We hope you brought your rod and reel becauseMesa Verde Country® is filled with great places tofish. Whether you’re looking for a secluded moun-tain stream or trolling deep for the big ones, south-west Colorado offers excellent opportunities to wetyour line. This brochure will introduce you to ourfavorite fishing holes, how to get there and whatyou’ll catch.you’ll catch.

In addition to the information here, we suggestIn addition to the information here, we suggestyou check with area tackle shops and marinas nearyou check with area tackle shops and marinas nearyour destination. They can provide you with thelocal scoop on baits and secret spots as well as boatrentals, guides and other fishing needs.

Licenses and Regulations

A fishing license is required in Colorado for alllakes, streams and reservoirs open to public fishing.lakes, streams and reservoirs open to public fishing.Licenses are available at many retail outlets inLicenses are available at many retail outlets inMesa Verde Country.™ There are several varietiesThere are several varietiesof resident and non-resident licenses, including 1-of resident and non-resident licenses, including 1-day and 5-day licenses, so make sure you purchaseday and 5-day licenses, so make sure you purchasejust what you need.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife provides afishing brochure with information about localwaters, baits and restrictions, possession limits andother pertinent information. The fishing brochureis free and you are expected to know the laws, so besure to ask for the information when getting yourlicense.

Colorado Division of Wildlife151 East 16th StreetDurango, CO 81301

(970) 247-0855www.wildlife.state.co.us

Mesa Verde Country® is filledwith adventure all year long.Come back again and again!Come back again and again!

• Archaeological Center of the United States• Archaeological Center of the United States

• Home to Mesa Verde National Park• Home to Mesa Verde National Park

• Casino Gaming at the Ute Mountain Casino

• Fine accommodations and restaurants for all • Fine accommodations and restaurants for all budgets

• Gateway to the San Juan Skyway,“America’s Most Beautiful Drive”

• Day tours to historic and scenic wonders

• Indian dancers, storytellers, art, pottery, and trading posts

• Excellent area hiking, camping, bicycling • Excellent area hiking, camping, bicycling and fishing on public landsand fishing on public lands

• Beautiful 18-hole golf course• Beautiful 18-hole golf course

We have additional brochures about areaDay Trips, Archaeology Tours, Hiking, Biking,Boating and even Skiing. Just ask, they’re free!

VISITOR INFORMATION BUREAUP.O. Box HH, Cortez, Colorado 81321

800-253-1616 (USA and Canada)www.mesaverdecountry.com

CORTEZ • DOLORES • MANCOS • TOWAOC

Experience ColoradoExperience Coloradofrom the Beginning!from the Beginning!

Guide to Fishing Guide to Fishing in

Mesa Verde CountryMesa Verde Country®®

Fishing

CORTEZ • DOLORES • MANCOS • TOWAOCCORTEZ • DOLORES • MANCOS • TOWAOC

Dolores Public Lands Office29211 Hwy 184Dolores, CO 81323(970) 882-7296www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan

The Map

For more informationon public lands contact:

Welcome Anglers

Colorado State ParksLone Mesa State Park1321 Railroad AvenueP.O. Box 1047Dolores, CO 81323(970) 882-2213www.parks.state.co.us

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon

Brook

TottenReservoir

®

Revised 4/08

Fishing08:FishCyanYeloForPms 5/2/08 10:04 AM Page 2

We hope you brought your rod and reel becauseMesa Verde Country®is filled with great places tofish. Whether you’re looking for a secluded moun-tain stream or trolling deep for the big ones, south-west Colorado offers excellent opportunities to wetyour line. This brochure will introduce you to ourfavorite fishing holes, how to get there and whatyou’ll catch. you’ll catch.

In addition to the information here, we suggest In addition to the information here, we suggestyou check with area tackle shops and marinas near you check with area tackle shops and marinas nearyour destination. They can provide you with thelocal scoop on baits and secret spots as well as boatrentals, guides and other fishing needs.

Licenses and Regulations

A fishing license is required in Colorado for alllakes, streams and reservoirs open to public fishing. lakes, streams and reservoirs open to public fishing.Licenses are available at many retail outlets in Licenses are available at many retail outlets inMesa Verde Country.™There are several varieties There are several varietiesof resident and non-resident licenses, including 1- of resident and non-resident licenses, including 1-day and 5-day licenses, so make sure you purchase day and 5-day licenses, so make sure you purchasejust what you need.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife provides afishing brochure with information about localwaters, baits and restrictions, possession limits andother pertinent information. The fishing brochureis free and you are expected to know the laws, so besure to ask for the information when getting yourlicense.

Colorado Division of Wildlife151 East 16th StreetDurango, CO 81301

(970) 247-0855www.wildlife.state.co.us

Mesa Verde Country®is filledwith adventure all year long.Come back again and again! Come back again and again!

• Archaeological Center of the United States • Archaeological Center of the United States

• Home to Mesa Verde National Park • Home to Mesa Verde National Park

• Casino Gaming at the Ute Mountain Casino

• Fine accommodations and restaurants for all • Fine accommodations and restaurants for all budgets

• Gateway to the San Juan Skyway,“America’s Most Beautiful Drive”

• Day tours to historic and scenic wonders

• Indian dancers, storytellers, art, pottery, and trading posts

• Excellent area hiking, camping, bicycling • Excellent area hiking, camping, bicycling and fishing on public lands and fishing on public lands

• Beautiful 18-hole golf course • Beautiful 18-hole golf course

We have additional brochures about areaDay Trips, Archaeology Tours, Hiking, Biking,Boating and even Skiing. Just ask, they’re free!

VISITOR INFORMATION BUREAUP.O. Box HH, Cortez, Colorado 81321

800-253-1616 (USA and Canada)www.mesaverdecountry.com

CORTEZ • DOLORES • MANCOS • TOWAOC

Experience Colorado Experience Coloradofrom the Beginning! from the Beginning!

Guide to Fishing Guide to Fishing in

Mesa Verde Country Mesa Verde Country®®

Fishing

CORTEZ • DOLORES • MANCOS • TOWAOC CORTEZ • DOLORES • MANCOS • TOWAOC

Dolores Public Lands Office29211 Hwy 184Dolores, CO 81323(970) 882-7296www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan

The Map

For more informationon public lands contact:

Welcome Anglers

Colorado State ParksLone Mesa State Park1321 Railroad AvenueP.O. Box 1047Dolores, CO 81323(970) 882-2213www.parks.state.co.us

Kokan

ee S

alm

on

Kokan

ee S

alm

on

Brook

TottenReservoir

®

Revised 4/08

Fishing08:FishCyanYeloForPms 5/2/08 10:04 AM Page 2

To reach the area below the dam, turn off US666/491 one mile north of Pleasant View. Follow thesigns to Bradfield Bridge and then turn on Lone Domesigns to Bradfield Bridge and then turn on Lone DomeRoad, which follows the river upstream. Road, which follows the river upstream.

Totten LakeTotten Lake is located just outside of Cortez, onemile east of town and north on C.R. 29. It is a fun littlelake, ideal for the family and particularly accessiblebecause of its proximity to town. Warm water fishing,boat ramp and stocked waters make it a pleasant sur-prise for the kids.

This area highlights excellent fishing near Dolores andCortez.

Narraguinnep Reservoir is accessible via CO 184 andis accessible via CO 184 andis located just west of McPhee Reservoir. It has warmis located just west of McPhee Reservoir. It has warmwater fishing for catfish, bass, pike, walleye and panfish. water fishing for catfish, bass, pike, walleye and panfish.

McPhee Reservoir, which stretches west and north, which stretches west and northfrom the town of Dolores, is one of our favorite places tofrom the town of Dolores, is one of our favorite places tofish. What makes it so special? As the secondfish. What makes it so special? As the secondlargest body of water in Colorado, McPhee islargest body of water in Colorado, McPhee isunique because it offers both cold water andunique because it offers both cold water andwarm water fishing. There aren’t many lakes inColorado where rainbow trout and bass can becaught in the same water, but McPhee is one.

And you can catch a lot of them. To date, over4.5 million fish have been stocked in McPheeand the DOW stocks more each year. Rainbowtrout and Kokanee salmon are the primary fishspecies. The warm water species include large andsmall mouth bass, and black crappie. There aresize limits for bass that are specific to McPheeReservoir. Please refer to the Colorado StateFishing Regulations brochure available at anyfishing licensing outlet. Check with the localtackle shops for more details about fishing atMcPhee Reservoir.

There are two major recreation sites and fivefisherman access points. With over 50 miles ofshoreline, there’s plenty of area to spread out andbank fish, but we recommend you bring the boat.An ultra modern cleaning station at the McPheeRecreation site makes the aftermath much easiertoo.

Waters of the Lower Dolores River are catch-and-release only on the 11-mile stretch from theand-release only on the 11-mile stretch from thedam to the Bradfield Bridge. Anglers will finddam to the Bradfield Bridge. Anglers will findColorado River rainbow, Snake River cutthroatColorado River rainbow, Snake River cutthroatand brown trout.and brown trout.

McPhee - Map 3

This area lies just north of Mancos and features fourreservoirs plus the Mancos River; all are accessed fromColorado State Route 184 between Mancos and Dolores.

Jackson Gulch Reservoir is located in Mancos StatePark and is accessed from County Road 42, just north ofMancos. Travel 4 miles east on CR 42 and turn west onCR N at the Mancos State Park turnoff. You’ll findexcellent camping in a beautiful Ponderosa pine forest, aboat ramp and good fishing. For more information andboat ramp and good fishing. For more information andcurrent conditions check out the State Parks website atcurrent conditions check out the State Parks website atwww.parks.state.co.us or call the Mancos State Park ator call the Mancos State Park at970-533-7065.

Joe Moore Reservoir, heading north on CO 184 fromMancos, turn north on County Road 40. You’ll findwarm water fishing featuring trout, large mouth bass andpanfish.

Traveling further west on CO 184, are Puett andSummit Reservoirs. Summit is a State Wildlife Areaand Puett is known locally as “little” Summit. Both haveboat ramps, and are stocked by the Division of Wildlife.Puett, from CO 184, turn south on County Road 33,then turn east on P.2 Road.

Fishing in Mesa Verde Country®

Catch and ReleaseCatch and Release

Certain areas are desig-Certain areas are desig-nated catch and releasenated catch and releasewithin the state, and/or theywithin the state, and/or theyhave specific bait or generalhave specific bait or generalfishing restrictions. Be surefishing restrictions. Be sureto refer to the Coloradoto refer to the ColoradoState Fishing RegulationsState Fishing Regulationsbrochure for specifics.brochure for specifics.

Returning fish to theReturning fish to thewater alive is not as simplewater alive is not as simpleas it sounds however. Someas it sounds however. Someimportant reminders: don’timportant reminders: don’tplay the fish to exhaustion,play the fish to exhaustion,keep it in the water if possi-keep it in the water if possi-ble as you take the hookble as you take the hookout, avoid squeezing theout, avoid squeezing thefish, and reacclimate thefish, and reacclimate thefish by gently facing it intofish by gently facing it intothe current. If a hook isthe current. If a hook isswallowed and you can’t getswallowed and you can’t getit out, cut the line as closeit out, cut the line as closeto the hook as possible andto the hook as possible andleave the hook in the fish.leave the hook in the fish.Do not try to pull the hookDo not try to pull the hookout.out.

Catching and releasing isCatching and releasing isa good habit to get into. Ita good habit to get into. Itallows you to get all theallows you to get all thesport out of fishing and putsport out of fishing and putall the pleasure back.all the pleasure back.

This area features a high altitude lake, GroundhogReservoir, and excellent river and stream fishing alongthe Dolores River drainage.

The Dolores River starts high in the San JuanMountains, near Lizard Head Pass. It travels downthrough Rico, along CO 145 to Dolores and intoMcPhee Reservoir. In this section we cover the fishingabove McPhee. For information about fishing below thedam, please refer to next section and map 3.

Trout Magazine recently acclaimed the Dolores Riveras one of the 50 best trout streams in America. Thereare many excellent access points along CO 145 and theDepartment of Wildlife stocks the river between StonerDepartment of Wildlife stocks the river between Stonerand Dolores every year.

Major tributaries to the Dolores that offer good fishingMajor tributaries to the Dolores that offer good fishinginclude Barlow Creek, Bear Creek, Taylor Creek, Stonerinclude Barlow Creek, Bear Creek, Taylor Creek, StonerCreek and the biggest of these, the Creek and the biggest of these, the West Fork of theWest Fork of theDolores. It wanders along the roadside, FDR 535, some-. It wanders along the roadside, FDR 535, some-times easily accessible, other times more secluded. Theretimes easily accessible, other times more secluded. Thereis an abundance of private land parcels amongst publicis an abundance of private land parcels amongst publiclands along the West Dolores River so be sure you are onlands along the West Dolores River so be sure you are onpublic land.public land.

Barlow CreekBarlow Creek comes in above Rico from the east.You’ll find brook trout there. You’ll find brook trout there. Taylor Creek and BearCreek both located between Rico and Stoner off CO145 host cutthroat and rainbow trout.

The Stoner Creek Trail (#625) breaks away from theStoner Mesa Trail at Twin Springs and drops into StonerCanyon. Stoner Creek offers solitude to those adventur-ous enough to hike down into the canyon. It is not rec-ommended to go beyond the junction with the SpringCreek Trail, which is 1 1/4 mile down the trail once youreach the bottom of Stoner Creek. The Lower StonerCreek Trail is not maintained and there is no outletacross private land at the bottom end.

Groundhog Reservoir is a premier fishing lake locatedhigh in the San Juans, about 32 miles north of Dolores

Mancos Area - Map 1

Dolores River - Map 2

on the Dolores/Norwood road, FDR 533.You’ll find beautiful scenery, camping, boat ramp, marinaand store to make roughing it a bit easier.

Groundhog Reservoir is stocked with cutthroat troutannually. For those fishing in the early spring or late fall,please check in advance to make certain the lake is openand seasonal mountain snows have not closed the road.

McPhee Area

Dolores River

Mancos Area

491491

491491

491491

Fishing08:FishCyanYeloForPms 5/2/08 10:04 AM Page 1

To reach the area below the dam, turn off US666/491 one mile north of Pleasant View. Follow thesigns to Bradfield Bridge and then turn on Lone Domesigns to Bradfield Bridge and then turn on Lone DomeRoad, which follows the river upstream. Road, which follows the river upstream.

Totten LakeTotten Lake is located just outside of Cortez, onemile east of town and north on C.R. 29. It is a fun littlelake, ideal for the family and particularly accessiblebecause of its proximity to town. Warm water fishing,boat ramp and stocked waters make it a pleasant sur-prise for the kids.

This area highlights excellent fishing near Dolores andCortez.

Narraguinnep Reservoir is accessible via CO 184 andis accessible via CO 184 andis located just west of McPhee Reservoir. It has warmis located just west of McPhee Reservoir. It has warmwater fishing for catfish, bass, pike, walleye and panfish. water fishing for catfish, bass, pike, walleye and panfish.

McPhee Reservoir, which stretches west and north, which stretches west and northfrom the town of Dolores, is one of our favorite places tofrom the town of Dolores, is one of our favorite places tofish. What makes it so special? As the secondfish. What makes it so special? As the secondlargest body of water in Colorado, McPhee islargest body of water in Colorado, McPhee isunique because it offers both cold water andunique because it offers both cold water andwarm water fishing. There aren’t many lakes inColorado where rainbow trout and bass can becaught in the same water, but McPhee is one.

And you can catch a lot of them. To date, over4.5 million fish have been stocked in McPheeand the DOW stocks more each year. Rainbowtrout and Kokanee salmon are the primary fishspecies. The warm water species include large andsmall mouth bass, and black crappie. There aresize limits for bass that are specific to McPheeReservoir. Please refer to the Colorado StateFishing Regulations brochure available at anyfishing licensing outlet. Check with the localtackle shops for more details about fishing atMcPhee Reservoir.

There are two major recreation sites and fivefisherman access points. With over 50 miles ofshoreline, there’s plenty of area to spread out andbank fish, but we recommend you bring the boat.An ultra modern cleaning station at the McPheeRecreation site makes the aftermath much easiertoo.

Waters of the Lower Dolores River are catch-and-release only on the 11-mile stretch from theand-release only on the 11-mile stretch from thedam to the Bradfield Bridge. Anglers will finddam to the Bradfield Bridge. Anglers will findColorado River rainbow, Snake River cutthroatColorado River rainbow, Snake River cutthroatand brown trout.and brown trout.

McPhee - Map 3

This area lies just north of Mancos and features fourreservoirs plus the Mancos River; all are accessed fromColorado State Route 184 between Mancos and Dolores.

Jackson Gulch Reservoir is located in Mancos StatePark and is accessed from County Road 42, just north ofMancos. Travel 4 miles east on CR 42 and turn west onCR N at the Mancos State Park turnoff. You’ll findexcellent camping in a beautiful Ponderosa pine forest, aboat ramp and good fishing. For more information andboat ramp and good fishing. For more information andcurrent conditions check out the State Parks website atcurrent conditions check out the State Parks website atwww.parks.state.co.us or call the Mancos State Park ator call the Mancos State Park at970-533-7065.

Joe Moore Reservoir, heading north on CO 184 fromMancos, turn north on County Road 40. You’ll findwarm water fishing featuring trout, large mouth bass andpanfish.

Traveling further west on CO 184, are Puett andSummit Reservoirs. Summit is a State Wildlife Areaand Puett is known locally as “little” Summit. Both haveboat ramps, and are stocked by the Division of Wildlife.Puett, from CO 184, turn south on County Road 33,then turn east on P.2 Road.

Fishing in Mesa Verde Country®

Catch and ReleaseCatch and Release

Certain areas are desig-Certain areas are desig-nated catch and releasenated catch and releasewithin the state, and/or theywithin the state, and/or theyhave specific bait or generalhave specific bait or generalfishing restrictions. Be surefishing restrictions. Be sureto refer to the Coloradoto refer to the ColoradoState Fishing RegulationsState Fishing Regulationsbrochure for specifics.brochure for specifics.

Returning fish to theReturning fish to thewater alive is not as simplewater alive is not as simpleas it sounds however. Someas it sounds however. Someimportant reminders: don’timportant reminders: don’tplay the fish to exhaustion,play the fish to exhaustion,keep it in the water if possi-keep it in the water if possi-ble as you take the hookble as you take the hookout, avoid squeezing theout, avoid squeezing thefish, and reacclimate thefish, and reacclimate thefish by gently facing it intofish by gently facing it intothe current. If a hook isthe current. If a hook isswallowed and you can’t getswallowed and you can’t getit out, cut the line as closeit out, cut the line as closeto the hook as possible andto the hook as possible andleave the hook in the fish.leave the hook in the fish.Do not try to pull the hookDo not try to pull the hookout.out.

Catching and releasing isCatching and releasing isa good habit to get into. Ita good habit to get into. Itallows you to get all theallows you to get all thesport out of fishing and putsport out of fishing and putall the pleasure back.all the pleasure back.

This area features a high altitude lake, GroundhogReservoir, and excellent river and stream fishing alongthe Dolores River drainage.

The Dolores River starts high in the San JuanMountains, near Lizard Head Pass. It travels downthrough Rico, along CO 145 to Dolores and intoMcPhee Reservoir. In this section we cover the fishingabove McPhee. For information about fishing below thedam, please refer to next section and map 3.

Trout Magazine recently acclaimed the Dolores Riveras one of the 50 best trout streams in America. Thereare many excellent access points along CO 145 and theDepartment of Wildlife stocks the river between StonerDepartment of Wildlife stocks the river between Stonerand Dolores every year.

Major tributaries to the Dolores that offer good fishingMajor tributaries to the Dolores that offer good fishinginclude Barlow Creek, Bear Creek, Taylor Creek, Stonerinclude Barlow Creek, Bear Creek, Taylor Creek, StonerCreek and the biggest of these, the Creek and the biggest of these, the West Fork of theWest Fork of theDolores. It wanders along the roadside, FDR 535, some-. It wanders along the roadside, FDR 535, some-times easily accessible, other times more secluded. Theretimes easily accessible, other times more secluded. Thereis an abundance of private land parcels amongst publicis an abundance of private land parcels amongst publiclands along the West Dolores River so be sure you are onlands along the West Dolores River so be sure you are onpublic land.public land.

Barlow CreekBarlow Creek comes in above Rico from the east.You’ll find brook trout there. You’ll find brook trout there. Taylor Creek and BearCreek both located between Rico and Stoner off CO145 host cutthroat and rainbow trout.

The Stoner Creek Trail (#625) breaks away from theStoner Mesa Trail at Twin Springs and drops into StonerCanyon. Stoner Creek offers solitude to those adventur-ous enough to hike down into the canyon. It is not rec-ommended to go beyond the junction with the SpringCreek Trail, which is 1 1/4 mile down the trail once youreach the bottom of Stoner Creek. The Lower StonerCreek Trail is not maintained and there is no outletacross private land at the bottom end.

Groundhog Reservoir is a premier fishing lake locatedhigh in the San Juans, about 32 miles north of Dolores

Mancos Area - Map 1

Dolores River - Map 2

on the Dolores/Norwood road, FDR 533.You’ll find beautiful scenery, camping, boat ramp, marinaand store to make roughing it a bit easier.

Groundhog Reservoir is stocked with cutthroat troutannually. For those fishing in the early spring or late fall,please check in advance to make certain the lake is openand seasonal mountain snows have not closed the road.

McPhee Area

Dolores River

Mancos Area

491491

491491

491491

Fishing08:FishCyanYeloForPms 5/2/08 10:04 AM Page 1