Young Reservoir, Colorado: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  This water sits in Montezuma County, Colorado. The bank is 8,173 feet above sea level. The nearest town is Cortez, 24 miles away. Albuquerque is the closest city, 209 miles away. Nearest other option: Red Lake 1.1 miles away, 1.4 miles away is Hosea Reservoir, Long Park Reservoir 1.9 miles away, 2.3 miles away is Cabin Reservoir and Salter Reservoir 2.4 miles away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Young Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Reported across Montezuma County: bluehead sucker, brook trout, bluegill, walleye and channel catfish. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Young Reservoir that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 23°F to 64°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about early December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. On Young Reservoir that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Red Lake, 1.1 miles away. Treat Young Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.