Water Sports | City of Cripple Creek

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WATER SPORTS

Numerous reservoirs, rivers and mountain streams for fishing, boating and whitewater rafting lie within a short drive of Cripple Creek. Anglers can enjoy bait, lure or fly fishing within minutes of downtown Cripple Creek. Pristine high mountain reservoirs provide excellent boating, kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Visitors looking for a whitewater rafting or kayaking adventure will thrill in the trip down the nearby Arkansas River.

The area’s fast-moving rivers, peaceful streams and plentiful reservoirs
offer outdoor enthusiasts a wide variety of adventures in recreation.

Rafting Vendors

Echo Canyon River Expeditions
45000 US Hwy. 50
West Cañon City, Co 81212
1-800-755-3246
www.raftecho.com

Lost Paddle Rafting
1420 Royal Forge Blvd
Cañon City, Colorado 81212
1-866-766-7238
www.lostpaddlerafting.com

Here are some of the popular and quality fishing areas.

SKAGUAY RESERVOIR
6 miles from Victor, off Phantom Canyon Road. You may fish the reservoir from shore or by boat and in the runoff stream below the dam.

ELEVEN MILE RESERVOIR
Larger-than-average rainbows, cutthroats and browns can be caught right near your campsite, or troll for trophies. Some of the biggest kokanee salmon in the state are caught here. A State Parks Pass is required. Location: West of Colorado Springs on Highway 24 to the town of Lake George and south to park entrance.

PIKES PEAK NORTH SLOPE RESERVOIRS
Three reservoirs are found along the Pikes Peak Highway. Although just outside of Colorado Springs, these gorgeous waters boast rainbow and cutthroat trout and occasional brook trout. Exceptional lake trout can also be taken at Crystal Creek and North Catamount. Anglers can use carry-in boats propelled by hand or electric motor and float tubes. Open from May to October, check the Pikes Peak Highway Toll booth for hours and access charges. Location: From Colorado Springs west of Highway 24 to Cascade, then follow signs for the Pikes Peak Highway.

SPINNEY MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR
The place for consistent large rainbows (16-inch plus), browns and Snake River cutthroats. Best fishing right after April ice-out. Excellent belly boat or shore fishing and trophy northern pike can be taken, best in June. A State Parks Pass is required. Location: West of Colorado Springs on Highway 24 for 55 miles to Country Road 23. Drive south for 2.8 miles and east on County Road 59 for 1 mile to entrance.

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER IN SOUTH PARK
One of Colorado's best for quality-sized rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. The South Platte is considered to be Gold Medal Fishing. The best areas are between Spinney Mountain and Elevenmile reservoirs, upstream from Spinney, the Middle Fork from the confluence with the South Fork upstream to Fairplay and the South Fork above Antero Reservoir to Highway 285. Best kept secret: Elevenmile Canyon. Location: West of Colorado Springs on Highway 24.

OTHER RESOURCES
DOW recorded information on fishing - 303-291-7533
Visit the Colorado Department of Wildlife's fishing information web page.
You can also visit the Colorado State Parks website.