Much of the White River Valley is under private ownership. However, multiple locations along the Flat Tops Byway do provide opportunities for public fishing. Please remember to respect private property. If you are unsure of your location, assume that the land is private and closed. It is up to you to know where you are with regards to private property.
These locations provide public fishing access to the White River.
City of Meeker–All waters of the White River within the City Limits from the 10th Street Bridge, upstream to the East end of City Park are open to public fishing access.
Mile Marker 30.5–Access to the North Fork White River begins at the fence above the horse pasture of the Forest Service’s Lost Creek Guard Station to the lower end of Rio Blanco Ranch approximately 3 miles, at approximately mile 33.6. Please note, the bridge at the lower end of the Lost Creek pasture is privately owned and not for public use.
Mile Marker 36.3–access is on the North Fork White River beginning below the confluence of Snell Creek, thence upstream to below the confluence of Ripple Creek. Note, there is private property upstream and downstream from this small section of river.
Mile 43–39 miles on County Road 8, turn right (south) on FDR 205 (Trappers Lake Road). Travel 6 miles to Himes Peak Campground. All waters upstream from the Big Fish Trail bridge, and just below Himes Peak Campground are open to the public. Fishing in the Trappers Lake outlet is prohibited.
Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area has four public fishing access points.
Sleepy Cat Ponds: 16 miles east of Meeker on County Road 8.
Sleepy Cat Fishing Easement: 17 miles east on County Road 8. Public fishing access allowed on the North side of river through a private property easement. Park in designated parking areas only.
Lake Avery Unit: 19 miles east on County Road 8. Access on both sides of the river from the bridge on County Road 10.
Bel-Aire Unit: 21 miles east on County Road 8 to County Road 17 (Buford-New Castle Road), then 1.5 miles south. This area includes access to the North and South Fork of the White River.
In all cases be sure to park in identified areas only (signage near the road will usually tell you if you’re allowed to do this). Check the current Colorado Fishing guide provided by the Division of Wildlife for information pertaining to rules and regulations: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Pages/Fishing.aspx
Fishing is also allowed throughout the Flat Tops Wilderness. The Flat Tops is home to hundreds of small lakes and streams feeding into the White River. Many high-country lakes in the Flat Tops (including the ones listed here which are commonly thought to support fish) do not support fish:
Twin Lakes
Florence Lake
Parvin Lake
Most unnamed lakes in the Flat Tops
Recommended Rivers
White River, North Fork: Fisheries include Brook, Cutthroat, Rainbow Trout and Whitefish. Fishable waters start 32 miles east of Meeker on County Road 8.
White River, South Fork: Accessed by the South Fork Trail #1827. Fisheries include Brook, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. Whitefish in the lower section.
Recommended Streams
Fraser Creek: Five miles of small creek flowing into Trappers Lake accessed by the Trappers Lake Trail #1818.
Lost Creek: Five miles of stream flowing into the North Fork of the White River, 32 miles east of Meeker. Accessed by the Lost Creek Trail #1808. Fisheries include Cutthroat, Rainbow and Brook Trout and occasionally Whitefish in the lower section.
Lost Solar Creek: Eight miles of stream flowing into the South Fork of the White River. Accessed by the Lost Solar Trail #1828. Fisheries include Cutthroat, Rainbow and Brook Trout.
Marvine Creeks: East, Main and West – Twenty-five miles of stream flowing onto private land before its cofluences with the Nnorth Fork of the White River. Accessed by Marvine Trail #1823 and the East Marvine Trail # 1822. Fisheries include Brook, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout.
Miller Creeks: East and Middle Forks – Five miles of stream flowing into private land. Please respect private property. Accessed by the Miller Creek Road (County road 57).
Ripple Creek: Eight miles of stream flowing into the north fork of the White River. No trail access. Fisheries include Cutthroat, Brook and Rainbow.
