Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Fairplay Colorado - Fishing! When its good at Spinney Mountain State Park, you'll have to look hard to find any better. Open from ice-off to ice-on (apprx. May 1st to Nov. 15th).
Spinney Mountain Reservoir opens after ice-out usually sometime around mid to late April. The lake is classified as Gold Medal water and may be fished with artificial flies and lures only. The lake is heavily populated with rainbows, cutthroats, browns and northern pike. Boating is allowed at Spinney but no water contact sports including water-skiing, wading, or swimming are. Several day use areas inhabit this park but there are no campgrounds; nearby Elevenmile has plenty of camping if you are in the area. Hunting is also popular as Spinney attracts numerous waterfowl species.
2009 CDOW Forecast: Opening day at Spinney should fall near the middle of April, depending on weather. Rainbow trout fishing will be excellent through 2009. Flows from the Homestake Canal do impact rainbow trout migration up the South Platte River so pay attention opening day to flow conditions. If the Homestake Canal is flowing, expect a good number of rainbows to be near the dam and close to the fishing closure on the south side of the reservoir. If the Homestake Canal is not flowing, look for a good number of rainbow trout to be more towards the west end of the lake and running the South Platte River. Brown trout fishing will remain spotty in 2009 and northern pike fishing will remain good for smaller pike and slow for larger pike. Anglers are encouraged to harvest all northern pike caught at Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Keep in mind that this is an early projection but, the north boat ramp should be in operation for opening day. All trailered boats must go through an Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection prior to launch.
Getting there: From Colorado Springs, take U.S. 24 west for 55 miles over Wilkerson Pass. Turn south on Park County Road 23 and drive 2.8 miles to County Road 59. Turn right and continue another 1.1 miles to the park entrance. Fees: Colorado State Parks Pass Daily - $5 Boating: All Boats Allowed. Strong winds are common at Spinney and the bigger the boat the better.
Chaparral Park General Store and RV Campground# of Sites: n/a Fees: $9-13
The closest campground to Spinney. Campground has both electrical and non-electrical sites available. General store with fishing tackle and supplies onsite. Contact them to make a reservation at 719-836-0308 and let them know you saw them on Fish Explorer.
