Pomeroy Lake is a high-altitude gem in Chaffee County that rewards adventurous anglers with some of the rarest fishing in Colorado. Sitting above 12,000 feet in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista, this alpine reservoir is one of only a handful of waters in the state where you can catch Arctic grayling alongside native cutthroat trout. The combination of rare fish species, jaw-dropping mountain scenery, and genuine remoteness makes Pomeroy Lake a bucket-list destination for fly fishers and backcountry explorers alike.
Reaching Pomeroy Lake demands a capable off-road vehicle or a willingness to hike. The access road has deteriorated significantly in recent years, and even experienced off-roaders with lifted four-wheel-drive trucks report the route as challenging. Visitors driving modified Jeeps and Toyota 4Runners with aggressive tires describe the final miles as some of the roughest they have encountered in Colorado. If your vehicle is not built for serious off-roading, consider parking at a safe pullout and hiking the remaining distance. The effort is worth it once you crest the final ridge and see the lake spread out below towering alpine peaks.
Fly fishing at Pomeroy Lake is the primary draw. Arctic grayling, identifiable by their large iridescent dorsal fins, feed actively during midday hours and respond well to small dry flies and nymphs. Cutthroat trout share the water, and fish in the 10- to 12-inch range are typical. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake periodically to maintain populations. The best fishing window runs from late June, when ice finally melts off the surface, through September before fall weather sets in. Bring a lightweight rod and pack light, since you may be hiking part of the approach.
The landscape around Pomeroy Lake is alpine Colorado at its finest. Wildflowers carpet the meadows in July, and the surrounding peaks provide dramatic backdrops for photography. The silence at this elevation is striking, broken only by wind and the occasional splash of a rising fish. There are no developed facilities at the lake, so bring everything you need and pack out all waste. Weather changes rapidly above 12,000 feet, and afternoon lightning storms are a real hazard during summer months. Start early, fish through midday, and plan to descend before storms build.