Fishing at Atkinson Reservoir, Delta County, Colorado

• Overview

  Delta County in Colorado is where Atkinson Reservoir sits. Land around it is rolling bush. It measures about 75 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. With about 1.5 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. It is among the larger waters listed here for Delta County. Cedaredge lies 14 miles from the water. Boulder sits 153 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Atkinson Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Reported across Delta County: rainbow trout, white sucker, flannelmouth sucker and bluehead sucker. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Read Atkinson Reservoir for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 57°F; by January the average is down near 17°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. After mid May the shallows warm and the fish move up. Expect the water usable from around mid May until roughly mid November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Atkinson Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. You will be walking about 0.9 miles from the nearest car park. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Big Creek Reservoir Number 1 at 1 mile is the nearest alternative. Signs at Atkinson Reservoir carry more weight than any list.