Big Beaver Reservoir in Mesa County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Big Beaver Reservoir belongs to Mesa County, Colorado. This is lake country bush country. Supplies mean a trip to Cedaredge, 14 miles off. Palisade follows at 17 miles, then Orchard City at 18 miles. Not far off: Bull Creek Reservoir Number 3 the better part of 0.3 miles, Bull Creek Reservoir Number 5 within 0.6 miles, Bull Creek Reservoir Number 4 the better part of 0.6 miles and Bull Basin Reservoir Number 1 within 1.2 miles. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Big Beaver Reservoir

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Fish documented in Mesa County include flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker, green sunfish and white sucker. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Big Beaver Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 17°F in January up to 56°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Look for the thaw near mid May; the fishing lifts straight after. Expect the water usable from around mid May until roughly mid November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. That shapes the year on Big Beaver Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Bull Creek Reservoir Number 3 at 0.3 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat Big Beaver Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.