Where to Go Rampart Reservoir
Rampart Reservoir is just a 40 minute drive from the west side of Colorado Springs and just east of the town of Woodland Park. Rampart is by far one of the deepest reservoirs within a 1-2 hour drive from the Springs and has excellent trout fishing from the shore. The spring and fall are great times of the year to fish for Rampart's legendary large Mackinaw. If you're trolling from a boat you have access to these big lake trout year round because in the summer they move deep. Parking and fishing access is free if you park and hike in from the inlet side, otherwise it is a $10 pass fee.
Rainbow gulch, Rampart reservoir-
"This hiking trail takes you down into the inlet of Rampart. At ice off, fly fisherman have the unique opportunity to fish for Mackinaw on the fly. The lakers cruise in very shallow water along the shoreline at this time. Slow stripping streamers can be deadly. My favorite patterns for this are white, olive, and brown woolybuggers, and sparkle minnows. The area also offers some great dry fly opportunity for rainbows in the morning and evenings. Hard to go wrong with a parachute adams." Jon Easdon, Guide and Director of Services
Directions - 26.2 Miles - 50 Minutes
- Head south on S 21st St toward US-24 W
- Turn right onto US-24 W/W Hwy 24
- Take Co Rd 22 and Rampart Range Rd to your destination in El Paso County