Sanchez Reservoir, Alamosa Colorado - Located in the southeast corner of the San Luis Valley, Sanchez Reservoir offers great views, a feeling of solitude, in addition to excellent fishing.
Located a few miles south of San Luis, Colorado's oldest town, Sanchez Reservoir offers visitors scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. While for many, fishing is the primary draw, this state wildlife area also offers a place to boat, camp, view wildlife, and walk.
Sanchez is an irrigation reservoir with large areas of shallow weedy water. This ideal pike habitat, makes this a good place to fly fish for pike. During the spring many fishers concentrate on the inlet taking advantage of spawning fish. Pike to 20 pounds have been caught. Anglers shouldn't just concentrate on pike as Sanchez is famous for high catch rates of perch. Plus, the reservoir is regularly stocked with walleye. Fishing is generally considered best following ice melt in May and June.
Anglers should take note that a mercury warning has been issued by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. It is recommended that northern pike over 22 inches and walleye over 17not be consumed. Walleye under 17 inches are considered safe to eat one meal a month for all but children under 6 years of age. All other species have either not been tested or are considered safe. Check with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment for the latest updates, http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/monitoring/monitoring.html.
Getting there: From San Luis, go 3 miles east on Highway 152 to Highway 242, then 5.2 miles south to the reservoir. Fees: Habitat stamp is required Boating: All Boats Allowed. Waterskiing is prohibited. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is allowed
