McPhee Reservoir

Boat Ramps: 3
Access Points: 4
Species: 10

McPhee Reservoir is Colorado's second largest reservoir, covering approximately 4,470 surface acres at an elevation of 6,900 feet in southwestern Colorado. Located in the San Juan National Forest area near the town of Dolores, this expansive body of water offers over 50 miles of shoreline for anglers to explore. The reservoir has developed a strong reputation as an excellent smallmouth bass fishery, hosting numerous local and regional fishing tournaments throughout the year. With both warm and cold-water fish species thriving in its waters, McPhee Reservoir provides diverse fishing opportunities year-round, making it a popular destination for anglers visiting the Mesa Verde region.

Colorado licenses and regulations5 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at McPhee Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Kokanee Salmon

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 1

TroutCatchable sizeWeek of Apr 18, 2026

Source

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on McPhee Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

House Creek Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on McPhee Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Colorado licenses and regulations

Colorado Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Colorado Fishing License

Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). CPW provides a range of options for anglers from the annual fishing license to the one-day fishing license. Youth under age 16 fish for free.

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Colorado Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Colorado Parks & Wildlife State Park Pass

Annual passes provide a full 12 months of unlimited access to all state parks across Colorado.

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Colorado Stream Access Laws

With no clear test of navigability, no applicable statutes, and a tendency of courts to categorize all streams in Colorado as non-navigable, waterfront landowners' rights encompass the banks, beds, and waters of rivers. The public has no guaranteed recreation rights in non-navigable waters or their streambeds. CO Fishing Regulations: "It is illegal to go onto private land to fish without permission, including touching any part of private land by person or watercraft. Private land is not required to be posted or fenced. Trespassers may be suspended for up to 5 years."

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Take McPhee Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around McPhee Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for McPhee Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.