Ellgen Reservoir Fishing near Craig, Colorado

• Overview

  Ellgen Reservoir belongs to Moffat County, Colorado. It sits in lake country bush country. You are 9.6 miles from Craig. The big place round here is Boulder, 131 miles distant. Other water nearby: Ellgen Reservoir Number 2 out at 0.4 miles, Culverwell Reservoir sits 4.1 miles out, Biskup Reservoir out at 13 miles, Waddle Creek Reservoir sits 13 miles out and Kowach Reservoir out at 13 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Ellgen Reservoir

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Survey and observation records for Moffat County include flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker, white sucker, common carp and brook trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Ellgen Reservoir a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 68°F in July and bottom out at 19°F in January. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. From about early April to around early December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. On Ellgen Reservoir that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Ellgen Reservoir Number 2, 0.4 miles out. For Ellgen Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.