Fishing at Johnson Reservoir, Jefferson County, Colorado

• Overview

  Look for Johnson Reservoir in the Jefferson County part of Colorado. The bank is 5,528 feet above sea level. Roughly 59 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The edge runs 1.2 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. The nearest place of any size is Columbine, 1.6 miles away. Lakewood sits 6.8 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Johnson Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Across Jefferson County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, brown trout and common carp. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Johnson Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 71°F for July and 31°F for January. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Johnson Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. There is a mapped landing stage half a mile away. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. A nature reserve borders this water, which usually brings restrictions. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Grant B Reservoir, 0.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. The position on Johnson Reservoir is worth confirming on the day.