Fishing

There are many fine streams and lakes in the area to fish, all within a one-hour drive from Victor. All are cold water areas with a wide variety of trout species and northern pike. Skaguay Reservoir is the nearest fishing hole. About 6 miles down the road (take Phantom Canyon Road from Victor to the first left turn at the sign for reservoir), Skaguay offers some pike. Fishing is best at inlet, east shore, and the dam area. Boats and camping are allowed. If you need bait, tackle or lunches, stop in Victor before heading out. G&S Sporting Goods offers a full-service shop, including fishing and hunting licenses, and several Victor establishments offer snacks and lunches to go.

Skaguay was built by the Woods family, founders of Victor, to supply electricity to the mines. The historic photo above shows the wooden pipeline that transported water from the reservoir down the canyon to the hydroelectric plant the Woods built. Pieces of the wooden pipeline, with metal bands can be seen along the Beaver Creek trail.

Other area fishing spots include:
Beaver Creek: Below dam; great hike and brookies.

Elevenmile Canyon: Hwy. 24 at Lake George; scenic; good fishing.. Camping available.

Elevenmile Reservoir: Turn left west of Lake George on Highway 24. Big fish - cutthroat, browns, lake trout, and pike. Salmon runs spring and fall. Camping and boating available.

Spinney Mtn. Reservoir: West of Elevenmile; flies and lures only; boats for the best fishing, Limit: one fish over 20”; lots of action for smaller ones (16” - 19’’).

South Platte River Between Elevenmile and Spinney: Gold medal stream; flies and lures only; catch and release.

South Platte: Take the Tarryall turnoff north of Hwy. 24 and Elevenmile Canyon; nice camping and fun fishing.

Skagway Reservoir east of Victor offers fishing and a gradual trail that gets more hilly. The trail follows the lake's edge. Take Phantom Canyon Road east of Victor to the first fork in the road and turn left; drive to the reservoir. The trail starts to the north of the parking area.

Beaver Creek - Starting at the dam at Skagway Reservoir, the trail leads down the canyon and is a popular fishing spot. This trail is not for the occasional hiker as the return ascent is strenuous.