Fishing at Timnath Reservoir, Larimer County, Colorado

• Overview

  Timnath Reservoir is one of the Larimer County listings for Colorado. The ground around here is farm and woodlot. At some 611 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The edge covers about 5.2 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. On our Larimer County list it sits near the top for size. Supplies mean a trip to Windsor, 5.8 miles off. Beyond it, Severance at 6 miles and Fort Collins at 7 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Timnath Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Across Larimer County, recorded fish include black-spotted cutthroat trout, brook trout, white sucker, rainbow trout and brown trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Timnath Reservoir the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 71°F; by January the average is down near 26°F. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Timnath Reservoir runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Deadman Lake at 1.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Timnath Reservoir carry more weight than any list.