Fishing at Lake Granby, Colorado
7,256-acre reservoir · Grand County · 8,280 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Colorado, Lake Granby is one of the most consistently productive reservoirs in Grand County. At 7,256 acres, it offers mid-sized lake fishing across diverse habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Lake Granby:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 24,059 | 4.1″ |
| Nov 12, 2025 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 119,733 | 7.4″ |
| Jul 9, 2025 | 🟫 Brown Trout | 6,341 | 3.2″ |
| Dec 21, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 131,167 | 8.6″ |
| Nov 1, 2024 | 🟫 Brown Trout | 744 | 10.3″ |
| May 4, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 95,262 | 8.0″ |
| Mar 4, 2024 | 🟫 Brown Trout | 3,614 | 10.7″ |
| Feb 21, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 5,793 | 6.7″ |
| Feb 14, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 16,796 | 7.8″ |
| Jan 15, 2024 | 🐟 Lake Trout | 16,898 | 2.7″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🌈 Rainbow Trout — best in spring, fall
- 🍣 Kokanee Salmon — best in summer
- 🟫 Brown Trout — best in fall, winter
- 🐟 Lake Trout — best in spring, fall
Where to Catch Rainbow Trout in Colorado
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake Granby, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Rainbow Trout lakes in Colorado
- Top Kokanee Salmon lakes in Colorado
- Top Brown Trout lakes in Colorado
- Top Lake Trout lakes in Colorado
Best Time to Fish Lake Granby
For rainbow trout, the best fishing on Lake Granby is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 50–65°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with reservoir thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Lake Granby. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Ultralight 6'6" spinning rod
- reel: Light spinning reel (1000 size)
- rod: Light kokanee trolling rod
- reel: Line counter reel
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod
- lure: Jerkbaits
- rod: Medium-heavy jigging rod
- lure: Jigging spoons 1-2 oz
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Lake Granby:
- Cherry Creek Reservoir — 64.6 mi (880 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Colorado fishing license is required at Lake Granby. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Lake Granby?
Lake Granby has been stocked with Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout.
When was Lake Granby last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 7, 2026, when 24,059 rainbow trout were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Granby?
Yes — a valid Colorado fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.