Gross Reservoir near Coal Creek: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Gross Reservoir lies within the bounds of Boulder County, Colorado. It sits at 7,290 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 415 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. It ranks high for size among our Boulder County listings. Head to Coal Creek, 2.5 miles away, for anything you forgot. After that come Boulder at 7.4 miles and Nederland at 7.5 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Gross Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Survey and observation records for Boulder County include black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and brown trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Gross Reservoir the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 26°F to 62°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Time your trip to Gross Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is a ramp at Gross Reservoir Boat Ramp, half a mile out. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. You can camp 0.9 miles off, which suits an early start. A picnic site half a mile off makes this workable with family in tow. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems.