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Colorado · Fishing
Platteville sits in Weld County along the South Platte River corridor, and while the river itself draws plenty of attention, the still-water fishing around town is worth planning a dedicated trip around.
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Platteville sits in Weld County along the South Platte River corridor, and while the river itself draws plenty of attention, the still-water fishing around town is worth planning a dedicated trip around. Diamond Reservoir, B L Swift Reservoir, and Bass Reservoir are the three main spots in the area, all offering lake fishing that tends to suit anglers who prefer casting from shore or launching a small watercraft over wading moving water. These are front-range reservoirs, which means they can see weekend pressure, but early mornings on a weekday will often give you the place nearly to yourself. The terrain is flat and open, so wind is a real factor — it can push surface temps around and move fish in ways that make mid-morning bites unpredictable. That same wind can also make float-tube fishing uncomfortable by afternoon. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages stocking for many front-range reservoirs, so checking the CPW stocking report before your trip is one of the more useful things you can do. A valid Colorado fishing license is required at all three locations. If you are driving from Denver or Fort Collins, the run is short enough to make this a half-day outing without feeling rushed.
All three are classified as lake fishing sites, which on Colorado front-range reservoirs typically means stocked rainbow trout in cooler months and warm-water species like bass, bluegill, and channel catfish in summer. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking report for current species and recent plant dates at each specific reservoir before you go.
A medium-light spinning setup handles most situations at front-range lakes like these. For trout, PowerBait, small spinners, and worms under a bobber are reliable from shore. If you are targeting warm-water species, bring a few soft plastics and a basic topwater lure for early morning. A rod holder or two is worth packing if you plan to sit and soak bait.
Diamond Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
B L Swift Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Bass Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Mulligan Reservoir
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Pelican Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Sandpiper Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Mallard Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
St. Vrain State Park - Coot Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Little Thompson Reservoir
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Yellow Legs Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ehrlich Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Milavec Reservoir
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, is consistently the most productive window at open front-range reservoirs. Wind typically picks up by late morning and can make both casting and fish behavior less predictable. Evening can also be productive, especially for bass and catfish in warmer months.
Shore fishing is practical at all three reservoirs. Flat terrain around Weld County reservoirs generally means reasonable bank access, though specific shoreline conditions vary. A float tube or small kayak will open up more water, but it is not necessary to have a good outing.
A valid Colorado fishing license is required. If you are 16 or older, you need a license before you wet a line. Purchase one through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online or at a local retailer before arriving, since there are no license vendors at the reservoirs themselves. Check CPW regulations for any site-specific rules on bag limits or gear restrictions.
