Holywater Beaver Ponds is a series of small, beaver-dammed pools nestled in the mountains of Chaffee County, offering some of the most charming small-water fishing in central Colorado. The ponds are formed where industrious beaver colonies have built dams across a mountain stream, creating a chain of still-water pools that hold surprisingly healthy populations of brook trout.
The setting is classic Colorado high country — meadow grasses bordering clear water, aspen groves turning gold in September, and forested hillsides rising on either side of the valley. The beaver dams themselves add visual interest, with their intricate stick-and-mud construction creating small waterfalls between pools. Wildlife sightings are common, as the beaver ponds attract moose, elk, mule deer, and a variety of songbirds to the water's edge.
Fishing here is intimate and rewarding. Brook trout in beaver ponds tend to be eager but not large, making this an ideal spot for fly fishing with small dry flies or nymphs. The clear, shallow water demands a careful approach — heavy footsteps on the bank will send fish scattering. Anglers who crouch low, cast gently, and let the water settle between presentations are rewarded with steady action.
Access is via forest roads and trails in the Chaffee County backcountry. The terrain is not extreme, but the approach does require some hiking, and visitors should be prepared for variable mountain weather. There are no formal facilities, so pack water, snacks, and rain gear. The area sees light foot traffic, preserving a sense of discovery that makes each visit feel like finding your own private water.
Whether you come for the brook trout, the beaver-watching, or simply the peace of sitting beside a mountain stream in one of Colorado's most scenic counties, Holywater Beaver Ponds delivers a genuine backcountry experience without requiring a full expedition.