Fishing Murphy Reservoir in Garfield County, Colorado

• Overview

  This water sits in Garfield County, Colorado. The country round it is mixed forest from end to end. At roughly 2 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Garfield County list. Nearest town is Rifle, 3.7 miles off. For a city, Boulder is 139 miles off. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Murphy Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Open biodiversity records for Garfield County list cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and bluegill. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Murphy Reservoir decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 71°F and January near 24°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid March. On average, mid March opens the water and mid December closes it again. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. The season on Murphy Reservoir follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Fravert Reservoir at 2.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Murphy Reservoir.