DeWeese Reservoir, Westcliffe Colorado - De Weese Reservoir is considered a trout fishery by most, but offers good quantities of Smallmouth and potential for big McConaughy Rainbows and Tiger Muskie.
Deweese is primarily a trout fishery stocked regularly with catchable rainbow trout, but it also stocked with put-and-grow McConaughy rainbows that have been growing fast and large due to the reduction in the sucker population. 16-20 inch rainbows are not uncommon. The reduction in suckers is attributed to plentiful stocking of tiger muskie, which exist in the lake but not in large numbers. Many tigers are lost down stream during spillover, and make their way down to Pueblo Reservoir. In addition to trout and tiger muskie, Deweese offers the opportunity for catching smallmouth bass, but it is more of a quantity fishery than a quality fishery. Smallmouth catches are typically small to average size. Brook trout and cutthroat trout are available in the lake but are not plentiful. Short sections of Grape Creek above and below the lake are accessible for stream fishing. Besides some vault toilets and a few picnic tables, few other amenities are available at this SWA. The lake is open to boating year-round if conditions allow, and fishing is allowed at all hours.
CDOW 2010 Forecast:
DeWeese Reservoir will be full early in 2010. Catchable trout are scheduled early and should provide good fishing throughout the season. Some holdover rainbows and cuttbows will be available in the 16 to 20 inch range. Brown trout will be available in low numbers, but the possibility of a good brown in the 16-18 inch range is not out of the question. Smallmouth bass are abundant in the reservoir and could provide some fast action. Most of these fish will be smaller and range from 6 to 12 inches in length, but fish to 18 inches can be caught at times. Anglers are encouraged to harvest some of the smallmouth bass. Anglers also have the opportunity to catch a tiger muskie in DeWeese as these fish have been stocked to control suckers. The reduction of the sucker population has resulted in improved growth in the trout in the lake and fish in the 3-4 pound range are beginning to show in the catch. As sucker numbers continue to decline in the reservoir, trout growth should continue to improve and angling opportunities will also improve.
Getting there: From Westcliffe, NW on Hwy 69 for 5 miles, turn N on Copper Gulch Rd to access rd. Fees: Habitat Stamp Required Boating: All Boats Allowed. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is allowed
Dispersed, primitive camping in SWA available - no RV dump, water or electricity. Fires and shore camping allowed. There is no additional fee for camping besides the habitat stamp.
