Fishing at Number One Reservoir, Routt County, Colorado

• Overview

  You will find Number One Reservoir in Routt County, Colorado. What surrounds it is rolling bush. Start from Hayden, 14 miles down the road. Then Steamboat Springs, 19 miles, and Craig, 27 miles. Close neighbours run: James Marion Yoast Reservoir about 4.2 miles, Yoast Reservoir Number 1 sits 4.3 miles out, Nofstger Reservoir about 6.8 miles, Lily Pond sits 6.8 miles out and Nofstger Zeigler Reservoir about 6.8 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Number One Reservoir

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Open biodiversity records for Routt County list brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Number One Reservoir the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 60°F, the coldest about 19°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Look for the thaw near late April; the fishing lifts straight after. Break-up sits around late April on average, with the water closing again about late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Number One Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. James Marion Yoast Reservoir sits 4.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Number One Reservoir carry more weight than any list.