Glen Reservoir, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Colorado, Glen Reservoir falls inside Gilpin County. The water sits 8,681 feet up. Surface area runs to about 4 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Gilpin County standards. Nederland lies 1.9 miles from the water. After that come Coal Creek at 7.5 miles and Idaho Springs at 13 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Glen Reservoir

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Fish documented in Gilpin County include brook trout, black-spotted cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and lake trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Glen Reservoir fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 57°F in July and bottom out at 24°F in January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early May. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. At Glen Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. There is a campsite half a mile from the water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Opalair Reservoir sits 0.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Glen Reservoir before loading the car.