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Colorado · Fishing
Nucla sits in the dry canyon country of western Colorado's Montrose County, and the fishing here is modest in scope but worth knowing about if you're already in the area or passing through the Uncompahgre Plateau region.
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Nucla sits in the dry canyon country of western Colorado's Montrose County, and the fishing here is modest in scope but worth knowing about if you're already in the area or passing through the Uncompahgre Plateau region. There are three spots in and around town: Town Reservoir for lake fishing, and two river fishing areas along the San Miguel River corridor — the Ledges Rockhouse Area and the Ledges Cottonwood Area. The reservoir is the most accessible option for families or anyone who wants to set up and stay put, while the two Ledges areas offer a more active experience working the river. Western Colorado river fishing in this elevation range tends to run best in late spring before runoff peaks and again in late summer once flows settle down. None of the listed waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is local, community-scale fishing rather than a destination trophy fishery. That said, a quiet morning at Town Reservoir or an afternoon wade through the Cottonwood stretch can be a genuinely good way to spend time if you're not chasing numbers.
There are three fishable locations in the Nucla area: Town Reservoir, which is a lake fishery right near town, and two river fishing areas called the Ledges Rockhouse Area and the Ledges Cottonwood Area. The Ledges spots are along the San Miguel River and offer different access points and character, so it's worth checking both if you have time.
Late May through early June can be productive before snowmelt runoff muddies the river flows, and late July through September is generally the most reliable window once the San Miguel settles. Midsummer can see low, warm water in this part of western Colorado, which stresses fish and makes catch-and-release ethics especially important.
Lower Beaver Rec. Site
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Aspen Leaf Cabin (Uncompahgre National Forest, Co)
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Gunnison River - Black Canyon
~1h 14m drive
Expert
Cayton Campground
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Oak Cabin
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
West Dolores Campground
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Buckeye Recreation Area
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Mavreeso Campground
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Matterhorn
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ledges Cottonwood Area
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Amphitheater
~1h 15m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ledges Rockhouse Area
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are your best windows at both the reservoir and the river stretches. Midday in summer gets hot in this canyon country and fish tend to go deep or hold in shaded pockets.
For Town Reservoir, a basic spinning setup with PowerBait, small spinners, or worms covers most situations. For the Ledges river areas, lightweight spinning gear or a 4-to-6 weight fly rod works well — small nymphs and dry flies are standard for western Colorado river fishing in this size range. Wading shoes or boots are useful at the Ledges spots since you'll likely need to move along the bank or through shallow water.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required at all three locations — Town Reservoir, Ledges Rockhouse Area, and Ledges Cottonwood Area. Licenses are available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online or at local sporting goods retailers. Check the CPW website for current regulations specific to the San Miguel River drainage before your trip, as rules can vary by water body and season.
