Fishing McPhee Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
McPhee Reservoir Fishing Video
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McPhee Reservoir, CO

Popular Fish Species McPhee Reservoir, CO

McPhee Reservoir Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Stocking of kokanee salmon by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Colorado, McPhee Reservoir delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.

McPhee Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at McPhee Reservoir, with sustained stocking. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

McPhee Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

McPhee Reservoir continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

McPhee Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, walleye, kokanee salmon and yellow perch at McPhee Reservoir in Colorado.

Nearby Delores, Colorado, McPhee Reservoir is 4,500 surface acres of boating and fishing paradise. There are over 50 miles of shoreline to explore, some of which has access for fishing from the bank. At an elevation of 6,900 feet it supports both warm-water and cold-water species of fish, making it a favorite of a broad spectrum of anglers. Bass, crappie, walleye, salmon, perch and trout reside in the lake and provide good fishing year round. Rental boats, boat launch ramps and a marina deliver a great experience whether you prefer pleasure boating and water sports or fishing.

Fish Species in McPhee Reservoir, CO

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

McPhee Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rentals: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Concessions: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

House Creek Recreation Complex Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the east side of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Mcphee Boating Site
Located in McPhee Recreation Area, on the southwest side of the lake, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Click here for a Colorado fishing license.