Echo Canyon Reservoir, Pagosa Springs Colorado - Located four miles south of Pagosa Springs, just off Highway 84, Echo Canyon Reservoir offers good fishing for largemouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch and trout. This is the home of the current record largemouth bass set in 1997, 11 pounds 6 ounces.
Echo Canyon reservoir lies within the hills of Pagosa Springs. Ponderosa pine and native grasses line the shore and the reservoir is back dropped by scenic mountains. Built by the Division of Wildlife in 1968 for public fishing the reservoir's average depth is 50 feet. Full water levels are maintained throughout the year. In dry years, surface water temperature may reach into the high 70's.
This reservoir's reputation of growing big largemouth bass is well deserved, as evidenced by the current state record caught here in 1997 (11 pounds, 6 ounces). The best fishing is generally consider to be in late spring and early summer before the submerged aquatic plants make fishing difficult. In addition to black bass, fishers can expect to catch yellow perch, sunfish, and trout. Fishing access to the shore is good, plus there is a fishing jetty. Other facilities include several parking areas, a boat ramp, and vault toilets.
Getting there: From Pagosa Springs, go 4 miles south on Highway 84 to the property. Fees: Habitat Stamp Required Boating: All Boats Allowed. Boating in a manner that creates a white water wake is prohibited.
