Top 9 Lakes in Routt County

Routt County offers excellent fishing opportunities. For trophy fishing, Stagecoach Reservoir is renowned for rainbow trout and northern pike. Pearl Lake is a Gold Medal fishing lake, ideal for cutthroat trout using fly fishing and artificial lures. For a more secluded experience, Fish Creek Reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, while Dumont Lake was specifically created to enhance recreational fishing.

Steamboat Lake State Park is excellent for diverse boating activities, including wake boating, jet skiing, and water skiing, with a full-service marina. Stagecoach State Park also offers a wide range of water activities like waterskiing, paddleboarding, and swimming. For quieter, non-motorized options, Pearl Lake is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing, as is Dumont Lake where only hand-pushed or electric motorboats are allowed.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly camping. Steamboat Lake State Park provides 188 campsites and year-round camper cabins. Stagecoach State Park has numerous campsites and group camping areas. Pearl Lake State Park offers 36 campsites and two yurts available year-round. Additionally, Hahns Peak Lake has a campground, and the US Forest Service maintains the Granite Campground adjacent to Fish Creek Reservoir.

The lakes in Routt County are rich in wildlife. At Steamboat Lake State Park, you might spot shorebirds, waterfowl (including nesting sandhill cranes), mule deer, and red fox. Stagecoach State Park is a great spot for birding, with Bald Eagles, Ospreys, White Pelicans, and Great Blue Herons, alongside elk, mule deer, and red fox. Remote areas like Fish Creek Reservoir and Dumont Lake offer chances to see moose, deer, elk, pronghorn, and various bird species.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (May to October) is ideal for boating, hiking, and camping. Many parks, like Steamboat Lake State Park and Stagecoach State Park, offer year-round recreation. In colder months, these parks transform into winter wonderlands with groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The yurts at Pearl Lake State Park are also available year-round for a unique winter experience.

Absolutely. Steamboat Lake State Park features over seven miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, connecting to the Routt National Forest. Stagecoach State Park has approximately 8 miles of trails, including a loop around the reservoir. The Pearl Lake Connection Trail near Pearl Lake links to the Coulton Creek Trail. For more extensive options, you can explore various MTB Trails in Routt County or Running Trails in Routt County, many of which are close to the lakes.

For a serene escape, Pearl Lake State Park is known for its peaceful ambiance and only permits wakeless boating, making it perfect for quiet paddle sports. Fish Creek Reservoir, nestled at 9,900 feet in the Routt National Forest, offers a secluded fishing and non-motorized boating experience, though access requires a high-clearance vehicle over Buffalo Pass. Dumont Lake also provides a calm setting with non-motorized boating and scenic beauty.

The lakes in Routt County are situated at varying elevations, contributing to their diverse environments. Steamboat Lake is at an elevation of 8,100 feet. Fish Creek Reservoir is a small alpine lake nestled at approximately 9,900 feet. Dumont Lake is another alpine lake located at 9,620 feet, easily accessible from Rabbit Ears Pass.

Yes, regulations vary by lake. For instance, Pearl Lake has specific Gold Medal fishing regulations, including a two-fish bag limit for fish over 18 inches, using only fly fishing and artificial lures. At Dumont Lake, gas-powered motors are prohibited, but hand-pushed and electric motorboats are allowed. Always check local regulations for each specific lake, especially concerning permits, bag limits, and motor restrictions, to ensure compliance.

Many lakes in Routt County offer fantastic winter recreation. Steamboat Lake State Park and Stagecoach State Park feature groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, along with popular ice fishing opportunities. Pearl Lake State Park offers two yurts that are available year-round, providing a unique backcountry escape accessible by skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile in winter.

Most state parks and national forest areas around the lakes provide designated parking and trailhead access. For example, Stagecoach State Park has numerous parking areas, including the Stagecoach Reservoir Dam and Trailhead parking. Steamboat Lake State Park and Pearl Lake State Park also offer visitor parking. For more remote lakes like Fish Creek Reservoir, access might require a high-clearance vehicle over Buffalo Pass, with camping at Granite Campground providing nearby access.

Lake Catamount is known for its scenic beauty, particularly the lakeside road that offers beautiful views of the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It's a popular spot for an easy road ride from Steamboat Springs via County Road 14 or State Highway 131, providing picturesque vistas without requiring extensive hiking.