Fishing North Fork Reservoir in Chaffee County, Colorado

• Overview

  North Fork Reservoir sits within Chaffee County in Colorado. The ground around here is rolling bush. At roughly 23 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On our Chaffee County list it sits near the top for size. The closest town, Salida, is 18 miles distant. Buena Vista follows at 19 miles, then Gunnison at 33 miles. The boundary is near enough that local access rules are worth double-checking.

• Where to Fish on North Fork Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. County-wide records name brown trout, rainbow trout, black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and california golden trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. North Fork Reservoir fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 49°F for July and 12°F for January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early June. In an average year the thaw lands around early June and the freeze near early November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Time your trip to North Fork Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Island Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. For North Fork Reservoir, the notice at the access point is the final word.