Shawver Reservoir in Jackson County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Shawver Reservoir lies within the bounds of Jackson County, Colorado. The surface lies 8,497 feet up. Nearest town is Granby, 32 miles off. The big place round here is Fort Collins, 58 miles distant. Within a short drive: Rand Reservoir 0.7 miles away, Mac Farlane Reservoir lies 5.5 miles on, Buffalo Reservoir 6.4 miles away, Clayton Reservoir lies 6.5 miles on and Ridings Reservoir 7.1 miles away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Shawver Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Records held for Jackson County cover brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Shawver Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 17°F and July at about 58°F, the water has a wide range to work through. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. Open water usually runs from late April until about mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Shawver Reservoir fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Rand Reservoir, 0.7 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Shawver Reservoir.