Blue Mesa Reservoir offers good fishing year-round
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- Created on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 15:46
- Written by Nathan
Blue Mesa Reservoir is the state's largest body of water. The reservoir stretches 19 miles and boasts more than 90 miles of shoreline.
The reservoir is known for having big fish and for having the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the U.S.
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More than 30 streams flow into Blue Mesa, providing an abundance of food and spawning habitat for fish. In 2007, the state record for largest lake trout was set at Blue Mesa. The massive “mack” measured 44.25 inches and weighed in at more than 50 pounds.
Fishing in the summer is mostly productive trolling from boats. Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout can be found at lower depths. Downriggers often are needed to get deep enough to find them. Blue Mesa is home to a pair of marinas where anglers can launch boats -- the Elk Creek Marina and the Lake Fork Marina.
Fall fishing at the reservoir is some of the best in Colorado. Once the cooler weather arrives, fish move up from lower depths to feed and spawn. Trolling near the many inlets of the reservoir can be quite productive. Popular and effective trolling lures are Tasmanian Devils, Needlefish and jointed rapalas in silver, white and green.
Planning a weekend trip? Check out updated fishing reports: Denver Metro ... Northwest ... Northeast ... Southwest ... Southeast
Moving into winter, when the reservoir is frozen, ice fishing for rainbows can be excellent. The best areas for rainbows typically are Dry Gulch, East Elk, the Gunnison River inlet area and Elk Creek. Blue Mesa usually has good ice from mid-December to mid-March. Lake trout are another popular species caught through the ice, typically before noon.
Other popular fishing spots are Iola, Cebolla, Middle Bridge and Soup Creek.
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