Crystal Lakes sit on the west side of US Highway 24 about six miles south of Leadville in Lake County, and for fly anglers looking to practice their cast or spend a quiet afternoon with trout rising to dry flies, these small lakes punch well above their size. Fed by springs and a tributary stream at roughly 9,600 feet elevation, Crystal Lakes offer clear water, healthy resident trout populations, and views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive — Colorado's two tallest peaks — that make every visit feel like a postcard.
Fishing at Crystal Lakes is restricted to artificial flies and lures only, which keeps the experience focused on technique and gives the fishery a quality feel. The lakes are stocked by the Leadville National Fish Hatchery with rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. Tiger trout also show up in catches. The spring-fed water stays remarkably clear, and anglers report being able to sight-fish to cruising trout on calm mornings. Midges and mayflies form the primary forage base, making small dry flies and nymph patterns effective throughout the season. Ice-off typically arrives in mid-May, and fishing holds strong through September.
The lakes are small enough that a canoe or float tube covers the water easily, though most anglers fish from shore. Crystal Lakes adjoin the Reddy State Wildlife Area along the Arkansas River, which opens up additional fishing access at the upstream end of the Hayden Meadows public water section. This makes the area a natural base for anglers who want to split time between stillwater and river fishing on the same trip.
Crystal Lakes also sit along the Colorado Birding Trail, and the surrounding willow-lined banks and open meadows attract a variety of bird species. The setting is peaceful during weekdays and modestly busier on weekends, though the fly-and-lure-only restriction keeps overall visitor numbers lower than bait-friendly lakes in the area.
No entrance fee is required — just a valid Colorado fishing license. The lakes are on public land within the Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area, making access straightforward from the highway. The headwaters of the Arkansas River flow nearby, and the towering presence of Mount Elbert to the west provides a backdrop that elevates a small-lake fishing trip into something genuinely memorable.