Rist Benson Reservoir Fishing Guide, Larimer County, Colorado

• Overview

  Rist Benson Reservoir lies within the bounds of Larimer County, Colorado. Height above sea level is 5,069 feet. Surface area is around 51 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Bank access stretches around 1.2 miles in total. Ground here is low by Colorado standards. Loveland lies 2.4 miles from the water. Campion lies 4.7 miles off, Berthoud another 7.3 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Rist Benson Reservoir

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Across Larimer County, recorded fish include black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout and white sucker. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Rist Benson Reservoir a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 72°F and January at 28°F. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Rist Benson Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Public data has parking about half a mile from the shore. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Lake Loveland at 1.6 miles is the nearest alternative. None of that is settled for Rist Benson Reservoir in what we hold.