If you have a Colorado fishing license and a few hours to spare, Beaver Lake near Marble is worth a visit. It is small. It is quiet. It holds stocked trout. It sits in a mountain setting near 8000 feet. This guide covers fish species and best times to visit. It also covers spots, techniques and rules.
This guide covers fish species. It covers best times to visit. It covers fishing techniques. It covers permits. It also gives a simple map of the main spots.
Overview of Beaver Lake, Colorado
Beaver Lake sits just outside Marble in Gunnison County. It sits near 8000 feet. Forest and mountains surround it.
The lake is small. Sources describe it as roughly 10 to 20 acres. Its small size makes it easy to walk around. It still feels wild and quiet.
History:
- Beaver Lake sits in the Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the area.
- Historically, Beaver Lake was used as a water reservoir for Marble but has since become a popular recreational area.
- Today, it’s stocked regularly with trout, making it a reliable fishing spot for locals and tourists.
Is Beaver Lake Worth the Drive?
Honestly? Yes but it depends on what you are looking for.
Beaver Lake is small, quiet and sits at nearly 8,000 feet surrounded by mountains. It’s not a trophy fishing destination. But if you want a relaxing day catching stocked trout in one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado, it absolutely delivers.
Crowds are smaller than at large lakes. Arrive early on summer weekends. The scenery alone makes the drive worthwhile.
What Fish Are in Beaver Lake?
Trout are the main catch at Beaver Lake. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout during the year. It is a good lake for beginners and experienced anglers.
How to Get to Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is located just outside Marble, Colorado on County Road 3. The town of Marble itself is easy to miss on a map, so here are the actual driving directions from nearby cities.
From Glenwood Springs (~45 minutes)
Take CO-82 East toward Carbondale, then turn south on CO-133. Follow CO-133 through Carbondale and Redstone all the way to Marble. Once in Marble, follow signs to Beaver Lake. It is on the east side of town.
From Aspen (~1 hour)
Head west on CO-82 toward Carbondale, then turn south on CO-133 through Redstone to Marble. The drive is scenic along the Crystal River the whole way down.
From Denver (~3.5 hours)
Take I-70 West to Glenwood Springs, then follow CO-82 East to CO-133 South into Marble. This is a long mountain drive. Plan fuel and food before Marble.
Parking: There’s a small gravel parking area near the lake. It fills up on summer weekends by mid-morning. Arrive before 8 AM to get a good spot.
Cell service: Don’t count on it in Marble. Download offline maps on Google Maps or use the Gaia GPS app before you leave. The road in is paved but narrow in sections.
Road note: CO-133 can close temporarily in winter due to snow or rockfall. Check CDOT road conditions at cotrip.org before any winter or early spring visit.
Current Stocking Schedule and How to Check It
This is the one thing most anglers skip and then wonder why the bite was slow.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks Beaver Lake with trout during the year. Fresh stockings can mean more active fish near the surface. Check the latest stocking date before you go.
How to check before you go:
- Visit cpw.state.co.us
- Click on “Fishing” → “Stocking Reports”
- Search for Beaver Lake or Gunnison County
- Check the most recent stocking date
If the lake was stocked within the last 2–3 weeks, go. If it’s been 2+ months with no stocking, manage your expectations or target the inlet stream instead where wild brook trout hold year-round.
Pro tip: FishExplorer.com also tracks Colorado stocking reports and has user-submitted fishing reports for Beaver Lake. Check both before making the drive.
Common Species in Beaver Lake:
Rainbow Trout
- Most frequently stocked fish.
- Takes worms, PowerBait, and small spinners.
- Best caught with worms, Powerbait, or small spinners.
Brook Trout
- They live in cold mountain water.
- Often smaller than rainbow trout, but they feed well.
- Fly fishing with dry flies works well.
Cutthroat Trout
- Occasionally stocked.
- Valued by fly anglers.
- Check current CPW regulations before you go.
Brown Trout (less common)
- Less common than rainbow and brook trout.
- Larger and more challenging to catch.
If you are planning fishing in Beaver Lake expect a good chance of landing rainbow and brook trout on almost any day of the season.
Best Fishing Seasons
Since Beaver Lake is an alpine lake, seasons play a major role in fishing success.
Spring (April–June)
- Ice can melt in late spring.
- Stocking usually begins in spring.
- Trout can feed near the surface.
- Check the latest stocking date before you go.
Summer (July–August)
- Peak fishing season.
- Water stays cold, but fish can move deeper on hot afternoons.
- Try deeper water on hot afternoons.
- Early morning and evening are best times.
Fall (September–October)
- Cooler temps make trout more aggressive.
- Fewer crowds, stunning fall colors.
- Great for fly fishing.
Winter (November–March)
- Ice fishing is possible when the lake freezes over.
- Safety is essential (check ice thickness).
- Trout feed less actively but can still be caught with jigs and bait.
Trout like cool water. Fish early in the morning and late in the evening on warm days. Check CPW or local fishing reports before you go.
Best Fishing Spots on the Lake
Beaver Lake is small. It is roughly 10 to 20 acres. Knowing where to stand makes a real difference.
North Shore
This is where most anglers set up because it’s closest to the parking area. It’s great for beginners and families. Plenty of room to cast, and stocked rainbows cruise this area regularly after fresh stockings. Use PowerBait or worms here on a simple bobber rig.
West Dike
The dike on the western end gives you an elevated casting position over deeper water. It is a good shore spot for fly fishing. It can help you reach the middle of the lake without a boat. Early morning is a good time here. Trout can hold along the drop off just past the dike edge.
South Inlet – Beaver Creek
Where Beaver Creek flows into the lake is a good spot for brook trout. The moving water brings in food. Trout can hold in the seam between current and still water. Use small spinners or dry flies here. This inlet can still fish well when the main lake is slow.
Deep Center (Boat or Float Tube Access)
In summer trout can move to deeper water. A kayak, canoe, or float tube can help you reach the center. Only hand launched and hand propelled vessels used as an aid for fishing are allowed.
Fishing Techniques (Shore, Boat, Fly Fishing, Bait)
Beaver Lake is small. That makes it easy to try different methods. You can fish from the shore. You can use a small boat. You can try fly fishing in nearby creeks.
Shore Fishing
- Best for beginners and families.
- Cast from the north and west shores.
- Use worms, salmon eggs, or Powerbait for rainbow trout.
Boat Fishing
- Only hand launched and hand propelled vessels used as an aid for fishing are allowed.
- It gives access to deeper sections in summer.
- Try trolling small spinners or Rapala lures.
Fly Fishing
- Great in Beaver Creek (which feeds the lake) and nearby streams.
- Dry flies in summer (caddis, mayflies).
- Nymphs and streamers work well in deeper water.
Recommended Baits & Lures
- Powerbait & Worms: reliable for stocked rainbow trout.
- Small Spinners: (Mepps, Panther Martin).
- Flies: elk hair caddis, Adams, woolly buggers.
- Salmon Eggs: effective for brook trout.
Tip: The early morning and late evening are the most productive times, especially during the summer.
Rules, Permits & Regulations
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages fishing at Beaver Lake. Always check current CPW regulations before you go.
General Rules:
- A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 years or older.
- Bag limits can change. Check current CPW regulations before you go.
- Bait rules can differ between the lake and nearby creeks. Check current CPW regulations before you go.
- Only hand launched and hand propelled vessels used as an aid for fishing are allowed.
- Respect private property signs around the lake.
Buy a licence online from CPW. Check current CPW rules before you go.
Beaver Lake Fishing Map:
While we can’t embed an interactive map here, here’s a general layout of Beaver Lake fishing spots:
- North Shore: Best for shore anglers, good access near parking.
- West Side: Shaded areas, good for fly fishing.
- South Inlet (Beaver Creek): Excellent for brook trout and fly fishing.
- Central Lake (boat access): Deeper water, good for trolling in summer.
Pro Tip: Download offline maps before heading out cell service in Marble is limited.
Safety Tips
Never go out on ice less than 4 inches thick. At Beaver Lake’s elevation, ice conditions can vary across the lake test every few steps when venturing out for the first time each season. Tell someone where you’re going. Bring ice picks around your neck in case you go through.
Check with local outfitters in Carbondale or Marble before heading out they will know current ice conditions better than any website.
Visiting Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area
Beaver Lake sits in the Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists the area at 41 acres and near 8000 feet. That figure is for the wildlife area. It is not the lake surface.
Visitors aged 16 or older need a valid hunting or fishing licence or a SWA pass to visit most State Wildlife Areas. Check current CPW rules before you go.
There is no camping here. Only hand launched and hand propelled vessels used as an aid for fishing are allowed. No motor vehicles are allowed on the dam. Firearms and bows are not allowed. Pack out what you bring in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of fish are in Beaver Lake, Colorado?
Rainbow and brook trout are the main fish here. Cutthroat and brown trout are less common.
Do I need a fishing licence for Beaver Lake?
Yes, if you are aged 16 or older. Visitors to most State Wildlife Areas also need a valid hunting or fishing licence or a SWA pass. Check current CPW regulations before you go.
Can I use bait at Beaver Lake?
Worms, PowerBait and salmon eggs are commonly used for trout here. Bait rules can differ in nearby creeks. Check current CPW regulations before you go.
How big is Beaver Lake?
The lake is small. Sources describe it as roughly 10 to 20 acres. The surrounding Beaver Lake State Wildlife Area is listed by CPW at 41 acres.
What is the best time for fishing Beaver Lake, Colorado?
Summer is the most popular season. Spring and fall can also offer active trout and smaller crowds. Check the latest CPW stocking date before you go.
Is ice fishing allowed at Beaver Lake?
Yes, but only when ice conditions are safe. Never go out on ice less than 4 inches thick. Ice can vary across the lake. If you are unsure, stay off the ice.
Final Thoughts
Beaver Lake is a quiet small lake with stocked trout. It is a good choice for a calm day of fishing near Marble.
Fish from the shore with PowerBait. Try fly fishing in Beaver Creek. Pack out what you bring in.
If you want more Colorado trip ideas, see things to do in Ridgway and mountain towns near Denver.
