Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท San Juan & Dolores Basin
McPhee Reservoir, near Dolores, is Colorado's second-largest reservoir, with trout up high and bass, walleye and crappie in its warmer arms.
Looking for the latest McPhee 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 McPhee Reservoir.
Water level
Heads up: Major flooding hit southwest Colorado on November 1 and 2. Expect muddy water and check road conditions before you drive.
Wind forecast
McPhee Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The November 1 and 2 storms sent big, muddy inflows into this reservoir. The Dolores River is pouring muddy water into the upper arms.
The lower lake near the dam will clear first. Check with the marina before you make the drive.
Stocking report
Recent trout stocking from Colorado Parks and Wildlife's weekly report.
Load your fly box
Before you head to McPhee Reservoir, bring: Clouser Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Crayfish #6, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
McPhee Reservoir lake details
| Access | McPhee Recreation Area and House Creek ramps. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,900 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 400 miles, roughly 8 hours 53 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Rainbows, kokanee, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and crappie |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Ice is not reliable. Fish open water. |
| Camping | McPhee and House Creek campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes at the recreation areas. |
| Good to know | The ramps close for winter. Check before you go. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Slow and cold.
Spring
Bass and walleye move shallow.
Summer
Smallmouth on the rocks.
Fall
Bass and walleye before winter.
How to get there
Take US-160 to Cortez, then Highway 145 to Dolores and Highway 184 to McPhee.