Elkhead Reservoir, Craig Colorado - Elkhead Reservoir is part of the Yampa River State Park and was reopened in 2007 for public use. Thanks to stocking programs fishing the fishing is good and there are numerous plans for improvements.
Elkhead Reservoir, part of the Yampa River State Park, ropened for public access in 2008 after being closed in 2005 for dam renovataions. The main boat ramp has been improved, however the only other faciluties are vault toilets, so come prepared. While there currently there's no camping is permitted at the reservoir, the park has 50 sites available eleven miles away on the Yampa river. Plans are in store for numerous facilities improvements including an additional swim beach and new campgrounds.
CDOW regularly stocks the reservoir with rainbow trout, providing anglers with good action. In addition, officials have been busy establishing a smallmouth bass population, some of which are transplants from the Yampa River. Anglers can expect to find a small population of largemouth bass that survived the drawdown. Crappie are doing well and anglers can expect to encounter fish of decent size. The catfish population is thriving, with several big cats being caught (give the north end a shot!). Northern pike exist. While most are small, a few larger fish survived the drawdown and may provide fishers with an unexpected thrill. The screen on the dam promises to keep non-native species from entering downriver waters.
Getting there: Travel west from Hayden roughly 10 miles and turn north (right) onto 27. In about 4 miles turn right onto lake entrance road and take next left to boat ramp and parking area. Fees: Colorado State Parks Pass required. $6 daily fee. Boating: All Boats Allowed. No special restrictions. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing allowed
