Elkhead Reservoir - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

This beautiful lake offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Fishing is a popular pastime at Elkhead Reservoir, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish including trout, bass, and pike. The reservoir is also a great place for boating, swimming, and hiking. There are several hiking trails that wind through the scenic area around the reservoir, and the views from the top of the dam are simply breathtaking. 

Elkhead Reservoir is a man-made lake in Moffat County, Colorado. The reservoir was created in stages, beginning in 1911 with the construction of Elkhead Dam. The dam was built to provide irrigation water for the surrounding farmland. In the 1950s, the reservoir was expanded to its current size. The reservoir has a capacity of nearly 200,000 acre-feet of water and covers nearly 2,000 acres when full. It is a major water storage facility for the Yampa River Basin, providing irrigation water for agricultural lands downstream and supplemental water for the city of Craig. The reservoir also serves as a recreation destination, with fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The Elkhead Reservoir State Park surrounds the reservoir and offers additional amenities such as picnic areas and hiking trails.

The best time to visit Elkhead Reservoir is from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The reservoir is also less crowded during these months. 

1.  Check the conditions of the roads before setting out - winter weather can make driving conditions treacherous.
2. Don't forget your fishing license - Colorado requires all anglers to be licensed. 
3. Access to the reservoir is limited - boat ramps are only open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
4. Have a plan for emergencies - cell phone service is spotty at best.
5.  Please pack out any trash you generate - help keep Elkhead clean!
6. The reservoir is open year-round but ice conditions can make it inaccessible in winter months.
    

1. The State of Colorado Water Quality Control Division currently classifies Elkhead Reservoir for the following uses Aquatic Life Cold I, Recreation E, Water Supply and Agricultural.

2.  Elkhead Reservoir is an on-stream reservoir on Elkhead Creek a major tributary of the Yampa River.

3. The mean annual outflow from the reservoir is 18,000 acre-feet.

4. Fishing is a popular activity on the reservoir, and common fish species include rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee salmon.

5. Snowmelt from the surrounding mountains contributes to the inflow of water into the reservoir each springtime.

Depending on your interests, you could easily spend a day or more exploring the area. 

The best way to reach it is by car. From Denver, take I-70 westbound to State Highway 131 southbound. Exit at Elkhead Reservoir Road and follow it for about eight miles. 

While there is no entrance fee to enjoy the reservoir, there are costs associated with camping and picnicking in the park. Campsites start at $16 per night, and Picnic sites start at $10 per day.

The reservoir is located in Moffat County, Colorado, and is open year-round. Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset, and boats are allowed on the water from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.