Hayes Reservoir, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Hayes Reservoir lies within the bounds of Huerfano County, Colorado. The bank is 7,198 feet above sea level. For supplies, Walsenburg is 17 miles out. After that come Colorado City at 33 miles and Trinidad at 37 miles. Close by you also have: Marker Lake out at 1 mile, 1.4 miles away is Butte Reservoir, La Veta Town Reservoir out at 1.4 miles, 1.6 miles away is H R Carson Reservoir Number 2 and H R Carson Reservoir out at 1.6 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Hayes Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Reported across Huerfano County: cutthroat trout, black-spotted cutthroat trout and brook trout. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. At Hayes Reservoir the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 64°F for July and 26°F for January. Some winters cap it and some do not. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. That is the shape of the year on Hayes Reservoir. Wind direction matters more than wind strength.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Marker Lake is 1 mile off. Treat Hayes Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.