Ask Joseph Burns
Lake Fork River Ranch, a place where anglers gently wade as elk proclaim their autumntide serenade. This pristine mountain paradise offers direct river frontage and over 6 miles of world-class trout fishing- all just 10 minutes outside Lake City, Colorado! Beginning at 8,500 feet, the ranch climbs through lowland meadows and trout ponds to evergreen hillsides and aspen-covered creek bottoms. Across this 1,340’ elevation gradient roam trophy class elk, deer and black bear. Accentuating the natural sporting capabilities of the property is direct access to remote public land and a membership in the Lake Fork Hunting and Fishing Club (which adds an additional 1,388 +/- accessible acres). Creature comforts are outstanding with two immaculate cabins and immeasurable amenities just minutes away. As a whole family retreat or simply a strong investment, there are few properties that can compete with the Lake Fork River Ranch!
Hunting potential on the Lake Fork River Ranch is immense. The ranch lies within a migration corridor that funnels elk and deer from the upper San Juans to low-lying wintering ground. Multiple drainages, alongside healthy stands of timber and ample feed, provide an ideal elk habitat. In addition to the deeded acreage, the adjoining 1,388 +/- acres of private land can be hunted through the ranch’s membership in the Lake Fork Hunting and Fishing Club. Likewise, vast expanses of public land are accessible from both the main ranch and the high cabin.
The Lake Fork River Ranch is located in Colorado Game Unit 66. This prized unit is renowned for quality elk and mule deer and good draw statistics. In 2023, 71% of applicants (Colorado resident, 2 preference points) were successful in drawing a first rifle bull tag. Likewise, second rifle deer tags had a 100% success rate for Colorado residents with four preference points. Since the property is eligible for landowner vouchers, additional licenses are likely.
“I’m planning to fish Lake Fork” is an idyllic utterance that perks the ear of anglers around the globe. A tributary of the Gunnison River, Lake Fork delivers clear mountain water from the San Juan’s into Curicanti’s Gold Medal fishery. Over a 67-mile course, the Lake Fork propagates one of western Colorado’s best fishing experiences. A recent survey conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife found that downstream of the Lake Fork River Ranch, the river sported 31 trout (28 browns, 3 rainbows of 14” or greater length) for every surface acre. Density estimates for smaller fish (5” or greater length) place a brown trout every 7.2 linear foot and a rainbow trout every 15.0 linear foot. Boasting over 6 miles of direct river access fishing (4,100 linear feet of fee-simple river frontage, 2.7 miles of exclusive frontage through fishing club membership, remaining frontage through adjoining public land/fishing easements) and two stocked ponds, the Lake Fork River Ranch is a magnificent angling property. The private ponds, totaling 7.92 surface acres, yield mature brown trout on nearly every cast. Twelve additional ponds and 2.7 miles of exclusive fishing are accessible through the Hunting and Fishing Club which adjoins the ranch’s southern boundary.
The Lake Fork River Ranch is located 5.8 miles (9 minutes) north of Lake City Colorado. Here, the gold-laden San Juan Mountains drew the attention of prospectors in the late 19th century. By 1874, the first permeant structure had been erected to service the local industry. Realization of mineral wealth brought rapid growth to the small smelting community and over 500 additional structures sprung up over the course of just a few years. By 1880, the bustling community included: four churches (First Baptist, Lake City Presbyterian, St James Episcopal, and St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church), a post office, newspaper, fire department, stagecoach, schoolhouse, fully functional Telegraph and even a red-light district. Economic turmoil in the 1890’s and closure of the Gold Fleece Mine sounded an abrupt end to ore production. By the end of the Great Depression, the local mining industry had all but been erased. If gold and silver were worth thousands, then above ground resources are worth millions. As the mining industry waned, the natural beauty of the area brought sportsmen and sightseers from near and far. Rather than shipping the mountains piece by piece to the people, Lake City would bring people to the mountains. Lake Fork and San Cristobal (Colorado’s second largest natural lake) became a fisherman’s paradise and abundant elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, bear, and wild turkey drew the eye of sportsmen. Backcountry mining roads soon formed a globally recognized backpacking and off-roading network. Jeep trails such as Engineer, Cinnamon, Imogene, Black Bear, and Corkscrew connect the iconic mountain towns of Lake City, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride. With the advent of a recreation-based economy came amenities and services that punch well-beyond the weight of most comparatively small towns. Boutique shopping, offroad adventure shops, guiding services, and fine dining replaced mills and smelting facilities. Lake City offers a spectacular getaway, a place where you can have the adventure of a lifetime, a good burger, and enjoy a carefully preserved Victorian town.
Eagle Land Brokerage
21263 Hwy 550
Montrose, Colorado 81403
