Barnes Meadow Reservoir is a 99-acre mountain reservoir perched at 9,160 feet along the Cameron Pass corridor in Larimer County, making it one of the most scenic and productive high-elevation fishing spots on Colorado's northern Front Range. Located just off Highway 14 between Fort Collins and Walden, this reservoir has drawn anglers for decades with its reliable trout fishing and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and meadows. If you are looking for a mountain lake that actually produces fish without a grueling backcountry hike, Barnes Meadow is one of the best drives-to destinations along the Poudre Canyon.
Fishing is the primary draw at Barnes Meadow Reservoir. The lake holds rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, cutbow hybrids, brown trout, brook trout, and lake trout, giving anglers a genuine mixed-bag opportunity. Reviews consistently praise the fishing here, with many visitors reporting 9- to 12-inch rainbows and cutbows caught on dry flies, spinners, and bait. The reservoir fishes well from shore, though a float tube or small watercraft can help you reach deeper water where larger trout hold. Many locals consider Barnes Meadow superior to nearby Chambers Lake for consistent catch rates.
The reservoir sits in an open mountain meadow surrounded by forest that was impacted by the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire. While the landscape is recovering, visitors should expect some standing dead timber and changed scenery compared to pre-fire conditions. The area remains beautiful in its own way, with new growth and wildflowers filling in each summer season.
Access is straightforward via Highway 14 over Cameron Pass. Parking is available near the west gate on the south side of the highway, adjacent to the overflow dam. The reservoir itself has no developed facilities — there are no restrooms, no boat ramp, and no maintained campground at the lake. Bring a shovel if you plan to stay, as the area offers only one primitive campsite. For developed camping, State Forest State Park is nearby with several campgrounds including The Crags, Ranger Lakes, and North Michigan.
Barnes Meadow Reservoir is typically accessible from late May or early June through October, depending on snowpack. Half of the land surrounding the reservoir is private property, so pay close attention to posted signage and stay on the public-access side. Ice fishing is possible in winter months when the road is passable, though access can be limited by snow. The summer months from June through August offer the most comfortable fishing conditions, with average temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees at this elevation.