Hunting & Fishing

The Spanish Peaks area of Southern Colorado is known for its trophy elk and mule deer being home to an estimated 21,000 head of elk. In addition, there are whitetail deer, black bear, mountain lions, turkey, quail, bobcat, lynx, badgers, coyote and fox just to name a few. On the plains regions pronghorn antelope are found, and bighorn sheep make their home on the high peaks.

For seasons and other information, visit the Division of Wildlife web site.

Bosque del Oso

"The largest habitat acquisition to date for both the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area protects nearly 30,000 acres of critical habitat. Located in Las Animas County, the area provides winter range for animals for Colorado's second-largest elk herd, along with habitat for mule deer, bears, turkeys, bobcats, bald eagles and trout. Now, as a public wildlife area, many generations will enjoy the Bosque's open spaces, wildlife, scenery and recreational opportunities. Located south of Weston this is one incredible Wildlife Habitat."

Fishing

Whether you enjoy fishing from a boat, or the solitude of a high alpine lake, you will find plenty of good fishing spots in the Spanish Peaks region. The species are as varied as the terrain including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Large mouth Bass, Catfish, Walleye, Crappie Wipers, Saugeyes and Bluegill

Trinidad Lake State Park is located just west of Trinidad and offers excellent fishing along with camping and recreation. The large lake has ample and well maintained boat ramps, and boast having one of the best bass fisheries in Colorado along with trout, wipers, walleyes, saugeyes, crappie and catfish. The reasonable climate of Trinidad means that the lake rarely freezes hard enough for ice fishing.

Visit the Division of Wildlife's website for further information on fishing.

Lathrop State Park in Walsenburg has two lakes, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake, both with great fishing. The lakes offer two different environments, and different species in each lake.

Wahatoya Lakes State Wildlife Area near La Veta offers dramatic views of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangres, and two lakes for fishing.

Monument Lake

Monument Lake is on Highway 12 about 30 mile west of Trinidad, near Stonewall. It's a high altitude pleasant recreation spot, and has boat rental and cabins for rent. The lake is well stocked, with easy access.

North Lake Beyond Monument Lake a few miles is North Lake, which is also the reservoir for Trinidad. Good fishing from the shore, and there is a boat ramp. Bear Lake and Blue Lake Between Cuchara Pass and the town of Cuchara a forest service road follows a wonderful mountain stream up to Blue Lake, and to Bear Lake. There is fishing along the stream, developed picnic areas with rest rooms, and the high alpine lakes are little jewels surrounded by forest.