Fishing at Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1, Montrose County, Colorado

• Overview

  Set in Montrose County, Colorado, this is Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1. The water sits 7,697 feet up. About 8 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Olathe, is 19 miles distant. Delta lies 21 miles off, Montrose another 24 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off. One side gets the morning sun and the other the evening.

• Where to Fish on Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Species logged across Montrose County include rainbow trout, flannelmouth sucker, brown trout and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. This water fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 68°F, the coldest about 25°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late March. In an average year the thaw lands around late March and the freeze near mid December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. This water fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Big Monitor Reservoir Number 2 sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. For this water, the notice at the access point is the final word.