Uncompahgre River 
& Ridgway Reservoir, Ridgway State Park

Ridgway State Park has got it all! Fishermen will not only delight in the river and reservoir, but the park has full service camping facilities, a marina, concrete boat launch, kid’s fishing ponds, a swim beach, all in the shadow of the snow-capped San Juan Mountains. Fishing is available in the Uncompahgre River above Ridgway Reservoir, in Ridgway Reservoir, and in the Uncompahgre River tailwater below the reservoir.

Ridgway Reservoir is accessible by foot along the bank and by boat. At the southern end of the reservoir, a day use area and foot bridge that crosses the inlet area provide access to the river above and the lake below. Within the park at the main entrance, boaters can drive to the marina and launch for a day on the water for fishing, water skiing, tubing, or just cruising the lake from one end to the other. Lake fisherman will do well in spring before runoff begins, when the cold waters are warming and the lake begins to turnover. Summer brings clearing conditions, warm sunny days, and excellent boating conditions. Trolling for trout is popular, as well as for kokanee, a land locked salmon.

River fishermen can wade the river after the spring runoff has cleared. Summer mornings or fall evenings are the prime time for fish feeding on hatches. The tailwater section below the dam has been described as an entertainment park due to extensive stream habitat improvement work that has created pools and runs and riffles for trout to hide in. Rock structures have been strategically placed to change the current flow and carve deep, gravel holes that provide a place for fish to hide and feed. About one mile of public river access awaits you. Fishing in the tailwater section is fly and lure only, and catch and release only.

Head south from Montrose on U.S. Highway 550 about 15 miles to Ridgway State Park. The first entrance turns into the day use and camping area below the dam. Further south is the main park entrance to the visitors center, marina, boat ramp, camping, and swim beach. Still further south is the day use area to access the inlet and upper end of the reservoir. An entrance fee is required for all users, and an additional fee is charged for campers. Showers are available.

Additional Fishing Day Trips:

Portal Fishing

Chipeta Lake

VCB info