wildernet

Fishing: Colorado

Quick Facts

Big Meadows Reservoir

Elevation:	9,200 Feet (2867.8 Meters)
USGS Maps:	Spar City

Outfitters and Guides

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Rainbow trout, brook trout and some native cutthroat trout are in the reservoir. The fish are generally less than 12" long. There is ample parking and turn around space and a paved boat ramp at the north end. Boating is suitable for rafts to small motor boats. Big Meadows campground is located next to the reservoir. There is handicap access with fishing piers and wheelchair trails. Ice fishing is possible in the winter which can be accessed via snowmobile or cross-country skis on Big Meadows Road.

Directions from Del Norte: Travel 27.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 160 to Forest Road # 410. Take FR # 410 west for 2 miles.

Directions from South Fork: Travel west on U.S. Highway 160 8.0 miles to Forest Road # 410. Take FR # 410 west for 2 miles.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Services Available: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend (NOTE: Road closes when snow sets in; access for ice fishing is then possible on snowmobiles or skis.) .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Filed By: Farrell Fenner (Nocona, TX) Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Highly Report: Been fishing at Big Meadows Reservoir every year for the past 18 years. Last week in June and 1st week in July, Excellent fishing on the far side of the lake away from the boat ramp and around the by the streams coming in.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Boat Launching	Paved boat ramp at north end	Yes
	Boating	Suitable for rafts	Yes
	Powered Boating	Small motor boats	Yes
	Camping	Big Meadows Campground	No
	Cross-country Skiing	Big Meadows Road	No
	Cold Water Fishing	Rainbow trout, brook trout and some native cutthroat trout	Yes
	Ice Fishing	Access via snowmobile or cross-country skis on Big Meadows Road	Yes
	Lakes & Reservoirs	Big Meadows Reservoir	Yes
	Picnicking	Big Meadows Family Picnic Ground	No
	Snowmobiling	Big Meadows Road	No

Related Activities

Archuleta Creek Trail - Once you reach Cochetopa Pass (3.2 miles) the historical markers along the Continental Divide give a sense of history to the trail. About 8.0 miles into the trail you will ride/hike through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers.

Big Meadows Campground - Attractions include fishing at Big Meadows Reservoir and in the South Fork of the Rio Grande, access to the Weminuche Wilderness via the Archuleta Creek Trail 839, visiting Cascade Falls.

Gibbs Trail - This trail follows a portion of the eastern boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness and has not been maintained for years.

Hope Creek Trail - This trail goes from timbered land along the creek to high alpine areas at the base of Sawtooth Mountain. The last 1/2 mile is above timberline and offers magnificent scenery.

Kitty Creek Trail - The trail is steep and susceptible to wind fall trees. In general, the trail is very scenic and maintains a steady incline along the creek.