Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Bellvue, Colorado
Bellvue, Colorado sits at the edge of the Poudre Canyon and gives anglers quick access to a cluster of high-country lakes tucked into the Roosevelt National Forest.
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Bellvue, Colorado sits at the edge of the Poudre Canyon and gives anglers quick access to a cluster of high-country lakes tucked into the Roosevelt National Forest. The fishing here is almost entirely still water — Chambers Lake, Hanii Lake, the three Long Draw sites, Grandview Campground, and Beaver Pond all offer lake fishing rather than the river runs you'll find further down the canyon. That focus on lakes shapes the whole experience: you're setting up on shoreline or launching a small watercraft, targeting fish in cold, clear water at elevation. Chambers Lake is the largest and most accessible of the group and tends to be the first stop for visitors. The Long Draw sites give you three distinct access points along the same reservoir, which matters when you're trying to find a quiet stretch or figure out where fish are holding on a given day. Grandview Campground adds the convenience of fishing right from where you're sleeping. The season here is compressed by snowpack — roads to several of these waters don't reliably open until late May or early June and can close again by October. If you're driving up from Fort Collins, the whole cluster is roughly an hour out, so a day trip is realistic, but an overnight at Grandview makes the early-morning window much easier to hit.
Frequently asked questions
When do these lakes typically open for fishing each year?
Most of the waters in this group sit at high elevation and depend on snowpack clearing from the access roads. Chambers Lake and the Long Draw sites generally become reachable by late May to mid-June in an average snow year, though a heavy winter can push that into late June. Check road conditions with the Roosevelt National Forest before you drive up, especially early in the season.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license to fish Chambers Lake or the Long Draw sites?
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older at all of these waters. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife before your trip. Regulations can vary by water body, so it's worth pulling up the current CPW Northeast Region brochure to confirm any special rules for Chambers Lake specifically.
What gear setup makes sense for lake fishing at this elevation?
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations well at these lakes. Small spinners, PowerBait, and worms account for a lot of fish from shore. If you have a float tube or small inflatable, the Long Draw sites and Chambers Lake are worth exploring from the water since the fish don't always stack up right at the bank.
What are the best times of day to fish here?
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows at high-country lakes like these. Midday sun pushes fish deeper, especially later in summer. If you're camping at Grandview, that proximity makes hitting the morning bite much easier than driving up from town.
Is this area suitable for beginners or families with kids?
Beaver Pond and the Grandview Campground area are the most approachable spots for beginners and younger kids — the access is straightforward and you're not dealing with technical water. The Long Draw sites and Chambers Lake have more shoreline to cover, which suits anglers who want to move around and experiment. None of these require wading or advanced technique to have a reasonable day.
