John Martin Reservoir, Las Animas Colorado - John Martin Reservoir provides great action for saugeye, wipers and bass. Water can become low so check current conditions before setting out.
John Martin, located on the lower Arkansas River, is one of the larger reservoirs in the area, is . The state park provides a large variety of recreational activities, including modern campgrounds, great fishing, uncrowded boating waters, hiking trail, diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, and an opportunity to see historical signs of the past. There are over 200 campsites along its shores and Lake Hasty located below the dam. Swimming in the lake is permitted from sunrise to sunset. Several day-use picnic areas and covered shelters are available for reservation and are located throughout the park.
Like many plains reservoirs, John Martin experiences heavy draw-downs for irrigation during the summer. Yet, it tends to maintain enough water to support the population of fish. Many warm water species have been stocked with the main attention of fisherman aimed towards largemouth, smallmouth, white bass, wiper, and saugeye. In the early spring many anglers target crappie. And anglers should not overlook the healthy population of channel catfish.
John Martin SWA is closed except to retrieve downed waterfowl Nov. 1 through last day of waterfowl season as posted on US Army Corp of Engineer land under lease by DOW or State Parks to provide for waterfowl resting.
2010 CDOW Fishing Forecast
For four consecutive years now (since John Martin was almost drained in 2006) the lake has maintained decent water levels. The lake tends to begin the spring fishing season with relatively high levels, and is depleted over the summer as irrigators pull water from the lake. The timing of these drawdowns affects reproductive success of many of the species that rely on shoreline habitat for spawning. Crappie and bass species (in particular) are negatively affected by water releases early in the season. DOW purchased some extra water from the city of Aurora to raise the permanent pool. Currently, the permanent pool stands at over 7000 acre ft. This pool will help ensure the lake will not be completely drained during periods of irrigation releases. Fishing was outstanding in 2009, especially for white bass, walleye/saugeye, and catfish. Many anglers took limits of these species during spring and summer months. Current regulations for John Martin require all kept walleye/saugeye to be at least 15". Only one may exceed 21". The limit is 5 fish for walleye/saugeye.
Fishing in 2010 is again expected to be excellent. The best fishing usually occurs during the spring months (mid April-June), but if 2010 is similar to 2009, fishing could be excellent throughout summer and fall. Saugeye, wiper, and white bass can be caught with a wide variety of tackle, but the most commonly used lures are small jigs tipped with a worm or minnow, worm harnesses, and shad-imitating crank baits. These rigs can be cast, slowly trolled, or drifted near structure for best results. Fishing for crappie was again sporadic in 2009. Anglers targeting crappies found some success during spring months fishing from the rocky areas on the dam and railroad trestle areas. Few anglers caught limits, but many anglers caught fewer numbers of large fish, ranging from 12" to 15". Crappies usually begin moving up on the submerged rocks of the in mid-April preparing for spawn. Crappie anglers are most successful fishing with small jigs or live minnow rigs from these rocky areas from mid-April throughout May. Extra crappies will be stocked when available to boost natural populations. Catfish anglers in 2009 had the most success in the shallower west end of the lake and in the spillway below the dam. Fishing for catfish in 2010 should be good using standard baits such as worms, shrimp or crawdads (also effective wiper baits), dough bait, or chicken livers. Boat inspections are required to prevent aquatic invasive species. Boat anglers should call John Martin State Park or view their website for details on the boat inspection schedule. Anglers can also contact State Park at John Martin or check the DOW fishing report on the internet for the latest fishing conditions.
Getting there: Take US 50 east from La Junta to Las Animas, approximately 20 miles. Proceed east through Las Animas to Hasty, approximately 16 miles. Turn south on School Street and proceed approximately 2 miles. The Visitor Center is on the right as the road curves to the east. Fees: Colorado State Parks Pass Daily - $6 Boating: All Boats Allowed. No restrictions. Ice Fishing: Closed during waterfowl season
9/1/2010 - John Martin Reservoir - The reservoir has been fair to good for carp and catfish, with the occasional drum, and white bass/wiper. Fishing is good for catfish in the settling basin. The east Parks Boat ramps is usable. All trailer launched boats are required to be launched from boat ramps.
Conditions History
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The Lake Hasty Campground has electrical hookups, flush restrooms, a laundry room, and shower facilities. It also has centralized water hydrants, trees, a dump station, playground, and fish-cleaning station. Favorite sites close to Lake Hasty are 31-38, and these sites require reservations most weekends.
Point# of Sites: 104 Fees: n/a
The Point campground is a new 104-site campground on the north shore of the main reservoir. It offers basic camping with a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding high-desert prairie. Each site has picnic tables, fire grills, and a high-use tent pad. Boaters like sites 81-85 because they can pull their boats up on shore within walking distance of their campsite.
