Douglas Reservoir, Fort Collins Colorado - Douglas is a decent sized body of water north of Fort Collins that is prone to heavy irrigation draw-down but offers great fishing for wiper and walleye.
Water levels in Douglas come down quickly in the season due to irrigation demands. At typical water levels the lake has max 20 - 30 foot depths. Rainbows are stocked in the lake often. The lake is gaining popularity as one of the top wiper fisheries in northern Colorado. Wind here can come up quick and heavy and has driven many fishermen off the lake - be careful with small craft, especially kick-boats and float tubes. There are no amenities here except a couple single vault toilets, available in each parking area. Ample parking is provided for boat trailers in the western lot which provides access to the boat ramp, and a parking area on the east side of the lake is fine for those launching float tubes or fishing from shore. The dirt road around the lake can be very rough so drive slowly. If you are blown off Douglas, Wellington #4 and Smith Lake are not far and tend to receive a little less wind.
From the Colorado DOW Management Notes: The reservoir has been managed for a coolwater assembly since DOW took over management. Primary game species have been: Walleye, Wiper (Hybrid - White Bass x Striped Bass), Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout. Other species have established self sustaining populations: Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch.
Douglas Reservoir meets the proper criteria and has been selected as a site to establish sauger for a potential brood source. Walleye and wiper stocking has been suspended to reduce competition and provide the sauger the best opportunity to compete for resources and grow to size. There is a trend toward a decreasing gizzard shad population.
Getting there: From I-25 exit at Wellington (exit 278), follow CO 1 5.5 miles west to county road 15. Turn right (north) on county road 15 for 1 mile to county road 60. Go left at county road 60 and follow 1/4 mile to entrance road. Fees: Habitat stamp (purchased with fishing license) is required. Boating: Wakeless. Boat inspections began May 1, from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 days a week. All ramps will be closed at night. Beginning in August, the ramps will be open Thursday through Monday from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. The ramps will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday and at night. Overnight beaching of boats is prohibited.
Boating is wakeless speed only. Water levels become low quickly in the season, and the boat ramp with rip-rap at base is mostly unusable in low water. Ice Fishing: Permitted
