Y and S Reservoir in Delta County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Delta County, Colorado, you have Y and S Reservoir. Around the bank it is lake country bush. The water measures roughly 11 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. The closest town, Cedaredge, is 12 miles away. After that come Paonia at 17 miles and Orchard City at 18 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Y and S Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Records held for Delta County cover rainbow trout, white sucker, flannelmouth sucker and bluehead sucker. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Fish Y and S Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 55°F; by January the average is down near 16°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid May. Expect the water usable from around mid May until roughly mid November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. It holds true on Y and S Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, Cole Reservoir Number 2 is 0.3 miles distant. Treat Y and S Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.