Right now
Live from National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- Small jig, balanced leech, Clouser for warmwater fish
- Rig
- Slow retrieve near structure. Check the state park's seasonal closures first.
Flies checked against local shop reports on Nov 15. Ask at the local fly shop for what hatched this morning. They know before we do.
- Water
- 1,950-acre prairie reservoir near Brighton
- Drive from Denver
- About 20 minutes northeast via I-76
- Access
- Shore and boat fishing on the north half only
- Hours
- Park open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Best for
- Warmwater fishing close to north Denver; ADA piers
- Fees
- State parks pass ($10 to $15 per vehicle per day)
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs allowed, but not in the wildlife refuge
Where to park
Barr Lake State Park main entrance
- From I-76, exit 22 (Bromley Lane), east to Picadilly Rd, then south about a mile and a half to the entrance on the west side.
- State parks pass required. Use the north-side lots for fishing; the south half is refuge.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
Barr Lake is a big, open reservoir 20 minutes from north Denver, better known for birds than fish, but it fishes well for warmwater species. The south half is a wildlife refuge, so plan around the north side.
The rules that matter
- No fishing in the wildlife refuge (south half) or in the irrigation canals around the lake.
- Fish from shore or a boat on the north side. Boats are only allowed on the north half.
- No swimming or wading.
- Dogs on leash, and not in the refuge.
How to fish it
Worms or cut bait on the bottom for catfish, and soft plastics or crankbaits along the shoreline for bass. The accessible piers are an easy start.
Questions anglers ask
- Where can you fish at Barr Lake?
- From shore or a boat on the north half. The south half is a wildlife refuge and closed to fishing.
- How much does Barr Lake cost?
- A state parks vehicle pass, $10 to $15 per day, or an annual pass.
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