Long Draw Reservoir Fishing Guide, Jackson County, Colorado

• Overview

  In Colorado, Long Draw Reservoir belongs to Jackson County. Elevation runs to 10,108 feet. It measures some 348 acres, and wind has room to build across it. Shoreline length is close to 4.2 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. It ranks high for size among our Jackson County listings. The nearest place of any size is Estes Park, 16 miles away. Granby follows at 30 miles, then Lyons at 33 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Draw Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Reported across Jackson County: brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, Arctic grayling and black-spotted cutthroat trout. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Anyone new to Long Draw Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 50°F and January reads 17°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late May. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late May and starts locking again about early November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. It sets the rhythm of the year at Long Draw Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Peterson Lake sits 4 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Long Draw Reservoir as something to verify.