Williams Fork Reservoir
Williams Fork Reservoir is located three miles south of Parshall, Colorado, in the northwestern portion of the state. The reservoir is fed by two major tributaries, the Colorado River system and the Williams Fork River. Nestled in a diverse Rocky Mountain setting, this reservoir has proven to be an outstanding coldwater fishery, with a diverse trout population.
Williams Fork Reservoir has a surface area of 1,860 acres with a shoreline of 15.8 miles. The reservoir, completed in 1959 by Williams Fork Dam & Power Plant, sends water and electricity to the Western Slope when Denver diverts water to the city elsewhere. Standing 217 feet above the Williams Fork River streambed, the dam backs up a reservoir of nearly 97,000 acre feet of water.
Colorado has a year-round open season for trout and the Williams Fork Reservoir is acclaimed as one of the best fisheries for coldwater species in the state. The reservoir is mentioned in popular fishing and hunting magazines quite often as a first class lake to catch pike, mackinaw and trout all year long. The fish in the reservoir are large and abundant. This fishery is popular year round, but has gained recognition for ice fishing as anglers are provided an opportunity for excellent fishing in the winter months.
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.
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