clear Creek County, Colorado and can be found on the Mount Evans USGS topo map. Two-time North American Ice Fishing champion and USA Ice Team gold-medalist Tony Boshold says, “You don’t have to hop on a train and leave for Devils Lake…the perch train starts in Chicago!” Jumbos up to 15″ and 2 lbs are even more fun to … Turn right down the first dirt road on your right and continue .25 miles to the parking area. Elevation: 11,427 ft (3,483 m) The trail undulates ruggedly on a fast descent through healthy spruce and fir to Chicago Creek (1.1 miles : 10,342'). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Located right in the middle of absolutely spectacular scenery, the Chicago Lakes have some decent fish. 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). Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Our 3 day adventure takes us to Little Echo Lake for Lake Trout and James Peak Lake for Cutthroat Trout. There is no registration fee. Print Trail Cross the creek and emerge a few steps further on a dirt road (1.15 miles : 11,367'). Group size is limited to 15 individuals. ", "Note that just after the idaho reservoir are signs for private property, just keep going and you will see signs for chicago lakes. One-stop-shop for fishing and boating locations in Colorado. Fly fishing lakes are a great way to expand your species list while also offering new challenges to your typical mountain entomology and fishing style in general. The lake spur is clear at first, but entangled by willows that require some force to break through and reach the shore (4.1 miles : 11,420'). From I-70, exit #240 and head south on HWY 103 (toward Mt Evans) for 13 miles to Echo Lake. Hiking & Fishing Mohawk Lakes Near Breckenridge June 23, 2018 • Colorado Day Hikes Fishing In the midst of Arizona’s hottest month, we escaped to Colorado for … 601 Denver, CO 80202. Fishing is permitted at Idaho Springs Reservoir, Chicago Lakes and along Chicago Creek with a valid Colorado fishing license. The Chicago Lakes are accessed from Echo Lake, 13.25 miles south of I-70 (Idaho Springs) in the Mt Evans Wilderness Area. Arrive early to secure parking, avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. It steepens considerably up the rock face separating the two lakes, a strenuous climb with a commanding view over Chicago Lake #1 and the valley below. Take a shorter hike to the first lake, or make a day of it and head all the way up to the second. In time, spruce and fir will overtake them and return the forest to its ecological climax. 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. Fly fishermen make the trek up the Chicago Lakes Trail to fish for cutthroat trout (valid Colorado fishing license required). Damsel fly nymphs are active swimmers and trout are happy to search them out along weed bed and drop offs. 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'). Chicago Lakes Trailhead (start): 10,650 ft. lowest point: 10,320 ft. Lower Chicago Lake: 11,420 ft. Upper Chicago Lake: 11,740 ft. The climb to Summit Lake was mostly clear of snow. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Trail: Generally well marked and easy to follow. Anyone interested in fishing Chicago Lakes or nearby fishing Lakes should consult with guides and other local resources before heading out to fish. Evan’s Wilderness. 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. Trip Reports Colorado lakes fishing map, stocking information and tips. Trail Snapshot: Chicago Lakes Hike Near Idaho Springs, Colorado Once down, a clearer path leads to the open outlet area and northeast shore where you'll find ideal morning light. Surrounded by skyscraper mountains iconic to the Rocky Mountains, it sits just east of the continental divide. Park a car on SH 103 at the road to Idaho Springs Reservoir. Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Chicago Creek Road P.O. 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. 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