- The Williams Fork Reservoir doubles as a Northern Pike fishery; since Pikes are the fastest freshwater fish, they are popular with fishermen due to their impressive water jumps and powerful strikes.
- Drinking water is not available, and firewood is scarce; campers should stock themselves accordingly.
Overview
The Williams Fork Reservoir is on the western side of Grand County, located outside of Parshall, near the larger city of Kremmling; its shoreline spans 16 miles and the reservoir's surface area measures almost 1,900 acres. Its main role as a reservoir requires that its 97,000 acres deep worth of water be diverted to the Western Slope, where it is distributed to the outskirts of Denver. A popular site for camping (mostly set up for RV and trailer camping), boating, fishing and windsurfing, this picturesque reservoir is best known as a Northern Pike fishery, with the large pike (some over 40 inches!) feeding on the smaller trout population.
Location/Directions
From Winter Park, take US Highway 40 to Granby and then continue onward past Hot Sulphur Springs; once through Byers Canyon, Parshall will be the next small town. Turn left (South) onto Route 3 and then follow this road to the Williams Fork Reservoir Entrance. It's about a 45 minute drive from Winter Park.
Activities
Williams Fork Reservoir has many recreational opportunities:
- Fishing is a popular activity due to the fact that the Colorado Division of Wildlife regularly stocks the reservoir with pike. The reservoir offers prime habitat as a coldwater fishery due to its natural forage base. Various species of trout such as rainbows, browns and cutthroats, along with mackinaw lake trout can be found prowling these waters. The kokanee salmon are also abundant and anglers in late autumn can usually fill a bag limit. Williams Fork Reservoir is also an excellent Northern pike fishery. The lake holds a reputation for the state record in Northern pike measuring at 43.5 inches, and weighing in at 30.6 pounds.
- Motorboats can access the water via the public boat ramp on the eastern side of the campground; check current water levels before launching watercraft
- Big game hunting is allowed within designated area.
- Ice Fishing is permitted but fishing is at your own risk; Denver Water does not monitor the conditions, so no information would be available regarding ice thickness.
- Windsurfing with a full wet or dry suit is allowed, but all other water contact sports, such as swimming, scuba diving, or wading, are against the law.
- There are tent campsites available on the east side of the grounds, but the majority of the camping is best suited for RVs and trailers.
- Snowmobiling and other off-road vehicles are prohibited.
Additional Information
Contact the US Forest Service for information on camping and other regulations: 719-545-8737.
