Fishing at Olive Lake, Yuma County, Colorado

• Overview

  Out in Yuma County, Colorado, sits Olive Lake. It lies 3,553 feet above sea level. The far bank is a conversation away, so keep low and quiet. On size it sits at the modest end of our Yuma County list. The town to know is Wray, 1.1 miles out. Yuma follows at 28 miles, then Saint Francis at 30 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Olive Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in Yuma County include plains darter, white sucker, orangethroat darter, green sunfish and black bullhead. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The shape of Olive Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 27°F in January and 75°F in July. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Anyone fishing Olive Lake regularly works to that calendar. Barometric swings often matter more than the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Wray Watershed District Reservoir Number 6 at 1.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Olive Lake are worth checking on the day.