Summit County, CO · Reservoir
Dillon Reservoir
A 3,200-acre high-country reservoir at 9,000 ft in Summit County, ringed by Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. Stocked heavily with rainbow trout; also holds brown trout, kokanee salmon, and arctic char.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon & Brown Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Dillon Reservoir.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Dillon Reservoir
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Statewide trout aggregate: 4/day, 8 in possession (rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat). No statewide minimum size; many waters carry slot or gear restrictions — confirm the water-specific CPW rule.
Source: Colorado non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Kokanee Salmon Workable day for Kokanee Salmon. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus nerka — Landlocked sockeye salmon — the marquee coldwater reservoir fishery of the Mountain West. A plankton feeder that suspends along the thermocline and is caught by downrigger trolling with squids and dodgers spring through fall, and through the ice in winter. The fall spawning run turns the fish brilliant red and triggers snagging seasons on designated waters; prized as table fare. In Colorado, Blue Mesa is the flagship water, with Dillon and Granby also producing.
Prefers. Water 45–59°F (ideal 53°F) · either tide · depth 20–120 ft.
- Daily creel
- 10
Statewide: 10/day, 10 in possession (by angling, snagging, or archery). No minimum size. Snagging is allowed only on designated waters during the fall spawning run — CPW sets each water’s dates (commonly Sept 1–Jan 31; Blue Mesa Reservoir Nov 1–Dec 31). Confirm the water-specific snagging dates before fishing.
Source: Colorado non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Part of the statewide 4-fish trout aggregate (8 in possession). No statewide minimum size; Gold Medal and trophy waters often add gear and slot limits.
Source: Colorado non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Colorado non-tidal
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Dillon Reservoir: Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Dillon Reservoir?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Dillon Reservoir you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Dillon Reservoir?
Dillon Reservoir is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Dillon Reservoir?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Dillon Reservoir against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Dillon Reservoir have?
Dillon Reservoir has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Dillon Reservoir?
state agency regulations apply at Dillon Reservoir. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Dillon Reservoir tidal water?
No. Dillon Reservoir is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.