Fishing Ridgway Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Ridgway Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
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Ridgway Reservoir, CO

Popular Fish Species Ridgway Reservoir, CO

Ridgway Reservoir Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

On-going stocking of kokanee salmon, by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, helps to maintain a nice population in of kokanee's in Ridgway Reservoir. 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, Ridgway 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.

Ridgway Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Thoughtful stocking programs by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Ridgway Reservoir. 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.

Ridgway Reservoir Popular Fish - Brown Trout

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Ridgway Reservoir is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed.

Ridgway Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, splake trout, kokanee salmon, green sunfish and yellow perch at Ridgway Reservoir in Colorado.

Showing off the beauty of Colorado outdoors, Ridgway Reservoir offers great fishing for trout, salmon and smallmouth bass. The lake level often varies, and the size of the lake can exceed 1,000 surface acres when full. Other ways to enjoy this vacation paradise include hiking, boating, picnicking and camping.

Fish Species in Ridgway Reservoir, CO

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Ridgway Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Ridgway State Park Visitors Center
Rentals: Pontoon boats
970 626-5822

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Ridgway Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
This is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking. It is located mid lake on the east side of the lake