Ridgway Reservoir, Montrose Colorado - Ridgeway State Park is a popular fishing destination and offers many other recreational opportunities such as, boating, camping, swimming, water skiing, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, geocaheing, and more.
Ridgeway State park, located near the rugged San Juan mountains, is minutes away from Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray (oft referred to as "Switzerland of America" ). In addition to fishing, the park offers its visitors numerous activities, including camping, boating, swimming, picnicking, playgrounds, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and so much more. Its no wonder this park is a popular destination for Colorado residents.
The fisher can expect to catch rainbow trout, which are stocked annually by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Ridgeway has a history of producing trophy class brown trout, which inhabited the Uncompahgre River prior to construction of the dam. Kokanee salmon have recently been stocked in the reservoir and have flourished. Additionally, below the dam there is a classic tailwater fishery and two small ponds stocked with trout.
Getting there: Take U.S. 550 south of Montrose for 22 miles to the park entrance or go north from Ridgway on 550 4 miles. Fees: Colorado State park pass $6 daily. Boating: All Boats Allowed. Sailboats and Sailboarding are allowed. Ice Fishing: Permitted
7/27/2010 - Ridgway Reservoir - The lake is full and holding steady just below spilling. Fishing is very good. 4,500 catchable-sized Rainbow Trout were stocked the week of July 10th. This totals more than 35,000 this season. Bank anglers have been doing well using night crawlers, green power bait, red salmon eggs and silver or gold Kastmasters. Woolley Buggers are working too. The Brown trout are out of the Mear's Bay area and in the main reservoir. Try using a short set of cow bells followed by a nightcrawler or a jointed Rapala early in the mornings or late evenings, trolling slowly in the shade for a chance at a large Brown Trout. Remember to have your boat clean, drained and dry when you come in to have it inspected before launching. Good luck fishing!
Conditions History
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