Grand Mesa Fishing Map

The Grand Mesa area is so surrounded by water - from lakes toreservoirs to streams to creeks - visitors will likely forget they're in land-locked Colorado.

Perched on a 10,000-foot plateau, Grand Mesa National Forest ishome to more than 200 lakes as well as multiple streams, rivers andcreeks. The waters are stocked by the Colorado Department of Wildlifeand teem primarily with rainbows, brooks and cutthroat, mostly rangingfrom eight to 12 inches long. Occasionally, a lucky angler will comeacross fish more than 18 inches in length, though.

The mesa's south slope is called the Land O'Lakes region and ishome to 18 lakes, all within walking distance of each other. Island Lakeis the largest of the group, and vacationers can get a spectacularglimpse of it from the scenic Land O'Lakes lookout on the Grand MesaScenic Byway. A visitor's center in the area also offers interpretiveexhibits, a bookstore and plenty of Forest Service staff to answerquestions.

On the north side of the mesa, vacationers will find the MesaLakes area. Many of the lakes in this area are certified Gold Medalwaters and are easily accessed using the area's well-developed trailsystem.

Just to the east, the Cottonwood Lakes offer a true backcountry fishingexperience. Many of the lakes in this area are secluded and accessibleonly by foot, four-wheel drive or horseback - contrasting greatly withthe lakes that are easily accessible from the road, which are morepopulated and offer amenities such as restrooms and boat launch ramps.

The large Vega Reservoir lies outside the forest and is a greatyear-round fishing hole, with plenty of trails for hiking, snowshoeing,and cross-country skiing. The reservoir, as well as most of the otherlakes in the area, is a popular spot for local wildlife, so keep an eyeout for elk, deer and even bears.

Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

Grand Mesa Lodge, Snowmobile Tours & Canoe Rentals
Cabins & motel overlook beautiful Island Lake. Open all year. In Grand Mesa National Forest. 1 hour east of Grand Junction. Boat rentals, fishing, hunting, tackle, ATV trails, hike & snowmobile rentals/tours.

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More Activities & Information

Grand Mesa Area - includes Cedaredge, Collbran, Eckert & Mesa

Arkansas River Headwaters - North Fishing Map • Arkansas River Headwaters - East Fishing Map • Big Thompson River Fishing Map • Blue Mesa Reservoir Fishing Map • East River Fishing Map • Elevenmile Reservoir Fishing Map • Lake Estes Fishing Map • Grand Lake Fishing Map • Grand Mesa Fishing Map • Gunnison River Fishing Map • Lake Fork Gunnison River Fishing Map

Middle Colorado River Fishing Map • North Fork South Platte River Fishing Map • Pagosa Springs Fishing Map • Rampart Reservoir Fishing Map • Rio Grande Fishing Map - Creede to South Fork • Rio Grande Fishing Map West of Creede • San Juan River Fishing Map • San Juan River - Navajo Dam Fishing Map • South Park Fishing Map • Taylor River Fishing Map • White River Fishing Map

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