Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Colorado Basin
Williams Fork Reservoir sits south of Parshall in Grand County, with northern pike, kokanee, rainbows and lake trout.
Looking for the latest Williams Fork Reservoir river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Williams Fork Reservoir.
Water level
There is no public water level gauge for Williams Fork Reservoir. Call the shop or the park for the latest.
Wind forecast
Williams Fork Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The reservoir is only about one-fifth full, and the boat ramps are closed for the season because of low water. Hand-launched boats are allowed.
Shore fishing at the inlets is fair. Strip streamers for pike and trout along the edges.
Stocking report
Recent trout stocking from Colorado Parks and Wildlife's weekly report.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Williams Fork Reservoir, bring: Clouser Minnow #1-4, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Pike Fly #2/0, Chironomid #14-16, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Williams Fork Reservoir lake details
| Access | Denver Water recreation area off County Road 3 south of Parshall. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,800 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 116 miles, roughly 2 hours 44 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Spring through fall, plus ice fishing |
| Fish | Northern pike, kokanee, rainbows and lake trout |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, heavy fluorocarbon or wire for pike |
| Ice fishing | Ice fishing for pike in winter. Never go out on less than 4 inches of clear ice. |
| Camping | Denver Water campground at the reservoir (seasonal) |
| Kids | Partly. Low water means long walks to the edge. |
| Good to know | Water may drop to 6 to 15 percent by spring. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing for pike.
Spring
Pike in the shallows at ice-off.
Summer
Kokanee and trout.
Fall
Pike and trout before ice.
How to get there
Take I-70 to US-40 over Berthoud Pass to Granby and Parshall, then County Road 3 south to the reservoir.