Salter Reservoir in Montezuma County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in Montezuma County, Colorado, sits Salter Reservoir. The country here is open valley. A pocket of water where every cast reaches cover. Most waters listed here for Montezuma County are larger. The closest town, Cortez, is 22 miles away. Mancos is 27 miles away, with Towaoc at 33 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Salter Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Open biodiversity records for Montezuma County list bluehead sucker, brook trout, bluegill, walleye and channel catfish. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Work Salter Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 65°F on average, January about 25°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. On Salter Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Cabin Reservoir at 1.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Salter Reservoir before loading the car.