Blue Mesa Reservoir Colorado Information and Activities Site!

Welcome to Blue Mesa Reservoir, in Gunnison Colorado. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water and offers plenty of Activities for a great vacation. You have reached the center of information for Blue Mesa. Blue Mesa Reservoir sits at 7491.3 feet above sea level nestled in the Rocky mountains 15 miles outside of Gunnison Colorado. Blue Mesa Reservoir is approximately 18 miles long with over 100 feet of shoreline. The lake has Three Basins that form downstream of the Gunnison River which are the Iola basin, the Cebolla basin and the Lake Form Basin. The deepest area of the lake reach depths of 330ft which pushes up against the 467 foot tall Morrow Point hydro electric dam. Blue Mesa Reservoir flows from the dam to create Morrow Point Reservoir, which then pushes to the Crystal reservoir dam, creating the Crystal dam. All three bodies of water are known as the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in Colorado. The kokanee salmon are a landlocked salmon and brother to the saltwater sockeye salmon of Alaska. These Colorado reservoirs are a perfect environment for these fish because of the large plankton population that reside and grow here. Other Fish Species that can be found in Blue Mesa Reservoir are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, lake trout and yellow perch. These fish are spread throughout the lake and you can book a Guided Fishing Trip to chase these species or bring your own boat and try your luck. You can launch at any of the four boat ramps on the lake which are the Lake Fork Marina, Elk Creek Marina, Steven’s creek or Iola boat ramp. Information will be supplied at each boat ramp to have your boat inspected for any possibility of transporting invasive Mussel Species so be sure to get there early and have your motor and live wells dry. Blue Mesa Reservoir is operated by the National Parks service in Gunnison and is managed as the Curecanti National recreation area. They help keep the lake healthy and the park safe, as well as offer loads of information about the wilderness surrounding the lake. There are two Marinas on Blue Mesa Reservoir that offer boat rentals, food, fishing licenses tackle and information about what's biting. They operate during the peak part of the season and are closed on October 15th. Blue Mesa Reservoir is an incredible lake that offers trophy fishing, water sports, many outdoor activities, Hiking hiking and biking and is an incredible destination to visit. Plan a trip this summer and come see what Gunnison Colorado’s largest body of water has to offer you.