Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Dolores, Colorado
Dolores, Colorado sits at the confluence of two distinct fishing environments: the Dolores River corridor and a handful of reservoirs and lakes within easy reach of town.
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Dolores, Colorado sits at the confluence of two distinct fishing environments: the Dolores River corridor and a handful of reservoirs and lakes within easy reach of town. McPhee Recreation Complex anchors the lake fishing scene here — it's the largest body of water in the area and draws anglers after bass, walleye, and kokanee salmon. Smaller stillwater options like Navajo Lake, Belmear Lake, Nielson Reservoir, and House Creek round out the lake fishing, each with its own character and access situation. For moving water, Mavreeso Campground and West Dolores Campground both sit along river stretches worth fishing, putting you on the water without a long drive from camp. The region sits at elevation, which keeps summer water temperatures reasonable and extends the productive fishing window compared to lower-elevation Colorado destinations. Note that this is not designated gold medal or wild trout water, so expectations should be set accordingly — but that also means less pressure than the marquee rivers to the north and east. A Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and McPhee in particular has specific slot and bag limits worth checking before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of fish can I expect to catch around Dolores?
McPhee Recreation Complex holds bass, walleye, and kokanee salmon, making it the most species-diverse water in the area. The river stretches near Mavreeso Campground and West Dolores Campground are trout water, though this is not designated gold medal or wild trout water. Smaller lakes like Navajo Lake, Belmear Lake, and Nielson Reservoir are stocked periodically by Colorado Parks and Wildlife — check CPW's stocking reports before your trip for current conditions.
When is the best time of year to fish near Dolores?
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window overall. On the river stretches, early morning and evening in June and July tend to be most active before afternoon heat sets in. McPhee and the smaller reservoirs fish well through summer and into September, with kokanee at McPhee typically most active in cooler morning hours. Ice fishing is possible on some of the smaller lakes in winter, but access and conditions vary year to year.
Do I need a boat to fish McPhee Recreation Complex?
No, but a boat opens up significantly more water. The McPhee Recreation Complex and House Creek Boating Site both provide boat ramp access. Shore fishing is available at several points around the reservoir, but the coves and deeper structure that hold walleye and bass are easier to reach from the water. A kayak or small motorized boat is enough for most of the lake.
Is the river fishing at Mavreeso and West Dolores Campground walk-in access?
Both campgrounds sit directly on the river, so if you're staying there, you're already at the water. Public access is tied to the campground corridors, so fishing pressure is generally light outside of peak summer weekends. Wading gear is useful since the West Dolores in particular has stretches where working across the current puts you in better casting position.
What gear setup makes sense for a first trip to this area?
For the river stretches near Mavreeso and West Dolores Campground, a light to medium spinning setup or a 4-5 weight fly rod covers most situations. At McPhee, a medium-action spinning rod rigged for bass or walleye is the practical choice, with jigs and crankbaits being reliable producers. For the smaller lakes like Belmear and Nielson Reservoir, a simple spinning setup with PowerBait or small spinners is enough, especially if you're targeting stocked trout.
