McPhee Reservoir, Dolores Colorado - McPhee Reservoir is the second largest in Colorado. It is stocked with both coldwater and warmwater fish. A marina, two boat ramps and four fisherman access points serve both the east and west sides of the reservoir.
McPhee Reservoir, the largest in the San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline in piñon, juniper, and sagebrush country. A large parking lot is next to a 6-lane concrete boat ramp that offers motorized-boating access, with restricted areas in wakeless zones. Courtesy docks are available seasonally, based on voluntary donations. A fish-cleaning station is near the boat ramp and restrooms. Adjacent to the boat ramp is a trail up to a scenic overlook with 360-degree views and intepretive signs. The trail continues to the tent-camping area of McPhee Campground. McPhee Marina serves snacks and meals beginning at 11a.m. Dry Boat storage is available and they have a limited selection of fishing bait and tackle.
On the south side of the reservoir, Big Bend Access Point has fishing and an unsurfaced boat launch from Highway 184. The Dolores Access Site has fishing and barrier-free access from the highway. On the north side, you can fish at Sage Hen and Dry Canyon, where there are toilets and parking. Camping is not allowed in any of these areas.
McPhee Reservoir is known for its feisty smallmouth bass along with the opportunity to catch warmwater pan fish as well as trout and kokanee salmon. Walleye have been illegally stocked so anglers may catch a few of those as well. The DOW does not manage the lake for walleye so there are no regulations nor is there any plan to stock walleye in the lake. There might even be a channel cat caught on occasion.
Getting there: The McPhee Recreation Complex is on the south side of McPhee Reservoir. Follow the signs on Colorado Highways 145 south and 184 west about 7 miles from Dolores. Turn north on Forest Rd. 271 and go about 2 miles. Fees: None. Boating: All Boats Allowed. Boat inspections begin May 11 from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Inspections will be held at the Sagenhen boat ramp through October 31, 2009. This station will also service out-of-state boats coming from the southwest.
The campground is on a mesa 500 feet above the reservoir. There are no lakefront sites. Piñon and juniper trees offer some shade, but the area is hot in summer.
The 76 campsites on 2 loops have paved access and parking, picnic sites, barrier-free flush toilets, showers, a sanitary dumping station, grills, fire pits and firewood, drinking water, campground hosts, and 16 sites with electric hookups ($3 extra). Four spaces have full hookups for $5 extra. Two sites have tables and toilets that accommodate wheelchairs. A dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks.
Only Piñon Loop sites can be reserved through the Reservation Center (all others are first-come, first-served). Call (877) 444-6777 to reserve a space or go on-line at www.ReserveUSA.com
