Fishing at Black Creek Reservoir, Summit County, Colorado

• Overview

  Black Creek Reservoir is one of the Summit County waters in Colorado. Country round the bank runs to pine and birch. About 20 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Vail is the closest town at 13 miles. Silverthorne follows at 16 miles, then Minturn at 17 miles. Also worth knowing: Black Lake within 0.9 miles, 1.7 miles out stands Lost Lake, Surprise Lake within 2.1 miles, 2.6 miles out stands Doig Lake and Dora Lake within 3.2 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Black Creek Reservoir

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. County-wide records name brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and black-spotted cutthroat trout. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Black Creek Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 17°F and July at about 53°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid May. The lid tends to go about mid May and return around early November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Expect Black Creek Reservoir to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Should this one be busy, Black Lake is 0.9 miles off. Nothing on Black Creek Reservoir should be assumed from this page alone.