Summit Reservoir Number 1 near Cedaredge: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Colorado holds Summit Reservoir Number 1, in Mesa County. It sits in lake country bush country. Surface area runs to about 4 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Mesa County standards. Cedaredge is the closest town at 12 miles. After that come Orchard City at 16 miles and Palisade at 17 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Summit Reservoir Number 1

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Survey and observation records for Mesa County include flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker, green sunfish, white sucker and common carp. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Fish this water where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 56°F at the top of summer and 17°F at the bottom of winter. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Look for the thaw near mid May; the fishing lifts straight after. On average, mid May opens the water and mid November closes it again. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On this water the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Summit Reservoir Number 2 at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat this water as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.