Seamline

Fishing Standley Lake

Fishing Standley Lake Regional Park in Westminster: shore fishing year-round, daytime-only hours, no live aquatic bait, no ice fishing, and permits.

Updated November 14, 2026. 2 min read.

Right now

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What to tie on now

Flies
Balanced leech #10-12, small streamer, chironomid #14-16
Rig
Indicator or slow-sink line along drop-offs. Check boat and shore rules 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
1,063-acre drinking water reservoir in Westminster
Drive from Denver
About 20–30 minutes from north Denver
Access
Shoreline fishing year-round
Hours
Sunrise to sunset only; no night fishing
Bait
No aquatic bait such as minnows or leeches
Fees
City of Westminster park entry or annual permit
Dogs
No swimming or wading, dogs included; check park rules

Where to park

Free lot: 100th Ave and Owens St

  • Small free walk-in lot on the south side of 100th. A second free lot is at W 86th Pkwy and Simms St. Both lock at sunset.
  • Driving into the park through the main entrance at 100th and Simms costs $7. Shoreline fishing is open all year, no night fishing.

Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.

Overview

Standley Lake is a big reservoir close to north Denver, but it's a drinking water supply for Westminster, Thornton and Northglenn, so the rules are stricter than most. Read them before you go. Shore fishing is open year-round.

The rules that matter

How to fish it

From shore, a worm under a bobber or a small spinner covers most of what's here. Anglers 18 and over need a Colorado fishing license.

Questions anglers ask

Can you ice fish Standley Lake?
No. Ice fishing is prohibited.
What bait is allowed at Standley Lake?
Only non-aquatic bait. Nightcrawlers are fine; minnows and leeches are not.
Can you fish Standley Lake at night?
No. Fishing is sunrise to sunset only.

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