Fishing · Grand Mesa, CO

Island Lake

easySpring conditions. Water temperatures beginning to rise, increasing fish activity. Shore fishing productive as fish move to shallower water. Ice may still be present at higher elevations in early spring.

Directions

Before you go

Live · nearest station Delta County, 23 mi

Good to go

Good window today. Daylight to 8:14 pm.

66°

Smoky

Feels like 66°

Trailhead temp

45° est. at 10,863 ft

Wind

5 mph ESE

UV index

0 low

Sun window

6:20 am to 8:14 pm

Colorado River near Cameo is running 1,620 cfs, water 71°.

Distance

—

Elevation gain

823ft

High point

10,863ft

Season

Apr - Octpeak now

About

Island Lake is a 144-acre fishing destination on Grand Mesa, situated at an elevation of approximately 10,300 to 10,863 feet. Located in the Gunnison watershed of Western Colorado, it is accessible via Forest Route 116. The site offers easy access with a boat ramp and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Anglers target rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout using dry flies and small spinners. The lake is open for fishing from April through October, though high-elevation ice cover may persist in early spring. Parking is available, and the area is pet-friendly. A nearby campground with 41 sites provides additional access, though it is not directly on the lake. Mosquitoes are common in summer months.

Trail profile

Gain

823 ft

Avg grade

—

Steepest

—

High point

10,863 ft

Good to know

Parking at the trailhead

Restrooms available

Dogs allowed on leash

Waypoints

1Main Access Point10,853 ft

2Secondary Access Point10,853 ft

3Fishing Access 210,794 ft

4Scenic Overlook10,040 ft

Latest water reportfair

Spring conditions. Water temperatures beginning to rise, increasing fish activity. Shore fishing productive as fish move to shallower water. Ice may still be present at higher elevations in early spring.

Reported Mar 3, 2025Verified

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