Fishing Lake San Cristobal

Popular Fish Species
Lake San Cristobal Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Lake San Cristobal, CO

Popular Fish Species Lake San Cristobal, CO

Lake San Cristobal Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife has helped maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Lake San Cristobal. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Lake San Cristobal Popular Fish - Brown Trout

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Lake San Cristobal is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for trout.

Lake San Cristobal Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife maintains a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake San Cristobal delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Lake San Cristobal Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon at Lake San Cristobal in Colorado.

This picture perfect lake is only 330 surface acres, but the setting is absolutely breathtaking! Motorized boats are allowed on Lake San Cristobal, improving access to outstanding fishing during summer months. Ice fishing in winter can be productive. There is a campground with RV hookups and a boat launch ramp. Lodging, shopping and dining are also available.

Fish Species in Lake San Cristobal, CO

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake San Cristobal Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rentals: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Concessions: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Hinsdale County Boat Dock
Located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with docks and limited, gravel parking.