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Fishing Williams Fork Reservoir

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Williams Fork Reservoir, CO

Popular Fish Species Williams Fork Reservoir, CO


Williams Fork Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Stocking programs by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Williams Fork Reservoir. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.


Williams Fork Reservoir Popular Fish - Lake Torut

Lake Trout Fishing

Year round, fishing for lake trout in Williams Fork Reservoir is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.


Williams Fork 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 Williams Fork Reservoir 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, Williams Fork 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. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, lake trout, walleye, northern pike, and brown trout at Williams Fork Reservoir in Colorado.

Williams Fork Reservoir Fishing Video

At over 1,600 surface-acres, Williams Fork Reservoir offers excellent ice fishing in winter and plenty of boat and shoreline fishing options during the warmer months. The lake is stocked with trout, salmon, walleye and pike. There is a boat launch ramp and campgrounds with RV hookups at the lake. About a third of the 15 miles of shoreline is accessible for fishing from the bank.

Williams Fork Reservoir, located near Parshall, Colorado, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene angling experience. The reservoir is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and is home to a variety of fish species. Anglers can expect to catch species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, lake trout, and northern pike. With its diverse fish population and well-stocked waters, Williams Fork Reservoir offers a fantastic fishing experience for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Williams Fork Reservoir, with its abundant fishing opportunities, enjoyable boating experiences, and scenic camping options, offers a complete outdoor getaway for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're an angler seeking to catch your next trophy fish, a boating enthusiast looking to explore the reservoir's waters, or a camper eager to embrace the serenity of the Colorado wilderness, Williams Fork Reservoir provides a picturesque setting to indulge in your favorite outdoor activities while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Colorado

Fish Species in Williams Fork Reservoir, CO

Rainbow trout Brown trout Lake trout Walleye Kokanee salmon Northern pike

Williams Fork Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rentals: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Concessions: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating on Williams Fork Reservoir is a popular activity, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the expansive lake and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The reservoir permits both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, making it suitable for a variety of boating experiences. Whether you have a powerboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, Williams Fork Reservoir offers ample space to navigate and enjoy water sports activities such as water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. Boat ramps are available for convenient access to the water, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable boating experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Williams Fork Reservoir - West Ramp
Located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Williams Fork Reservoir Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the east side of the lake, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Williams Fork Reservoir

Fishing with Bernie Guide Service - trout, salmon

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

Fishing License

Click here for a Colorado fishing license.

Camping near Williams Fork Reservoir allows visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the outdoors and make the most of their time in the area. The reservoir offers several campgrounds with various amenities, including tent sites, RV sites, picnic areas, fire pits, and restroom facilities.

Closest Campgrounds & RV Parks

Williams Fork Lodging - 970 725-3336

Williams Fork Reservoir CO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Williams Fork Reservoir
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
303 291-7227
US Forest Service
719 545-8737

 

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