Big Evans Reservoir Fishing near Leadville, Colorado

• Overview

  Look for Big Evans Reservoir in Lake County, Colorado. It lies 10,535 feet above sea level. At roughly 2 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Most waters listed here for Lake County are larger. Some 1.5 miles away sits Leadville, the nearest settlement. The nearest city of size is Lakewood, 70 miles away. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Big Evans Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Open biodiversity records for Lake County list rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Big Evans Reservoir gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 53°F for July and 15°F for January. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid May. The water is typically free of ice between mid May and early November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Big Evans Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. A car park sits roughly half a mile away. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Lake Isabelle at 2.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Big Evans Reservoir are worth checking on the day.