Ron Belak, longtime RMOWP member from Kittredge, Colorado, tells us that he recently published his second book, The Fishing Guide to 800 High Lakes in Colorado. He describes it as “the most comprehensive and up-to-date fishing guide for Colorado’s high-mountain lakes, covering all of the major mountain ranges in Colorado.”
Ron says the guide is comprised of a series of articles originally published in Colorado Outdoors magazine, the official publication of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The articles were updated in 2020 and 2021, with current stocking data, gill-net surveys, and information from additional fishing trips. Over 800 lakes are featured in the book, he says, and he has personally fished about 600 of them.
The 190 pages of this 8.5 by 11-inch paperback, which sells for $38, contain detailed descriptions of trails and/or roads leading to the lakes, species present, sizes of trout, and anticipated fishing conditions. There are more than 300 color photographs plus 60 topographical maps that show the proximity of lakes to each other and the surrounding terrain. While many of the lakes are accessible only to hikers, backpackers or equestrians, almost 200 lakes and small reservoirs can be accessed by ATVs, 4WD vehicles, or even passenger cars.
This book is available from the printer through the link The Fishing Guide to 800 High Lakes in Colorado by Ron Belak | BookShop (bookbaby.com) or through Ron’s website, www.ronbelak.com, where you can also get information on Ron’s first book, Fly Fishing Colorado’s Backcountry. Those who want an autographed copy can contact Ron directly at ronbelak@msn.com.