Donnely Reservoir, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Donnely Reservoir lies within the bounds of Delta County, Colorado. Pine and birch runs right down to the water. It measures about 25 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The town to know is Cedaredge, 9.3 miles out. After that come Orchard City at 14 miles and Delta at 21 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Donnely Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Survey and observation records for Delta County include rainbow trout, white sucker, flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and brown trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The shape of Donnely Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 56°F in July and bottoms out near 17°F in January. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid May. The water is typically free of ice between mid May and mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. At Donnely Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Launching is at Eggleston Boat Ramp, about half a mile away. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Kiser Reservoir at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at Donnely Reservoir for certain.