As the fall season progresses, fishing conditions in Grand County are steadily improving, making it an ideal time to hit the waters. Cooler temperatures are causing fish to become more active, especially in lakes like Grand Lake, Williams Fork, and Lake Granby. Here’s the latest fishing report for each of these popular locations:
Grand Lake
Boat ramp hours at Grand Lake are set from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with water temperatures currently in the low 60s, gradually decreasing with each passing day. The cooler water is contributing to increased activity among rainbow and brown trout. For anglers targeting these species, using 2- to 3-inch chrome or white-colored jerkbaits and spoons along the rocky shorelines has proven effective. The fish tend to concentrate in these areas, providing ample opportunities for successful catches.
Lake trout are also seeing significant action. These fish are staging just outside their spawning zones in waters ranging from 40 to 70 feet deep. The most effective lure has been a 3/8-ounce glow-colored jig head paired with a dark-colored body, especially when tipped with fresh sucker meat. This setup has consistently produced strikes in recent days.
Williams Fork
At Williams Fork, the boat ramp remains open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The lake’s water level is currently at 89% capacity, sitting about 6.5 feet below full pool. Surface temperatures have dropped to 60 degrees, which has sparked an uptick in lake trout activity. These fish are just beginning to group up, with an average of 13 fish per rod on a six-hour outing.
Lake trout, ranging from juveniles to larger trophies, can be found in waters between 60 and 80 feet deep, with most catches occurring in the 70-foot zone on ridges or slopes. The best results have come from using small 3- to 4-inch plastics, such as tubes, grubs, and paddle-tails, tipped with sucker meat. Fishing near the bottom has been particularly productive, although the bite tends to slow around midday.
While northern pike remain elusive due to population declines, brown trout are actively feeding along the rocky areas north of the east boat ramp and in the inlet during the early morning hours before sunlight hits the water. It’s worth noting that due to efforts to control gill lice, Lake Williams Fork has not been stocked with rainbow trout or kokanee since 2019, so anglers may not find much action for these species.
Lake Granby
Boat ramp hours at Lake Granby are also from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The water level is currently at 89% capacity, about 8.5 feet below full, with water temperatures starting in the low 60s and warming slightly throughout the day. As fall progresses, both rainbow and brown trout are becoming more active.
Fishing along rocky shorelines with Dynamic Twitch tubes or spoons like Little Cleo or Kastmaster in chrome/blue or pink has been successful. These lures, when worked in shallow waters less than 10 feet deep, have consistently drawn in fish.
Lake trout action at Lake Granby has been fair to good, depending on the day and the ability to locate actively feeding fish. Most lake trout can be found in 50-75 feet of water, near their prespawn locations, especially in areas with nearby deep water. A 3/8-ounce underspin jighead paired with brown/chartreuse or pumpkin green/pink-colored grubs has been the most productive setup. Tipping the lure with a small piece of fresh sucker meat has helped maintain the fish’s interest, leading to more bites.
Fall Fishing Outlook
As the water continues to cool, the fall fishing action is expected to improve steadily across Grand County. Anglers planning a trip can look forward to vibrant fall colors, cooler temperatures, and increasingly active fish. Whether targeting lake trout, rainbow trout, or brown trout, the current conditions offer ample opportunities for a successful fishing trip.
Image/Source: SkiHiNews
