Vincent Reservoir Number 1, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Mesa County, Vincent Reservoir Number 1 is a Colorado water. The country here is pine and birch. At 21 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The closest town, Palisade, is 6.9 miles distant. The big place round here is Boulder, 171 miles distant. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Vincent Reservoir Number 1

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Reported across Mesa County: flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and green sunfish. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The shape of this water rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 61°F, with January the cold end at about 19°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early May. The lid tends to go about early May and return around late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Expect this water to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Vincent Reservoir Number 2, 0.5 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position at this water before loading the car.