Newby Reservoir in Otero County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Otero County, Colorado, this is Newby Reservoir. Elevation runs to 4,820 feet. It is low-lying compared with other Colorado water we list. Supplies mean a trip to Rocky Ford, 27 miles off. La Junta lies 28 miles off, Fowler another 32 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Newby Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. 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. County-wide records name green sunfish, channel catfish, white sucker and bluegill. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Read Newby Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 31°F in January to roughly 77°F in July. A lid forms in a hard winter only. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Time your trip to Newby Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Nothing formal is recorded here: no ramp, no car park, no marked path. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Rourke Reservoir is 3.5 miles distant. The position on Newby Reservoir is worth confirming on the day.