Lake Granby
State Park in Grand County, Colorado
Water Type:
Conditions:
Lake Granby has a very high density of lake trout.
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
Lake Granby
State Park in Grand County, Colorado
Water Type:
Conditions:
Lake Granby has a very high density of lake trout.
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
About Lake Granby
Surrounded by mountains and dense forests, Lake Granby can provide the perfect escape for anyone seeking a bit of excitement or solitude. Due to a prolific population of Mysis shrimp as a food source, and a complex benthic habitat (the habitat at the bottom of a body of water), Granby has the highest density of lake trout in the state.
About Arapaho National Recreation Area
Five major reservoirs, including Lake Granby, lie within the Arapaho National Recreation Area’s 35,000 acres.
About Quality Waters
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited to announce Quality Waters, a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists has identified and nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys, and professional biological assessments.
Lake Granby.
CPW team surveys Lake Granby.
CPW Aquatic Biologist Jon Ewert.
CPW team surveys Lake Granby.
CPW Aquatic Biologist Jon Ewert releases lake trout.
Activities at this Location
Boating
Fishing
Camping
Hiking
Visit Lake Granby
Visit Lake Granby in the Arapaho National Recreation Area.
Directions: Take US-40 W into the town of Granby. Take US 34 E out of Granby to the lake. US 34 runs along the west side of the lake, and Co Hwy 6 runs along the south, allowing easy access to trails and boating sites.
Save Money
Use the Keep Colorado Wild Pass
The Keep Colorado Wild Pass is $29.
Other pass options:
- Affixed Vehicle Parks Pass $80
- Family Multi Vehicle Pass $120
- Individual Pass (foot and bike traffic only) $29
Boating at Lake Granby
Both motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed. All vessels and water users must observe all Colorado boating statutes and regulations at all times.
Facilities
- Restrooms
- 260 Campsites
- 3 Boat Ramps
Stay Safe on the Water
Keep your time on the water fun and safe by following some simple safety guidelines.
Life Jackets
You must wear a life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD) of the correct size when using any kind of water vessel, including boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and rafts. Check with local outfitters to see if they offer loaner life jackets.
Boating Rules
Be prepared for your day on the water by familiarizing yourself with the guidelines and regulations for your water activity.
Learn the RulesFishing at Lake Granby
- Lake Acres: 7,250
- Fishing: Cold Water
When full, Lake Granby is one of the largest coldwater reservoirs in the state, has 40 miles of lakeshore, and a maximum depth of 220 feet. Offering some of the most exceptional fishing opportunities in the region, anglers will delight in casting a line for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout and some of Colorado’s most legendary lake trout.
Don't Forget Your Fishing License
All anglers need a fishing license, but youth aged 15 and under fish for free. Reduced cost licenses are available for Colorado residents including: adults, youth aged 16 to 17, seniors, active duty members, first responders with disabilities, and veterans with disabilities.
Rules and Restrictions
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The bag and possession limit for lake trout is 12, only one of which may be greater than 24 inches.
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The bag and possession limit for trout (except lake trout) and kokanee salmon is four fish, singly or in aggregate.
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Gaffs and tail snares are prohibited.
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Ice fishing shelters must be portable.
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In Columbine Bay from the inlet of Twin Creek upstream: Fishing is prohibited from October 15 through November 30.
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Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections are required.
Launching is prohibited when inspectors are not present. See “Inspection Locations” at the bottom of this page for hours of operation at nearby stations.
Fish at this Location
Lake Granby contains a mix of stocked and self-sustaining fish populations.
Brown Trout
This species feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects and will rise to a large range of small lures, baits and flies. Granby has a moderate self-sustaining population of this species.
More About Brown Trout
Lake Trout (also known as Mackinaw trout)
These fish are found in mountain lakes and are usually in deeper water. Anglers also enjoy success with this species during the fall and spring in shallower areas and when ice fishing. Granby’s population of lake trout is entirely self-sustaining.
More About Lake Trout
Rainbow trout
Casting lures and plugs during dawn and dusk hours around cattails and sunken logs will give you the best chance to land one of the lunkers.
More About Rainbow Trout
Kokanee Salmon
Trolling with cowbells at medium depths is an effective strategy for catching kokanee salmon. At this location, eggs are captured annually for restocking.
More About Kokanee SalmonCatch a Record
Fishing Awards and Records
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recognizes licensed anglers who catch exceptionally large fish through three separate programs, Record by Weight, Record by Length (released only) and Master Angler. Learn more about what it takes to be a Colorado record holder!
Management
- The U.S. Forest Service as part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area manages Lake Granby.
- The local CPW office, Hot Sulphur Springs, can be contacted at (970) 725-6200.
Fishing Survey
Lake Granby, 2018 to 2021, Gillnet Surveys
This chart shows the average total catch 8 shoreline net locations that were established in an attempt to more closely monitor Rainbow Trout stocking success.
| Species | Brown Trout | Rainbow Trout | Lake Trout | Suckers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 78.8 |
| 2020 | 11.3 | 24.2 | 45.2 | 19.4 |
| 2019 | 18.5 | 35.2 | 42.6 | 3.7 |
| 2018 | 14.1 | 26.9 | 10.3 | 48.7 |
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS Before Coming to Cache la Poudre
To boat on the Lake, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
Inspection Locations
There are two ANS inspection stations at Lake Granby.
Sunset Point Inspection Station is located on the southwestern shore and operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 2 to Oct. 5; Stillwater Inspection Station is on the northwestern shore and operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 2 to Dec. 1.
Rusty Crayfish
Rusty crayfish, an aquatic nuisance species, have been detected in Lake Granby.
Being larger and more aggressive, they outcompete native crayfish for food and habitat. These crayfish will eat aquatic insects, small fish and fish eggs. They also eat aquatic vegetation, which native fish rely on for spawning, cover and food.
Aquatic Nuisance Species
How to Clean Your Hand Launch Vessels and Fishing Gear
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
Angling — How to Clear Your Gear Video
Angling — Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
After cleaning their gear, anglers should then perform one of the following options to disinfect their gear before going into the next body of water or moving to a new stretch of river.
Option 1
- Disinfect waders and gear with quaternary ammonia cleaner (QAC).
- After cleaning, submerge gear in a tub filled with a solution of 6oz QAC/gallon of water for at least 10 minutes. Follow all precautionary label instructions!
- Rinse water must be from a clean source to avoid re-infection.
- Dispose of the chemical bath properly away from any waters.
Option 2
- Heat treat your gear by soaking or spraying for 10 minutes with 140o Fahrenheit water.
Option 3
- Dry your waders and equipment completely for a minimum of 10 days between use.
Option 4
- Freeze your waders and boots overnight between use.
Clean
- Keep your distance from storm drains and new bodies of water while cleaning all equipment.
- Remove all visible plant material, animals, and mud from the hull, trailer and all compartments including footwells and storage areas.
- Clean all other equipment that was used including paddles, dry storage bags, leashes, anchors and lifejackets.
Dr
- Ensure that all water has been drained from your inflatable watercraft.
- Carry your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to a dry location to drain and dry. Tilt and lift your watercraft to empty any water that has pooled inside the interior compartments.
- If your inflatable watercraft has a two-layer (bladder/shell) construction or a floor that allows water inside the shell, be sure to drain all the areas where water could be trapped.
Dry
- Sponge or towel any water that remains on the watercraft following your draining process.
- Find a place where the kayak, canoe or paddleboard can continue to dry completely.
- Leave your watercraft inflated until it is completely dry. When fully dry, place the air valve down when deflating to prevent water from getting inside.
Boating and Fishing Regulations
Manual de Navegación (En Español)
El folleto de Manual de Navegación en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el Folleto
Colorado Fishing Brochure
The online Fishing brochure is the most up-to-date version.
Download the Brochure
Pesca en Colorado (En Español)
El folleto de Pesca en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el Folleto
Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Be a Pain in the ANS!
If you use water, aquatic nuisance species (ANS) can affect you. For example, Zebra and quagga mussels clog up the infrastructure that delivers water to our homes. Keeping invasive species under control is a matter of public health.