Fairview Reservoir in Jefferson County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Fairview Reservoir stands in Jefferson County, Colorado. The setting is open valley. Surface area runs to about 18 acres — small enough to read in one session. Ken Caryl lies 2.7 miles from the water. For a city, Lakewood is 12 miles off. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing. Nothing about the setting is dramatic, and that suits the fishing.

• Where to Fish on Fairview Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Jefferson County records list rainbow trout, brown trout, common carp and green sunfish among the fish reported. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. At Fairview Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 69°F and January reads 29°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan around that when you fish Fairview Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. A picnic spot sits half a mile from the bank. There are toilets half a mile off. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Fairview Reservoir Number 2, 0.5 miles away. Check the position on Fairview Reservoir before loading the car.