Fishing at Upper Beaver Reservoir, Montezuma County, Colorado

• Overview

  Upper Beaver Reservoir falls in Montezuma County, part of Colorado. It lies 8,114 feet above sea level. Mancos lies 25 miles from the water. Cortez lies 26 miles off, Mountain Village another 34 miles. Within easy reach: 2.7 miles away is Long Draw Reservoir, Bald Hill Reservoir lies 4.2 miles on, 4.8 miles away is Geren Reservoir, Oak Knolls Reservoir lies 5.1 miles on and 5.3 miles away is Sagebrush Reservoir. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Upper Beaver Reservoir

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide 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. County-wide records name bluehead sucker, brook trout, bluegill, walleye and channel catfish. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Upper Beaver Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 63°F for July and 22°F for January. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and early December. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Anyone fishing Upper Beaver Reservoir regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Long Draw Reservoir sits 2.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Where Upper Beaver Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.