Cozart Reservoir Fishing near Leadville, Colorado

• Overview

  Cozart Reservoir sits in Lake County, out in Colorado. It sits in mixed forest. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. You are 11 miles from Leadville. The big place round here is Lakewood, 81 miles distant. Also on the doorstep: Lily Pond 0.6 miles, Mount Elbert Forebay near enough 1.2 miles, Twin Lakes 2.5 miles, Emerald Lake near enough 3.7 miles and Willis Lake 6.3 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Cozart Reservoir

  This is salt or soda water, not a conventional fishery: do not expect the usual freshwater species here. The basin is ephemeral: it can stand empty for years between fills. Check the nearby waters on this page for the realistic fishing options in the area. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. At Cozart Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 15°F in January to roughly 54°F in July. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. Break-up sits around mid May on average, with the water closing again about mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. At Cozart Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Public mapping marks it as seasonal water rather than permanent. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Lily Pond, 0.6 miles out. Signs at Cozart Reservoir carry more weight than any list.