Van Valkenburg Reservoir Fishing near Steamboat Springs, Colorado

• Overview

  Van Valkenburg Reservoir is one of the Jackson County waters in Colorado. The country here is lake country bush. Surface area runs to about 7 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Jackson County standards. Nearest place of any size is Steamboat Springs, 19 miles away. Kremmling lies 30 miles off, Granby another 39 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Van Valkenburg Reservoir

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Across Jackson County, recorded fish include brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Van Valkenburg Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 57°F and January near 18°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. Break-up sits around early May on average, with the water closing again about mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Plan any trip to Van Valkenburg Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Mexican Reservoir sits 1.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Ask locally about Van Valkenburg Reservoir if anything is unclear.