In the entire state of Colorado, the Division of Wildlife has designated only 13 streams and lakes as Gold Medal Trout Waters, a water that holds a self-sustaining population of trophy-size fish. These are naturally reproducing fish where no stocked trout will be placed unless an emergency situation arises. Five of these, four streams and one reservoir, can be found within 1 ½-hours of Breckenridge. Here are a couple to visit.

BLUE RIVER

The closest stream of the four local Gold-Medal waters is the Blue River. From humble beginnings high above Breckenridge, the Blue flows the entire length of Summit County from the south to the north. Thirty-four miles of Gold Medal water can be found here, starting below Dillon Reservoir and coursing through the Blue River valley to its confluence with the Colorado River near the town of Kremmling.  It is known for its trophy rainbow trout!

SOUTH PLATTE

The three forks of the South Platte River that form the South Platte proper all start in the mountains on the south side of Hoosier Pass. There are three Gold Medal sections on the Platte, including Cheesman Canyon and Spinney Mountain Reservoir. The Gold Medal section that local anglers’ fish on a daily basis is located beneath Spinney Reservoir, a 3.8-mile stretch fittingly nicknamed the Dream Stream.

Like all Gold Medal Trout waters, there are special restrictions placed on these streams to protect each one’s Gold Medal status. Consult your Colorado Regulation Book for specifics.