Nelson Reservoir Fishing near Loveland, Colorado

• Overview

  Nelson Reservoir sits within Larimer County in Colorado. Open valley runs right down to the water. Roughly 34 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. It lies lower than most water we list in Colorado. For a base, Loveland sits 5.8 miles out. After that come Windsor at 6 miles and Fort Collins at 8.8 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Nelson Reservoir

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Larimer County records list black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout, white sucker, rainbow trout and brown trout among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Treat Nelson Reservoir as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 72°F; by January the average is down near 26°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. That shapes the year on Nelson Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Fishing from a pier is possible half a mile away. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Mud Lake is 0.7 miles distant. Confirm access to Nelson Reservoir locally before you travel.