Cheney Reservoir near Palisade: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Delta County entry here is Cheney Reservoir, in Colorado. Country round the bank runs to dry open country. Around 51 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. It ranks high for size among our Delta County listings. Palisade sits 16 miles from the bank. Beyond it, Clifton at 16 miles and Orchard Mesa at 16 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Cheney Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Across Delta County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, white sucker and flannelmouth sucker. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Work Cheney Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 28°F in January up to 77°F in July. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Time your trip to Cheney Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapped as intermittent, it fills after rain and shrinks between. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Rocky Wash Reservoir is 3.7 miles distant. Where Cheney Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.