Kinney Lake in Lincoln County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Kinney Lake lies in Lincoln County, Colorado. The bank is 5,079 feet above sea level. At roughly 7 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Lincoln County standards. Limon sits 24 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Ellicott is 51 miles away, with Ordway at 55 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Kinney Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Across Lincoln County, recorded fish include common carp, bluegill, yellow perch, black bullhead and black crappie. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Kinney Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 73°F for July and 29°F for January. A lid forms in a hard winter only. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. On Kinney Lake that shapes the whole year. The first warm week of the year changes everything here.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Schafer Reservoir at 12 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Kinney Lake.