Right now
Live from National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- Small jigs and crawlers for panfish; worms or small spinners in stocked-trout seasons
- Rig
- Light spinning setup. Fish the drop-offs, where gravel pits get deep fast.
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
- City of Thornton gravel-pit lakes along the South Platte
- Location
- North gate off Colorado Blvd; south gate off Steele St, south of 88th Ave
- Hours
- Gated, with posted daily hours. Check the sign
- Species
- Warmwater species are common in Thornton lakes; trout are stocked in some seasons
- Rules
- Colorado regulations plus any posted facility rules or fees
- Dogs
- Check the posted facility rules
Where to park
West Gravel Lakes Fishing Facility
- Lot on the east side of Colorado Blvd just south of 88th Ave, with restrooms and an accessible pier. Look for the West Gravel Lakes sign.
- Open March 15 to October 31, sunrise to sunset. Closed the rest of the year.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
The West Gravel Lakes are old gravel pits along the South Platte that Thornton manages as a fishing facility. They're deeper than most city ponds, which makes them some of the better north-metro water, and also some of the most heavily fished.
Fishing pressured city water
- Go early on weekdays.
- Downsize: smaller hooks, smaller bait, lighter line.
- Fish the drop-offs. Gravel pits get deep fast, and cold fish sit on those edges.
- In stocked seasons, a worm or small spinner can catch trout. Otherwise, target panfish with bait under a bobber.
Know before you go
The facility is gated, with posted hours. Rules and fees can change, so read the signs at the gate. Water levels in gravel pits rise and fall; low water concentrates the fish but can make some banks hard to fish.
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 there a fee to fish the Thornton gravel lakes?
- Policies can change. Check the City of Thornton's page and the gate signs before you go.
- Are there dog-friendly restaurants near West Gravel Lakes (Thornton)?
- 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 West Gravel Lakes (Thornton)?
- Sportsman's Warehouse is the closest shop. Hooks, bait, licenses, spooling help.
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