Mix Lake is a hidden gem for trout fishing in Conejos County, nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado. Reaching Mix Lake requires a 25-mile drive on a bumpy dirt road, which keeps the crowds away and rewards determined anglers with a quiet, uncrowded fishing experience. The lake is larger than most visitors expect, with a deep underwater ledge running five to ten feet off the bank in many areas — a key feature that concentrates fish and creates excellent casting opportunities from shore.
Rainbow trout are the primary catch at Mix Lake, and they bite reliably throughout the season. Fly fishing produces outstanding results here; anglers report 20-plus fish days using hopper-dropper rigs with pink bead heads. Spin fishing from the bank works well too, thanks to that pronounced drop-off so close to shore. Most trout run 10 to 12 inches, making this a consistent action lake rather than a trophy destination. The surrounding shoreline provides multiple access points for casting, and the calm, glass-like surface makes for ideal fly presentation on still mornings.
Mix Lake sits just minutes from the small mountain community of Platoro, where visitors can fuel up at the Skyline Lodge and Skyline Cafe — the burgers come highly recommended by locals passing through. The nearby Conejos River is within walking distance of the lake, offering an additional world-class trout fishery for those who want to extend their trip. Camping options abound in the surrounding national forest, with a quiet campground right at the lake that provides basic lake access and proximity to both the lake and the river.
The trade-off for Mix Lake's solitude is the access road. That 25-mile stretch of unpaved road demands a high-clearance vehicle and patience, but the payoff is a mountain lake that feels genuinely remote. Expect biting flies during warmer months, so pack insect repellent. There are no developed facilities at the lake itself — bring everything you need and pack it out. Mix Lake rewards visitors who are willing to earn their fishing, delivering reliable trout action in a stunning, crowd-free setting in the Conejos River headwaters country.