Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Hotchkiss, Colorado
Hotchkiss sits in the North Fork Valley on Colorado's Western Slope, and the fishing around town leans heavily on reservoirs rather than rivers.
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Hotchkiss sits in the North Fork Valley on Colorado's Western Slope, and the fishing around town leans heavily on reservoirs rather than rivers. Most of the action happens on a cluster of smaller impoundments — West Reservoir Number One, Bailey Reservoir, Reynolds Reservoir, Skimmed Milk Reservoir, Owens Reservoir, and Brockman Reservoir Number 2 — that dot the agricultural land surrounding town. These are working-landscape waters, not destination trophy fisheries, but they hold fish and they're accessible without a long drive or a technical approach. The one river-fishing option in the immediate area is tied to the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery, which adds some context to what species you're likely to encounter in local waters. Expect warm-water and cold-water species depending on the reservoir, and expect conditions to shift meaningfully between spring runoff season and the drier, hotter months of July and August. If you're coming from outside the valley, the North Fork of the Gunnison runs nearby and broadens your options considerably, but the listings here focus on what's within the Hotchkiss footprint itself. A Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and some of these reservoirs sit on private or agricultural land, so confirming access before you show up is worth the five-minute phone call.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at the reservoirs around Hotchkiss?
The reservoirs in the Hotchkiss area are small impoundments that typically hold warm-water species like bass and bluegill alongside stocked trout, particularly in cooler months. The presence of the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery in the area means stocked rainbow trout are part of the local fishing picture. Check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current stocking schedules on specific waters like Bailey Reservoir or Reynolds Reservoir before your trip.
When is the best time of year to fish these reservoirs?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are generally the most productive windows. Summer water temperatures in smaller reservoirs can push fish into deeper water or reduce feeding activity during midday hours, so early morning and evening are your best bets if you're fishing in July or August. Ice fishing is possible on some of these waters in a cold winter, though ice conditions vary year to year.
Are these reservoirs open to the public, or is access restricted?
Access varies by water. Some reservoirs around Hotchkiss sit on private agricultural land and require landowner permission or are managed under lease agreements. Before heading out to a specific spot like Skimmed Milk Reservoir or Owens Reservoir, confirm current access status through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or by contacting the Delta County office directly. Showing up without checking can mean a wasted trip.
What gear setup makes sense for fishing these smaller reservoirs?
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations you'll encounter here. For trout, small spinners, PowerBait, and worms fished near the bottom are reliable. If you're targeting bass or panfish in warmer months, small soft plastics and inline spinners work well along shoreline structure. A float tube or small inflatable can help you reach water that's hard to access from the bank, though a rod and a bucket of bait will get the job done on most of these waters.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license, and are there any local regulations I should know about?
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Beyond the statewide license, individual waters can carry specific slot limits, bag limits, or gear restrictions, so look up the regulations for each reservoir on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website before you fish. The Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery is a working federal facility, not a public fishing area, so don't assume you can fish on its grounds without checking first.
