In the in-flowing streams and reservoir, any bait or lure is allowed and anglers can keep all fish, up to the legal limit. Sport fish in these areas include rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon and yellow perch. Boaters can reach secluded coves on the west shore of the reservoir to try their luck with catch-and-keep fishing. Kokanee salmon are available with sinkers in the deeper waters of the reservoir. There are three main areas in the park for catch-and-keep fishing from shore, described below.
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Area
The Pa-Co-Chu-Puck area features two ponds stocked with Rainbow trout for the Huck Finn Days program in the summer where kids learn about fishing. Participants only need a Daily Park Pass to attend. Parents are encouraged to join their children for the program. Check the calendar listings on Ridgway's main page, or the CPW Calendar for more information.
Fish can be scaled and cleaned at the fish cleaning station located next to the bathroom to the south of the ponds. View the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk map. Also in Pa-Co-Chu-Puk for the avid fly-fisherman there is a fantastic one-mile section of catch-and-release only fishing in the Uncompahgre River below the dam. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed. Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout await. Great fishing days can happen here at any time of the year.
Mear’s Bay Cove in the Dutch Charlie Area
Enjoy great shoreline fishing especially on the south shore of the cove where it opens out into the main body of the reservoir. It’s close to picnicking sites, a playground and a modern, universally accessible fishing pier. Fish can be scaled and cleaned at the Fish Cleaning Station located next to the bathroom beside the boat ramp. View the Dutch Charlie map.
Dallas Creek Day Use Area
Highlights include a long shoreline for river or reservoir fishing with convenient drive-up areas and parking spaces. The best fishing is often found where the Uncompahgre River empties into the main body of the reservoir. Snag Kokanee salmon here during their autumn run in the area where the Dallas Creek and Uncompahgre River flow together. View the Dallas Creek Area map.
