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Colorado · Fishing
Delta, Colorado sits at the confluence of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre rivers, and while the rivers themselves draw attention, the still-water fishing around town is what keeps locals coming back.
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Delta, Colorado sits at the confluence of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre rivers, and while the rivers themselves draw attention, the still-water fishing around town is what keeps locals coming back. Four lakes and reservoirs within easy reach of Delta give anglers a range of options without requiring a long drive into the mountains. Sweitzer Lake State Park is the most developed access point, with a boat ramp and shore fishing areas that make it workable for families and beginners. Confluence Lake sits near where the two rivers meet, offering a quieter alternative with a different character than the open water at Sweitzer. Twin Lake and Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1 round out the options, both worth scouting if you want to get away from the more trafficked spots. Elevation in this part of the Gunnison Valley sits around 4,900 to 5,000 feet, which means the season runs long compared to higher-elevation Colorado fisheries. Ice-off comes early, and fall fishing can stay productive well into October. If you are driving in from out of town, a Colorado fishing license is required at all four waters, and Sweitzer Lake has a valid state park pass requirement for vehicle entry.
Sweitzer Lake is stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and holds warmwater species including bass and catfish alongside stocked trout during cooler months. Confluence Lake and Twin Lake also receive periodic stocking, so checking the CPW stocking report before your trip will tell you exactly what has been put in recently and when. Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1 is a smaller impoundment and tends to hold warmwater species as well.
Sweitzer Lake requires both a valid Colorado fishing license and a Colorado State Parks pass for vehicle entry, since it sits within Sweitzer Lake State Park. Confluence Lake, Twin Lake, and Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1 do not require a parks pass, though fishing license rules apply at all of them. Confirm current access details with CPW or Delta County before your visit, as access arrangements on smaller reservoirs can change.
Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Aspen Leaf Cabin (Uncompahgre National Forest, Co)
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Gunnison River - Black Canyon
~45 min drive
Expert
Grand Mesa
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lower Beaver Rec. Site
~1h 1m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Oak Cabin
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ledges Cottonwood Area
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Island Lake Campground
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ledges Rockhouse Area
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Moose Manor Cabin
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Specie Creek Boat Launch
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Jumbo Campground
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Spring and fall are the most productive windows at these lower-elevation lakes. Water temperatures stay comfortable for trout from roughly March through early June and again from September into October, which is also when CPW stocking activity tends to be heaviest. Summer fishing is still possible but midday heat pushes fish deep, so early morning or the last two hours before sunset are your best bets from July through August.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations across all four waters. For stocked trout, PowerBait on a simple slip-sinker rig works consistently from shore, while small spinners and inline lures cover more water if you want to move around. If you are targeting bass or catfish at Sweitzer or Confluence Lake, bring a heavier setup in the 10 to 17 pound line range and swap to soft plastics or cut bait.
Sweitzer Lake has a developed boat ramp and is the most straightforward option for anyone bringing a motorized or non-motorized watercraft. Confluence Lake allows non-motorized watercraft, but check current CPW regulations before launching anything with a motor. Twin Lake and Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1 are better suited to shore fishing or small carry-in watercraft like kayaks, and vehicle access to the water's edge may be limited.
