Arapaho Valley Ranch

Everything You Need to Know about Lake Granby

All About Lake Granby

Arapaho Valley Ranch lies on the southern banks of Lake Granby, the largest manmade lake in Colorado. This beautiful lake allows for a remote and fun day of water sports, soothing waters, and fun memories for you and your family.

On top of its fun factor, Lake Granby is an incredibly affordable place to spend your time, as it costs roughly $5 per day (this is the Arapaho Valley National Forest entrance fee.) Let’s dive into all the major things to do in Lake Granby so you can be prepared right when you arrive.

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  • Lake Granby has a depth of 221 feet and is 7000 acres, making it an ideal fishing experience for the guests who stay in Arapaho Valley Ranch. Its impressive depth makes for a surprisingly diverse pool of fish to hook—at least for a freshwater lake. Lake Granby is an excellent ice fishing location for those visiting The Arapaho National Forest in the wintertime.

    What fish will I catch here?

    • Brown Trout
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Lake Trout
    • Kokanee Salmon
    • Mackinaw
    • Cutthroat Trout

    What should I bring for a fishing trip to Lake Granby?

    You need to come prepared with a Colorado Fishing License and (if you’re planning to pilot a pontoon) a Colorado Boating License. These are necessary to make sure everyone understands the general fishing regulations for The Centennial State. If you just plan to fish at Arapaho Valley Ranch in our fishing pond, you don’t need a fishing license!

    Buy a Fishing License

    You should also plan on bringing any fishing equipment you have. Tackle boxes, fishing rods, and spare line are always essentials. If you don’t own any for yourself, you can pick some up at Granby’s Bait and Tackle in town.

    Granby Bait and Tackle

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    Ice Fishing

    For guests who want to carve their way through some ice and fish in the Colorado cold, Lake Granby may be the perfect place to visit. Ice Fishing is incredibly popular here, and experts are clamoring to take tourists they meet at the local marinas.

    What equipment do I need for ice fishing?

    You’ll want to bring a cozy chair, fishing equipment like jigs, bait, and lures, needle-nose pliers, hand warmers, warm clothes, and cleats.

    Fishing with Experts

    While there are some public fishing charters that you can work with at the multiple marinas around the lake, Fishing with Bernie offers a quieter yet fulfilling experience. You’ll have the fishing experience of your life, guided by true fishing experts.

    Fishing with Bernie

    Phone: 303-956-3804

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  • The best way to experience Lake Granby is by sailing the water and riding the waves yourself. The many Lake Granby Marinas are excellent places to visit if you’re looking to store your boat for the week or if you’re looking to rent for a day. The major Lake Granby Marinas are:

    Pontoons and jet skis are usually the only rentable watercraft at the marinas. However, guests who stay in Arapaho Valley Ranch have access to free canoes so you can explore the water without needing to spend the extra dough. We also offer life vests to all of our guests, and we ask that you remain cautious when you’re out in the water.

    We don’t have paddleboards, kayaks, or jet skis on our property, so if you want to try these activities bring some of your own.

    Indian Peaks Marina Highland Marina Beacon Landing

Arapaho National Recreation Area

Some guests may not be a huge fan of the water, but absolutely love the beach. The closest “beachy” area available on Lake Granby is the Arapaho National Recreation Area on the northern side of the lake. It’s the perfect place to lounge about during a sunny day, picnicking and laughing with your family.

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