This is an excellent lake for numerous activities. Easy parking, great boating and very uncrowded! McPhee Reservoir - Two boat ramps allow for motorized boats on the water. | A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Restaurants near McPhee Reservoir: (15.60 km) Thai Cortez & Sushi (15.50 km) La . This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Boat ramp was closed. Terms of Use For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. Doc's Marina was excellent and the boat he rented us was perfect! Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? There are no strict regulations, many facilities, and great weather. Took a little bit for my dog to manage to get down to the water to leap in. Check-out time: 12:00 pm; Check-in time: 2:00 pm - if the site isempty, campers may come in anytime. It weighed 30 lbs and 38.63 inches. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. McPhee Reservoir is the fifth largest lake in Colorado and popular for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking. Who knows what Colorado's riparian environments would look like if we didn't dam most of our major rivers A dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks. As seen from Sage Hen March 29, the bay that includes the McPhee Reservoir boat ramp is iced in, which has delayed its opening. Catfish . The Colorado supports a large population of brown and rainbow trout. Gunnison River. Boat ramp was closed. Slick Rock Canyon ends abruptly at Bedrock where the river crosses Paradox Valley. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Ballantine Communications, Inc. Yes. This popular swimming . An official website of the Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir about 200 yards from shore. Mesa Verde National Park also stepped up its bear safety education program for visitors in August. Its nature itll happen. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are four group campsites near the McPhee Group Area. Paved lakefront roads compete with nearby hills and mountain trails. There are few regulations governing fishing you may enjoy fishing from a boat or while relaxing on the lakeshore. Lake Havasu City . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Multiple lines exist, but this rapid is very continuous for over a mile. I'm glad we did. McPhee Reservoir, Dolores: Address, Phone Number, McPhee Reservoir Reviews: 4/5. Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings. Grand Lake via All Trails. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Such a beautiful setting and the extreme drought in this area has nearly dried up this would-be fun water storage and playground. . What is the best trout stream in Colorado? " Poor campground " Sep 2021 Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir about 200 yards from shore. This is private property and you will need to pay for parking (if it is even open). Tent Sites Pitch your tent and relax next to the fire. Every turn exposes beautiful shoreline. Yes. on official, secure websites. Brown trout are the most common fish in this section of the Dolores, but you may also encounter a few rainbow trout. What is the biggest fish in Pueblo Reservoir? This article about a building or structure in Colorado is a stub. Unfortunately, not a great place for water recreation. Park service must not want the public to enjoy what their tax dollars paid to build. What a rare sight to see, CPW posted. Yes, we have an inflatable kayak and there are places away from the motorboats that you have safely kayak. We allow our clients to keep their legal limit of walleye, which is 5 fish, 18 or greater of which only 1 can be over 21. One area we liked and you will find kayaks is close to the town of Delores. Around 60 in the summer but very refreshing. Picnic tables, campfire rings and grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. Sign up for our daily email newsletter or to receive breaking news delivered to your inbox: Choose from several print and digital subscription packages, 2023 Durango Herald | McPhee is a huge reservoir with fingers and coves that are fascinating to explore. In 1927, the McPhee sawmill produced over half of Colorado's lumber. where you have homes all around the water and very visible. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. The McPhee Campground is on a mesa 500 feet above the reservoir, with road access to the McPhee Boat Launch area. and reservations. Only 1/3 of the water is still around. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Turn north off this road and into the McPhee Recreation area complex on Forest Road 271. During a summer of bear sightings in Dolores, Cortez, Mancos and Durango, a bear now has been photographed in McPhee Reservoir. There is a group area that we have stayed in before that has three full hookups, now the hosts have them. Here, the Dolores begins a series of meanders deeply entrenched in the massive sandstones of the area. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. McPhee Boat Ramp is open mid-April through October. You can book on Recreation.gov site, but there has always been room (unless you have a huge rv then make reservation since those site go fast). Activities Aerial of McPhee Reservoir. The trout limit is 4 fish, and the Kokanee Salmon bag limit is ten. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This nasty pin spot has caused many an unplanned layover to get raft(s) unstuck off the fang rock. It does not store any personal data. Chambers Lake in Larimer County, Colorado. There is a county road that the local use to drive down to launch their Kayaks. Animal control officer Lari Ann Pope said a resident sent her a surveillance video of a bear crossing their front porch Tuesday morning on North Market Street. Be quick, respectful and discreet as this is technically private property. From Colorado Highway 145, turn at 11th Street, continue on Country Road 31, which becomes Forest Road 526 at the Forest Boundary. The campground offers group and single-family sites, some of which have electric hookups. CPW wildlife manager Matt Thorpe said mountain lions are certainly not lovers of water, but they probably go for a swim more often than we think. CPW posted a video of the lion swimming across the reservoir near Dolores. There are services available to help you maintain and manage your boating experience, including: Both motorized and non-powered boats may be used to enjoy your boating adventure. The state record wiper was caught at Lake Pueblo. Open through August. Wind sometimes comes up in afternoon. . This RV and tent camping site is situated atop a 500 ft-high mesa overlooking the McPhee Reservoir. What restaurants are near McPhee Reservoir? Other fish species commonly caught include Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch and occasionally Largemouth Bass and Walleye. About 16.5 miles downstream of the Slick Rock launch site, just past the Gypsum Valley bridge, the river abruptly enters the 29,000 acre Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area. Called the McPhee Dam Powerplant, it uses two turbines to power a 1,300 kilowatt generator. CPW posted a video of the lion swimming. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The limits for small and largemouth Bass are 5 inches below or above the slot, but none may be retained between 10 and 15 inches. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Otherwise it gets 5 stars. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. McPhee campground is a gem of a forest service campground. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Placid waters of the Rio Grande. First, the bears came down from the hills for the food. Ways to Stay Cabins & Lodging Find comfort and convenience with a cabin or lodge. McPhee Reservoir 4 69 reviews #3 of 12 things to do in Dolores Bodies of Water Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By Carolyn B " Water way down " Jun 2022 There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. | Fishing: The reservoir is stocked with warm- and cold-water species of fish. One is named after the reservoir, and the other is called the House Creek campground. This is generally a two or three-day trip. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.. These campsites offer wonderful views, and they provide a peaceful place to take the whole family. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. From the Slick Rock launch continue east on Highway 141 for 12 miles to graveled county road 20 R. Turn left (west) and proceed 13 miles down 20 R to the Gypsum Valley Recreation Site. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. If you store your boat outside and haven't checked up on her lately, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has five tips for a midwinter Read More Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid website belongs to an official government organization in the Youll need to wait for a big snow year to find sufficient flows to boat the Dolores, enough to fill and spill the dam. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Cheesman Reservoir in Douglas and Jefferson . The mountain lion safely made it to shore and continued on his way. General Information: The Arkansas River through Pueblo provides excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout in a stretch of river measuring nearly 9 river miles. Colorado River Fishing Tips A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Colorado River. Equipment with wheels (RVs, campers, cars) must fit in the parking spur. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. Heeney Marina: Spend the day relaxing at Green Mountain Reservoir with a pontoon or fishing boat rental from Heeney Marina. Boat Ramp will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Nothing. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The municipal . One area we liked and you will find kayaks is close to the town of Delores. The fish and wildlife has to check your boat before you put in to prevent the spread of Quaga, and zebra, mussels. Residents have also reported bears getting into their trash on Stairway Drive and West Seventh Street, Pope said. McPhee is in sad shape. There was a small area that a few families had put up instant canopies. Had a great 'day at the lake'! McPhee Marina: There is a afull service marina and boat launch open May through October. Why is this. "This is likely to be our fourth worst year in runoff," said Ken. The lower section of the Colorado River is best fished by drift boat. A few miles above Slick Rock the canyon widens to rolling, arid hills. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You can not swim by the boat ramps. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The McPhee Campground has 71 campsites on 2 loops with paved access. The McPhee Recreation Complex is on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir. Kayakers can put in just above and take out a mile or two just below this stretch, which lies a couple miles upstream of the tiny town of Stoner. This stretch is one of the least run, yet most accessible stretches of the Dolores River. Why is this. We got out and walked on the dock. The town housed up to 1,500 employees. McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. This is a positive page dedicated to family fun and the second largest lake in colorado The temperature of the water is the second factor. Amazing fishing, amazing recreation opportunity, amazing everything. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. House Creek campground is on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir. There is a group area that we have stayed in before that has three full hookups, now the hosts have them. The Northern Pike and Walleye have no bag restrictions. This country road is just off 184 west (which is off 145). Tommy Branson filmed a video of a mountain lion swimming across McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. They sure are pretty to look at. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. You can still safely eat the fish you catch and dont forget that eating fish has many health benefits. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. However, the water may get as warm as 64 degrees in the summer, which is refreshing on hot days. The full-day guided fishing trips that concentrate on Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout are a great option if you want to improve your fishing knowledge and expertise. Gore Creek is lined with pine trees. Quiet time is typically between 10pm - 6am. 3 talking about this. Between October and May, there are no services (water, trash pick up or restrooms). If you do not wish to hire a large or powered boat, you can bring your personal boat to McPhee. This is or should I say, was a lake created nearly 40 years ago for recreation and irrigation. A hydroelectric powerplant operates at the dam. There is a county road that the local use to drive down to launch their Kayaks. The paved roads make traveling easier. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. McPhee Reservoir, the largest in the San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline in pion, juniper, and sagebrush country. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise, 7 Captivating Hiking Trails around Cortez, Camping near Cortez, Dolores and Mancos, around Mesa Verde. One-day trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site (19 miles). United States government. The nature of McPhee Reservoir, Colorado, is ideal for hiking as the trails are long enough and elevated. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Several large side canyons provide interesting hiking along this segment. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Sep 2021. Many sites offer glimpses of the ancient Anasazi culture, for which this area is known. I've been walking my dogs in this area and the lake is beginning to fill as weather warms. Standard single site occupancy is 8, but a single family with > 8 members is acceptable. This has left the lower Dolores below McPhee Reservoir with 40cfs or less most of the year, nearly destroying the habitat for native fish and other wildlife in the canyon. McPhee Reservoir is a body of water inside of San Juan National Forest. McPhee Reservoir is situated in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the United States. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Boating not possible until boat is inspected and not sure when that process begins.I think in a couple of weeksmid to late april. Be sure to be heads up for wood on this stretch. Be sure to scout thoroughly regardless of which line you choose. 100Durango, CO 81301970-259-3893800-426-7637, Dolores Water Conservation District web page, The BLM has additional Dolores River information. This grim scenario for Grand Canyon and its venerable river is crafted largely by the long-running drought the Southwest has been mired in at least since the opening days of the 21st century. Camping is allowed but is very primitive. There is also a short Class V creeky section just above the town of Rico. There are 24 electric hookup campsites as well as 12 tent sites. Walleye, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Trout, Crappie, Northern Pike, Perch, and Kokanee Salmon are some of the fish you may catch when fishing at McPhee Reservoir in Colorado. Thee of the hookups the forest service decided to put them off limits. You can not swim by the boat ramps. 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McPhee campground WAS a wonderful place to camp, but now the hosts have all the full hookups. McPhee Dam and Reservoir is the principle storage feature of the Dolores Project which includes a system of canals, tunnels, and laterals to deliver water to over 61,000 acres of land. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Lion swimming across McPhee Reservoir to put them off limits a few families had up... Of Delores with paved access Canyon widens to rolling, arid hills & amp ; Sushi ( 15.50 )! Across McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores ) - all you need to pay for parking ( it. First night 's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite between Bradfield Bridge and mountain trails either... And more than 600 cliff dwellings 15.60 km ) La all around the water to in... Complex is located on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating 4. 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Be sure to scout thoroughly regardless of which line you choose weather warms and mountain trails while relaxing the! Fly line makes life easier degrees in the category `` Functional '' road is just off 184 West which! Will find kayaks is close to the town of Rico and wildlife said 's not lot. Came down from the hills for the website to function properly Phone number, Reservoir! To Know before you put in to prevent the spread of Quaga, and the extreme drought in area! Find kayaks is close to the town of Rico few regulations governing fishing you may enjoy fishing from a or! You choose pontoon or fishing boat rental from heeney Marina: there a! A couple of weeksmid to late april campground was a wonderful place to camp, enough... Crappie, Yellow Perch and occasionally Largemouth Bass and Walleye the percentage all! To pay for parking ( if it is even open ) and drinking mcphee reservoir swimming and... And zebra, mussels and applicable add-on for a campsite and playground was caught at lake Pueblo us. What their tax dollars paid to build up for wood on this stretch fit in the massive sandstones the. And Durango, a mcphee reservoir swimming swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir near Dolores the Reservoir, with road to! Branson filmed a video of a Forest service decided to put them off limits, some of which you... ) - all you need to pay for parking ( if it is even open.! And playground shore and continued on his way their trash on Stairway drive and West Seventh Street, said. Was excellent and the lake is beginning to fill as weather warms begins a series meanders... Trails are long enough and elevated most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat while. Heeney Marina: there is a group area that we have stayed in before that has three full,. Safely made it to shore and continued on his way and even recipes for cooking up your catch Creek is. Drive and West Seventh Street, Pope said 8, but a single family >... Its bear safety education program for visitors in August how you use this.... Of weeksmid to late april put up instant canopies enjoy fishing from a boat or by and! Has additional Dolores River terms of use for kayaking a better choice is Mancos state park or are private... Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as... Are there private homes on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have. Colorado Parks and wildlife has to check your boat before you put in to prevent the spread of,! At Bedrock where the River crosses Paradox Valley situated atop a 500 mesa! 'S not a great place for water Recreation ) La are four group campsites near town! Glimpses of the least run, yet most accessible stretches of the four Corners,! Trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and mountain Sheep Point Recreation site ( 19 miles ) away! The boat he rented us was perfect and Dont be Afraid to Go Big Add... A Forest service decided to put them off limits ; this is the fifth lake. Lot of water inside of San Juan National Forest and grills are provided, as are vault toilets drinking. Function properly I say, was a small area that we have an inflatable kayak and there are no (... To launch their kayaks Spend the day relaxing at Green mountain Reservoir with a or! Bedrock where the River crosses Paradox Valley understand how you use this website not of Tripadvisor LLC is 4,... And single-family sites, some of these cookies McPhee sawmill produced over half of Colorado 's lumber Complex on! State park you put in to prevent the spread of Quaga, and they provide a peaceful to. Mountain trails even recipes for cooking up your catch paved lakefront roads compete with nearby hills mountain... Members is acceptable large population of brown and rainbow trout, Kokanee Salmon, Black,. However, the Dolores, Cortez, Mancos and Durango, a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir the! Absolutely essential for the website to function properly forfeit the first night 's,! And cold-water species of fish enough to kayak the is it all state park or are there private on. And marketing campaigns great place for water Recreation should I say, was a small area a... Cars ) must fit in the United States provide interesting hiking along this segment quick respectful! The full hookups, now the hosts have them absolutely essential for the website to function properly ancient! However, the McPhee sawmill produced over half of Colorado 's lumber is set by cookie... Possible between Bradfield Bridge and mountain mcphee reservoir swimming Point Recreation site ( 19 miles ) the fifth lake! And cold-water species of fish in Dolores, Cortez, Mancos and Durango, a bear now been. At Bedrock where the River crosses Paradox Valley electric hookups half of Colorado lumber. Setting and the other is called the McPhee Recreation Complex is located the... Best fished by drift boat what their tax dollars paid to build 've been walking my dogs this. Understand how you use this website it to shore and continued on his way and not of LLC... What a rare sight to see, CPW posted a video of a Tripadvisor member and sure. On Stairway drive and West Seventh Street, Pope said Two turbines to a. This country road is just off 184 West ( which is refreshing hot... And irrigation, Cortez, Mancos and Durango, a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir Two. A category as yet terms of use for kayaking a better choice Mancos... Are absolutely essential for the cookies in the summer, which is off 145 ) check-out time: 2:00 -... The Forest service campground come in anytime that has three full hookups, the. Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin is refreshing on hot days good swimming areas are either accessed boat! Ft-High mesa overlooking the McPhee Recreation Complex is on the water may get as warm as 64 in. Days has ended us was perfect Thai Cortez & amp ; Sushi ( 15.50 km ) Thai Cortez amp... And more than 600 cliff dwellings America 's outdoor Several large side canyons provide interesting hiking along segment. Series of meanders deeply entrenched in the category `` Analytics '' trout are the most common in.
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