Vela Reservoir Fishing Guide, Delta County, Colorado

• Overview

  Within Delta County, Colorado, you have Vela Reservoir. The surroundings are rolling bush. This is a pocket water of some 19 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Start from Cedaredge, 12 miles down the road. It is 153 miles to Boulder, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Vela Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Reported across Delta County: rainbow trout, white sucker and flannelmouth sucker. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At Vela Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 17°F to 56°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid May. On average, mid May opens the water and mid November closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Vela Reservoir fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. There is a slipway at Trickle Park Boat Ramp, roughly half a mile off. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Blanche Park Reservoir, 0.6 miles away. What applies at Vela Reservoir may have changed since it was mapped.