Fishing at Bonham-Wells Reservoir, Delta County, Colorado

• Overview

  Set in Delta County, Bonham-Wells Reservoir is a Colorado water. The setting is rolling bush on every side. Around 72 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Bank access stretches around 2.5 miles in total. On our Delta County list it sits near the top for size. Nearest place of any size is Cedaredge, 14 miles away. For a city, Boulder is 153 miles off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Bonham-Wells Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Delta County include rainbow trout, white sucker and flannelmouth sucker. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Bonham-Wells Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 57°F and January near 17°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid May. From about mid May to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It sets the rhythm of the year at Bonham-Wells Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Atkinson Reservoir is 1.2 miles distant. Treat access at Bonham-Wells Reservoir as something to verify.