Lake Rhoda

Lake Rhoda is a small urban lake tucked into the Lakewood area of Jefferson County, offering a surprisingly wild pocket of water within the Denver metropolitan sprawl. Originally built as a gravel pit that filled with groundwater, the lake has matured into a neighborhood fixture where local anglers test their luck year-round and nearby residents walk its perimeter for exercise.

The lake is best known for its population of common carp, which can grow to impressive sizes in the nutrient-rich water. Catch-and-release fishing draws a dedicated group of regulars who appreciate the challenge of hooking large carp on light tackle. Access and fishing permission can be unclear because the lake sits on or near private land, so checking current regulations and posting before casting a line is strongly recommended.

Water quality at Lake Rhoda is variable. Warm summer months can bring algae blooms and a noticeable odor near the shoreline, a common trait of shallow urban lakes fed by stormwater runoff. Despite the occasional smell, the lake supports fish populations and attracts waterfowl including Canada geese, mallards, and the occasional great blue heron.

The surrounding neighborhood provides flat, easy walking along nearby sidewalks and informal paths, making the area accessible for visitors of all fitness levels. There are no formal facilities such as restrooms, boat ramps, or designated parking lots, so plan accordingly. Street parking in the adjacent neighborhood is the primary access point.

Lake Rhoda will never rival Colorado's mountain reservoirs for scenery, but it fills a valuable niche as a close-to-home fishing and birding spot for Jefferson County residents who want to wet a line or watch herons hunt without driving into the high country.