Fishing at Big Stratton Reservoir, El Paso County, Colorado

• Overview

  In Colorado, Big Stratton Reservoir falls inside El Paso County. The country here is open valley. Surface area runs to about 12 acres — small enough to read in one session. 2.8 miles away sits Colorado Springs, the nearest town. The big place round here is Colorado Springs, 2.5 miles distant. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Big Stratton Reservoir

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. County-wide records name rainbow trout, common carp, brook trout, green sunfish and white sucker. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Treat Big Stratton Reservoir as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 71°F and January near 30°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Plan any trip to Big Stratton Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. Toilets show in mapping about half a mile away. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Curr Reservoir at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat Big Stratton Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.