Right now
Live from National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- Slow-stripped leech or bugger, small nymph under an indicator
- Rig
- Floating line, 4x, fish it slow and deep. Cold water means the fish are sluggish.
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
- Warmwater ponds in a State Wildlife Area, north Denver metro
- Drive from Denver
- Minutes from north Denver
- Best for
- Quick warmwater sessions, beginners
- Season
- Best spring through early fall; slow in winter
- Rules
- SWA rules apply: license or pass required; check the Atlas
- Dogs
- SWA dog rules may restrict pets. Check before you go
Where to park
Lowell Ponds lot (west side of Lowell)
- On Lowell Blvd about a mile north of I-70, just south of the I-76 interchange. Gravel lots, free, open daylight hours.
- The lot on the west side of Lowell has the best accessible parking and a fishing pier. The ponds east of Lowell are private.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
Lowell Ponds is a small State Wildlife Area close to north Denver, good for a quick cast after work. It's a warmwater fishery, so it's best from spring through early fall.
Seasons
From about November through February, warmwater fish slow way down. A winter visit is casting practice more than fishing. When the water warms in spring, the bite comes back.
Rigs
- Small jigs or buggers fished slowly
- A worm under a bobber for panfish
- Topwater on warm summer evenings
Rules
State Wildlife Areas have property-specific rules, including access requirements and, on some properties, dog restrictions. Check the CPW Fishing Atlas before you go.
Spring and summer game plan
When the water warms, fish the edges early and late. Use small jigs or a worm under a bobber for panfish, and topwater or a slow-rolled bugger along the weed lines for bass on warm evenings. Keep it simple, since this is a quick-hit spot.
Where to eat and gear up
Stops in Thornton. Dog-friendly means leashed dogs on the patio; call to confirm, especially in winter.
| Stop | Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Satire Brewing | Dogs welcome on patio | Heated patio. Good in cold |
| Tequila's Mexican Restaurant | Dogs welcome on patio | 15-table dog patio |
| Johnny's Italian Steakhouse | Dogs welcome on patio | Dog-friendly patio, sit-down |
| Sportsman's Warehouse | Fly shop / tackle | Hooks, bait, licenses, spooling help |
| Walmart | Fly shop / tackle | Bait + basics |
Questions anglers ask
- Is Lowell Ponds good in winter?
- Not really. It's warmwater and slow from November to February. Spring through early fall is much better.
- What fish are in Lowell Ponds?
- It's managed as a warmwater fishery. Check CPW's property page for current species and regulations.
- Are there dog-friendly restaurants near Lowell Ponds?
- Yes. In Thornton, Satire Brewing, Tequila's Mexican Restaurant, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse welcome leashed dogs on their patios. Patios are seasonal, so call ahead in winter.
- Where can I buy flies or tackle near Lowell Ponds?
- Sportsman's Warehouse is the closest shop. Hooks, bait, licenses, spooling help.
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