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Colorado · Fishing
Norwood sits on the western edge of the San Juan Mountains in Montrose County, and the fishing around town is almost entirely reservoir-based, with five spots within reasonable driving distance.
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Norwood sits on the western edge of the San Juan Mountains in Montrose County, and the fishing around town is almost entirely reservoir-based, with five spots within reasonable driving distance. Cone Reservoir, Lilylands Reservoir, Williams Reservoir, and Point Reservoir are all lake fisheries, while Lower Beaver Rec. Site offers the one river fishing option in the mix. These are working-landscape waters — not destination trophy fisheries with national reputations, but consistent, accessible spots that reward anglers who show up prepared and put in the time to learn the water. The reservoirs tend to fish best in spring after ice-out and again in fall when water temperatures drop, with summer midday heat pushing fish deeper and slowing surface action considerably. Lower Beaver Rec. Site adds a different texture to a trip if you want moving water. Norwood itself is a small town, so plan ahead for supplies — fuel, bait, and groceries are available but don't count on finding specialty tackle locally. A valid Colorado fishing license is required at all these locations, and regulations can vary by water body, so checking Colorado Parks and Wildlife's current regs before you go is non-negotiable.
Most of the fishing near Norwood is lake fishing, with Cone Reservoir, Lilylands Reservoir, Williams Reservoir, and Point Reservoir all being stillwater options. Lower Beaver Rec. Site is the one river fishing location in the area. None of the listed waters carry a gold medal or wild trout designation, so expect a mix of stocked and naturally reproducing fish rather than a specialized trophy fishery.
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons across the reservoirs. After ice-out in spring, fish are active in shallower water and feeding aggressively. By late summer, warm surface temperatures push fish deeper and midday fishing slows significantly. Fall brings cooler water and another window of strong activity before the reservoirs freeze.
Lower Beaver Rec. Site
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Matterhorn
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Gunnison River - Black Canyon
~1h 18m drive
Expert
Cayton Campground
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Amphitheater
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
West Dolores Campground
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
House Creek
~1h 7m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Mavreeso Campground
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Mcphee Recreation Complex
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Chris Park
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Jackson Guard Station
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Alpine Ranger Station
~1h 25m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and evening are your best windows, especially during summer when midday heat suppresses activity in the shallower reservoirs. At Lower Beaver Rec. Site, early morning is typically the most productive time for river fishing before foot traffic and rising temperatures affect the water.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required at all five locations. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife before your trip, which is the most reliable option given Norwood's limited retail selection. Check the current CPW regulations for each specific water body, as rules on bait, possession limits, and seasons can differ.
For the reservoirs, a medium spinning or baitcasting setup with a selection of jigs, spinners, and bait rigs covers most situations. Lower Beaver Rec. Site calls for lighter gear suited to moving water. Norwood has basic supplies available, but it is a small town — bring your own specialty tackle, a full tackle box, and enough bait to last the trip rather than counting on finding what you need locally.
