Fishing Tomahawk Reservoir in Gunnison County, Colorado

• Overview

  In Colorado, Tomahawk Reservoir belongs to Gunnison County. The water sits 8,327 feet up. At 11 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The town to know is Paonia, 18 miles out. Then Crested Butte, 20 miles, and Snowmass Village, 24 miles. In the same area: Williams Creek Lake within 0.9 miles, Paonia Reservoir at 4.9 miles, Island Lake within 6.3 miles, Lily Lake at 6.6 miles and Flogus Pond within 7.1 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Tomahawk Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Reported across Gunnison County: rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and black-spotted cutthroat trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Take Tomahawk Reservoir a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 56°F and January reads 15°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid May. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid May in spring and again near mid November in autumn. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Tomahawk Reservoir runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Williams Creek Lake, 0.9 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Tomahawk Reservoir.