Fishing at Grand Mesa Reservoir Number 6, Mesa County, Colorado

• Overview

  Grand Mesa Reservoir Number 6 sits in Mesa County, out in Colorado. Height above sea level is 10,538 feet. At 20 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Cedaredge is the closest place, 12 miles off. Orchard City is 15 miles and Palisade 16 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Grand Mesa Reservoir Number 6

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Survey and observation records for Mesa County include flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker, green sunfish, white sucker and common carp. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On this water the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 56°F for July and 17°F for January. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Break-up comes around mid May, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, mid May opens the water and mid November closes it again. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. The season on this water follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Grand Mesa Reservoir Number 9 sits 0.5 miles off and takes the overflow. For this water, the notice at the access point is the final word.