Fishing at Basset Reservoir Number 2, Moffat County, Colorado

• Overview

  The Moffat County end of Colorado holds Basset Reservoir Number 2. It sits in open dry country. About 4 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Naples, is 42 miles distant. Beyond it, Vernal at 43 miles and Maeser at 45 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Basset Reservoir Number 2

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Across Moffat County, recorded fish include flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and white sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. Take this water a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 67°F and January near 22°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. From about early April to around early December, expect open water on the long-run figures. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Expect this water to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. It is recorded as intermittent, which means the basin empties in dry spells. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Tittle Reservoir is 10 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for this water.