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Fishing Navajo Reservoir

AKA: Navajo Lake

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Navajo Reservoir, CO

Popular Fish Species Navajo Reservoir, CO


Navajo Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Navajo Reservoir maintains a healthy smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.


Navajo Reservoir Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. They are quite agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Navajo Reservoir. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes.


Navajo Reservoir Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Colorado, Navajo Reservoir delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, bluegill and northern pike at Navajo Reservoir in Colorado.

Navajo Reservoir Fishing Video

Only a small portion of this 15,600 surface-acre lake resides in Colorado, while the vast majority is in New Mexico. Navajo Lake is considered a warm water lake where bass and crappie thrive, yet cool enough to support cold-water species like trout and northern pike. There are nearly 160 miles of shoreline to fish, and the bulk of the shoreline in CO is accessible for fishing from the bank.

Navajo Reservoir, spanning the border between Colorado and New Mexico, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts looking to cast their lines in its vast waters. The reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities with a diverse range of fish species. Anglers can expect to catch various species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, and catfish. Whether you prefer shore fishing or venturing out onto the reservoir in a boat, Navajo Reservoir provides ample opportunities for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

Navajo Reservoir, with its diverse fishing opportunities, enjoyable boating experiences, and scenic camping options, offers a complete outdoor getaway for visitors. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil camping retreat, Navajo Reservoir in Colorado provides a picturesque setting to indulge in your favorite activities while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the reservoir and its surrounding landscapes.

The Two Rivers Marina in Colorado provides gas, rental boats and a boat launch ramp. Camping, lodging, shopping and dining are all available at the lake as well.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Colorado

Fish Species in Navajo Reservoir, CO

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Rainbow trout Bluegill Kokanee salmon Northern pike

Navajo Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rentals: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Concessions: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Marinas

Two Rivers Marina
1526 County Rd 982
Arboles, CO 81121
970 883-2628

Boating on Navajo Reservoir is a favored activity, as the expansive waters offer plenty of room for boaters to explore and enjoy water-based activities. From motorized boats to canoes and kayaks, Navajo Reservoir caters to all types of watercraft. Boaters can cruise along the reservoir, try their hand at water skiing or tubing, or simply soak in the scenic beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. The reservoir's boat ramps and marina facilities make launching and accessing the water convenient, ensuring a seamless boating experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Boat Ramp
Located at the Two Rivers Marina, nearby Rosa Campground, in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with excellent paved parking.

Navajo Lake Marina
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks, and paved parking.

Sims Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks, and paved parking.

Click here for a Colorado fishing license.

Fishing Guides On Navajo Reservoir

Mountain States Guide Service - smallmouth, crappie, pike

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Camping near Navajo Reservoir allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area and extend their outdoor adventures. The reservoir offers several campgrounds with various amenities, including tent sites, RV sites, picnic areas, restrooms, and fire pits. Whether you prefer a rustic camping experience or desire more modern facilities, Navajo Reservoir has options to suit different camping preferences. Camping at Navajo Reservoir provides a peaceful retreat where campers can enjoy starry nights, scenic hikes, and the serenity of the surrounding landscape.

Closest Campgrounds & RV Parks

Tiffany Campground - 970 883-2208

Carracas Campground - 970 883-2208

Rosa Campground - 970 883-2208

Navajo Lake CO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Navajo Lake
Navajo Reservoir Park
1526 County Rd 982
Arboles, CO, 81121
970 883-2208

 

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