Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Gunnison Basin
Blue Mesa is Colorado's largest body of water, west of Gunnison. It is famous for kokanee and big lake trout.
Looking for the latest Blue Mesa Reservoir fishing report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with current conditions, wind, stocking news and the flies working now at Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Water level
Wind forecast
Blue Mesa Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The reservoir is very low after a dry year. Kokanee season is over, and lake trout are moving shallower as the water cools.
From shore, strip streamers off rocky points at first and last light. Watch the wind on this big water.
Stocking report
Recent trout stocking from Colorado Parks and Wildlife's weekly report.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Blue Mesa Reservoir, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Clouser Minnow #2-4, Balanced Leech #10, Chironomid #14-16, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Pitching Leech #10.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Blue Mesa Reservoir lake details
| Access | Curecanti National Recreation Area ramps and day-use areas along US-50. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,500 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 219 miles, roughly 4 hours 48 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | All year, plus ice fishing |
| Fish | Lake trout, kokanee, rainbows and browns |
| Regulations | Special lake trout and kokanee rules apply. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X to 4X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Popular for ice fishing in midwinter. Never go out on less than 4 inches of clear ice. |
| Camping | Elk Creek, Lake Fork and other Curecanti campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes at the day-use areas. |
| Good to know | Huge water and big wind. Small boats beware. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing for lake trout and rainbows.
Spring
Ice-off trout near shore.
Summer
Kokanee trolling season.
Fall
Lake trout move shallow.
How to get there
Take US-285 to Poncha Springs, then US-50 west over Monarch Pass through Gunnison to Blue Mesa.