At a Glance
- Grand Lake: 506 acres
- Shadow Mountain Lake: 1,361 acres
- Combined Shoreline: Miles of access
- Marina: Grand Lake Marina
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Grand Lake is one of the finest kayaking lakes in Colorado — calm water, mountain reflections, and minimal motorized boat traffic in the early morning hours. The lake is most glassy at dawn before the afternoon westerly wind begins building, typically by 1 or 2 PM. Plan morning paddles for the best conditions.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the Grand Lake Marina. The marina also offers paddleboat and canoe rentals. The channel connecting Grand Lake to Shadow Mountain Lake is navigable by kayak, opening up 1,800+ combined acres of paddling water.
Boating and Sailing
Grand Lake has a long sailing tradition — the Grand Lake Yacht Club, one of the highest-altitude yacht clubs in the world, has been active here since 1912. Summer afternoons bring reliable southwest winds that make Grand Lake a consistent sailing venue. Powerboats are also allowed on Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake.
Boat ramps are available at several access points around both lakes. A valid Colorado boating license is required for motorized vessels — check cpw.state.co.us for current requirements. The Grand Lake Marina offers slip rentals and can provide information on current boating conditions.
Fishing from the Water
Fishing from a kayak or small boat on Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake is one of the most productive ways to target lake trout (mackinaw), rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Trolling lures at depth is the standard technique for lake trout in summer when fish move to cooler depths. Kokanee typically run in late summer and can be found closer to the surface.
The channel between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake is a productive fishing spot, as fish move between the two bodies of water. Bank fishing is accessible at multiple points, but boat access opens up the deeper sections of both lakes where the larger fish concentrate.