In the Currencanti National Park, you’ll find twenty miles of fishing at Blue Mesa Reservoir. The 340-feet-deep water and 96 miles of shoreline are packed with trout (rainbow, brown, lake), kokanee salmon, and yellow perch. These waters hold state records for the biggest kokanee salmon (7 ½ lbs.) and a whopping 50 lb. 3 oz. lake trout. Anglers fishing the reservoir are almost certain to catch something.

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Boating is the most popular way to fish in the Blue Mesa Reservoir, with many trolling and jigging tours available for anglers year-round. Casting a lure from the shoreline often works best if you’re looking for Rainbow or Brown Trout.

The best time to fish Kokanee salmon is from mid-May to early September. You can also find them under the ice from January to March, and there is a limit of 5 salmon per angler. The best time to catch River Trout is during early spring from under the ice, and the season lasts through July. There is currently no catch limit on river trout under 32” long. You may even catch a trophy trout weighing up to 30 lbs in the Blue Mesa. From June through October, Yellow Perch are plentiful within the lake.

Blue Mesa Reservoir is only 20 minutes west of Gunnison, where you will find cabins and other lodgings for anglers during spring and summer. There are also camping facilities dotted around the lake, including the Lake Fort, Stevens Creek, and Elk Creek campgrounds.

Blue Mesa Reservoir boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Blue Mesa Reservoir.