McHatton Reservoir Fishing near Meeker, Colorado

• Overview

  McHatton Reservoir lies in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. It lies 6,765 feet above sea level. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. For supplies, Meeker is 5.5 miles out. It is 135 miles to Boulder, the nearest city. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on McHatton Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Across Rio Blanco County, recorded fish include flannelmouth sucker, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bluehead sucker and mountain whitefish. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. McHatton Reservoir fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 65°F; by January the average is down near 19°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Time your trip to McHatton Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. The nearest alternative is Lunney Reservoir, 4.8 miles out. Nothing on McHatton Reservoir should be assumed from this page alone.