What to expect at Ridgway Reservoir

Ridgway Reservoir is a 1,000-acre impoundment on the Uncompahgre River in southwestern Colorado, sitting at 6,760 feet in elevation. The water is cold year-round, fed by snowmelt and deep releases from the dam, which makes it prime habitat for rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The reservoir is managed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife division, and it holds fish in the 12- to 18-inch range regularly, with occasional larger specimens in the 20-plus-inch class.

The park itself covers 1,435 acres and includes a full-service marina, boat ramps, camping, and day-use areas. Unlike many high-altitude Colorado reservoirs that turn over in late summer, Ridgway stays fishable through the season because of its depth and the consistent cold-water inflow. Spring and fall are peak times, but summer fishing is reliable if you know where to look and what time of day to fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Ridgway Reservoir holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, with most fish in the 12- to 18-inch range and deeper water staying cold enough to fish through summer.
  • The dam end and the main basin offer different structure — the dam holds larger fish in deeper water, while the upper end near the Uncompahgre River inlet produces on smaller flies and spinners.
  • A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license is required, and you can launch boats at the marina or fish from shore at several designated access points around the park.
  • Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent times to fish, though summer mornings and evenings produce when midday heat pushes fish deeper.

Where to fish — dam, basin, and inlet structure

The dam end holds the deepest, coldest water and attracts larger brown trout and rainbows, especially in summer. Fish the drop-off on both sides of the dam in 40 to 80 feet of water using jigging spoons, tube jigs, or live minnows. Early morning and late evening are best, but this area can produce all day if you stay deep. The dam end is accessible by boat only.

The main basin in the middle of the reservoir is where most anglers spend their time. This area has moderate depth (20 to 40 feet) and scattered structure including submerged trees and rock outcroppings. Troll small spoons or spinners, or cast from a drifting boat using soft plastics. Kokanee salmon school in the basin during summer and respond well to small jigging spoons in silver or chartreuse.

The upper end near the Uncompahgre River inlet is shallower and more productive in spring and early summer. Fish here with small spinners, dry flies, or nymphs if you wade or fish from shore. This section is accessible from the north shore parking area and is good for anglers without boats. The river channel that feeds the reservoir holds trout year-round and can be productive when the reservoir itself is slow.

Tackle and technique for Ridgway's cold water

Jigging spoons in sizes 1/4 to 1/2 ounce work year-round for both trout and kokanee. Silver, gold, and chartreuse are reliable colors. Drop them to the bottom in deep water and work them with a steady lift-and-drop motion. This method is especially effective in spring and fall when fish are active in shallower water (20 to 40 feet).

Trolling small spinners (sizes 1 and 2) or crankbaits along the basin edges produces consistent results. Move slowly and stay in 15 to 30 feet of water. Many anglers troll two lines — one shallow and one deep — to cover more water. Kokanee respond well to this approach in summer when they suspend in the middle water column.

Fly fishing works in spring and at the inlet where the river enters the reservoir. Use small nymphs (sizes 14 to 18) or dry flies in the early morning. A 5- or 6-weight rod is sufficient, and a sinking line helps you reach fish in deeper sections. Shore fishing with a fly rod is possible from the north parking area and along the dam road.

Seasons and timing — when fish are most active

Spring (April through June) is the most consistent season. Snowmelt raises water levels, and trout move into shallower water to feed. Fish the inlet and upper basin in 10 to 25 feet of water. Mornings are best, and you can catch fish on spinners, small spoons, and flies throughout the day.

Summer (July through August) requires patience and timing. Fish move deep to find cold water, especially in the afternoon. Focus on early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (6 p.m. to dark) when fish move into shallower water to feed. The dam end and deep basin are your best bets. Kokanee are most active in summer and can be found suspended 30 to 50 feet down.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for consistency. Water cools, fish become aggressive, and they move back into shallower structure. The entire reservoir fishes well, and you can catch fish all day. This is the best time for larger brown trout and for anglers new to the reservoir.

Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The reservoir can ice over, and when it is open, fish are deep and less active. Some anglers fish through the ice, but this requires specialized equipment and local knowledge. Check with the marina or Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current conditions.

Access, facilities, and regulations

Ridgway State Park has two main day-use areas and a campground. The south shore marina offers boat rentals, a launch ramp, and a fish-cleaning station. Day-use parking costs a small fee (rates vary by season). The north shore has a smaller parking area and is better for shore fishing and wading at the inlet.

The campground has 150 sites with water and electric hookups, and sites fill quickly in summer and fall weekends. Reservations are made through Colorado Parks and Wildlife's online system. If you do not have a boat, the north shore and inlet areas are accessible by foot and offer good fishing without a launch fee.

A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a daily license, a 5-day license, or an annual license through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or at the marina. Trout and kokanee have daily bag limits (check current regulations with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you fish). Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for larger fish.

Getting there and what to bring

Ridgway Reservoir is 25 miles south of Montrose, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 550. From Montrose, take Highway 550 south toward Ridgway and follow signs to the state park. The drive from Montrose takes about 40 minutes. From the town of Ridgway, the park entrance is 5 miles north on Highway 550.

Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish in shallow water, especially at the inlet and upper basin. The sun reflects hard off the water at this elevation, and good glasses make a real difference. Bring more water than you think you need — the high elevation and dry climate dehydrate quickly. A hat and sunscreen are essential. If you are wading, bring a wading belt and felt-soled boots for traction on the rocky bottom.

The weather changes fast in the San Juan Mountains. Even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bring a rain jacket and be prepared to leave the water if lightning threatens. Morning and evening temperatures can be cool even in July, so layers are smart.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Fishing too shallow in summer is the most common mistake. Many anglers fish the upper basin and inlet all day in July and August and catch nothing. Fish move deep to find cold water. If you are not catching fish by mid-morning, move to the dam end or the deep basin and fish 40 to 60 feet down.

Using tackle that is too heavy is another trap. Ridgway's trout and kokanee are not aggressive feeders — they are selective. Use small spoons (1/4 to 3/8 ounce), light line (4- to 6-pound test), and natural colors. Oversized lures and heavy tackle spook fish in clear water.

Ignoring the inlet is a missed opportunity. The Uncompahgre River inlet is productive year-round and is often overlooked by boat anglers. If you do not have a boat, this is your best bet. Fish it in spring and fall, and even in summer it can produce in early morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Ridgway Reservoir?

No. The north shore parking area and the inlet are accessible by foot and offer good shore fishing, especially in spring and fall. You will catch fewer fish than boat anglers in summer, but the inlet and upper basin are productive without a boat.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (6 p.m. to dark) are most consistent, especially in summer. In spring and fall, fish are active all day. Midday in summer is slow unless you fish deep water near the dam.

Can I keep fish I catch?

Yes, within daily bag limits set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Check current regulations before you fish — limits vary by species and change year to year. The marina and day-use areas have fish-cleaning stations.

What size fish should I expect?

Most fish are 12 to 18 inches. Brown trout and rainbows in the 20-plus-inch range are caught regularly, especially near the dam and in fall. Kokanee are usually 10 to 14 inches.

Is the water cold enough to fish in summer?

Yes. Deep releases from the dam keep the water cold year-round. In summer, fish move deep to find the coldest water, but it is there. Early morning and evening fishing in shallow water is also productive when fish move up to feed.