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Colorado · Fishing
Ridgway sits in the Uncompahgre Valley at the foot of the San Juan Mountains, and the fishing around town runs the range from a full-sized reservoir to a quiet pond.
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Ridgway sits in the Uncompahgre Valley at the foot of the San Juan Mountains, and the fishing around town runs the range from a full-sized reservoir to a quiet pond. Ridgway Reservoir is the anchor — a state park reservoir that holds warmwater species alongside stocked trout, with boat ramps and shore access that make it workable for anglers of most experience levels. Blue Lakes, up in the mountains above town, rewards the extra effort with high-country lake fishing in a setting most people are too busy hiking past to stop and fish. Pericles Pond rounds out the local options as a smaller, more accessible water that suits a casual afternoon or a first outing with kids. None of these are secret spots, but they each fish differently enough that it's worth thinking through which one matches your timing, your gear, and how far you want to walk. The season here runs roughly spring ice-out through late fall, with summer afternoons on the reservoir often slower due to heat and boat traffic. Early mornings and evenings consistently produce better than midday across all three waters.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required at all three locations for anyone 16 and older. Ridgway Reservoir is within Ridgway State Park, so you'll also need a valid Colorado State Parks pass or day-use fee to access the park itself. Pick up your license through Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you arrive — there's no guarantee you'll find a vendor nearby.
Ridgway Reservoir is stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and holds rainbow trout along with warmwater species including yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Trout fishing tends to be most productive in spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. Check the CPW stocking schedule online before your trip if trout are your primary target.
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Blue Lakes requires a hike from the trailhead off Dallas Creek Road west of Ridgway, and the trail gains significant elevation into the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. Plan on a multi-mile round trip with real elevation gain — this is not a roadside fishery. The lakes typically don't become accessible until late June or July depending on snowpack, so confirm conditions before heading up early in the season.
For Ridgway Reservoir, a medium spinning rod with 6-8 lb monofilament covers most situations — PowerBait rigs and small spinners work for stocked trout, while soft plastics and crankbaits are reasonable for bass and perch. At Blue Lakes, a light rod with small spinners or dry flies is the practical choice given the hike in and the alpine setting. Pericles Pond is low-pressure water where basic trout gear is plenty.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window across all three locations, particularly in summer when midday sun warms shallow water and pushes fish deeper or into shade. On Ridgway Reservoir, evening can also be productive once boat traffic settles down. At Blue Lakes, afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so plan to be off the high country by early afternoon.
