Green Mountain Reservoir

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Green Mountain Reservoir, the tenth largest reservoir in Colorado, is sandwiched between the Gore Range and Williams Fork Mountains in central Colorado. A 309-foot-high dam on the Blue River forms the 2,125-acre reservoir, which stores water and creates hydroelectric power. Water levels fluctuates but usually goes down through the summer. The big reservoir, bounded by Colorado Highway 9 on the east, is popular with fishermen, boaters, campers, picnickers, hikers, and cliff divers. Facilities include seven campgrounds, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, scattered around the lake, a boat ramp, and Heeney Marina on the south shore.

Pro Tips

  • Green Mountain Reservoir has good fishing for rainbow, cutbow (a rainbow-cutthroat hybrid), Snake River cutthroat, and brown trout, lake trout, and kokanee salmon. Some lake trout are bigger than 24 inches but most are small. Fishermen find success on both the lakeshore and from boats. Ice fishing is popular in winter, but bring a gas-powered auger to make a hole in the thick ice.
  • Seven primitive national forest campgrounds are by the lake—5-site Cataract Creek, 33-site Prairie Point, 13-site McDonald Flats, 15-site Cow Creek North, 40-site Cow Creek South, 15-site Elliot Creek, and 35-site Willows. Vault toilets are available at each campground and sites have fire grates and tables, but no water or hook-ups. All sites are first-come first-served except Cow Creek South, which has reservation sites.
  • Near the dam on the north side of the reservoir is a popular cliff-jumping site with three cliffs that range from short leaps to a 70-foot jump into deep water. It is, of course, dangerous and the water is cold. Remember to always jump feet first and scout the water depth and landing before jumping.
  • Lower Cataract Lake, south of Green Mountain Reservoir, tucks into a high valley on the eastern edge of Eagle’s Nest Wilderness Area. The scenic lake offers fishing and good hiking, with a family-friendly trail around the lake. Lower Cataract Lake Trail passes through pine forest and aspen woodlands. At the west end of the lake is Cataract Falls, a spectacular waterfall that cascades over tall cliffs.
  • Recommended season(s): Year-round.

    —Stewart M. Green


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