Park County, CO · Reservoir
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
One of Colorado's three Gold Medal lakes, in Park County on the South Platte. A trophy stillwater fishery for large rainbow and brown trout under artificial-fly-and-lure rules; the reservoir closes seasonally with ice.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (23/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Spinney Mountain Reservoir.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Spinney Mountain Reservoir
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Skip the Rainbow Trout trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
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 Brown Trout Skip the Brown Trout trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
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 Spinney Mountain Reservoir: Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Spinney Mountain Reservoir?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Spinney Mountain Reservoir you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Spinney Mountain Reservoir?
Spinney Mountain Reservoir is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, 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 Spinney Mountain 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 Spinney Mountain 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 Spinney Mountain Reservoir have?
Spinney Mountain Reservoir has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Spinney Mountain Reservoir?
state agency regulations apply at Spinney Mountain 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 Spinney Mountain Reservoir tidal water?
No. Spinney Mountain Reservoir is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.