Gross Reservoir

Location: West of Boulder
Level of Difficulty: Moderate, due to wind and weather.
Fish Species: Rainbow, Brown, Brook, Cutthroat, and Lake Trout, Tiger Muskie, and Kokanee.
Season: Memorial Day until September 30th.
Fee: None.
Other: Motorized watercraft are not allowed. No glass containers.

Since Denver Water opened Gross Reservoir to non-motorized, single-hulled water craft a few years ago, it's quickly become one of the most popular kayak fishing destinations on the Front Range. With its rugged shoreline of cliffs and pine trees, and views of the snowy peaks beyond, Gross would be a great place to spend a day exploring in a kayak even if there weren't fish in it. As it happens, the reservoir offers angling for a wide range of cold water species and the chance to possibly tangle with something that could pull your yak around for a bit.

Osprey Point on the southeast shore is the primary kayak launching spot, with outhouse toilets and a parking area. Due to fluctuating water levels throughout the season, the distance from the lot to the water can vary. Some days one can throw a kayak over his shoulder and walk it down to the water, but on other days (especially late in the season) the journey from your car to the launch can be quite a bit longer. For this reason, we'd recommend you bring some kind of kayak cart, just in case. You should also have a PFD (same as anywhere), a whistle, and your name and address labeled somewhere on your boat, as the rangers who patrol Gross will ask to see these things. Rangers frequently ask to see fishing licenses.

From Osprey PoInt many anglers and sightseers veer westward and head straight for the Boulder Creek inlet. Though the fishing can be good at the inlet, the area often gets crowded. Those seeking more solitude can find it (and fish) anywhere along Gross' extensive shoreline of rock cliffs, outcroppings, and coves. Casting along the shore with an Elk Hair Caddis or a small Kastmaster is a great way to pick up some cruising trout. Tiger muskie can sometimes be spotted sunning in the shallower coves. Lake trout anglers use tube jigs, jigging spoons, or hooks baited with sucker meat fished along the bottom, sometimes in water over a hundred feet deep. If you have a fish finder and/or GPS unit for your yak, Gross is definitely a place to put them to work. Anchoring at Gross can be tricky due to the depth, and the rocks on the bottom can occasionally snag your anchor. A drift sock can be a handy alternative to keep you on a good spot.

Kayakers venturing onto Gross Reservoir should be aware that the weather can turn ugly in a moment's notice. Just because you launched onto sunny, windless waters, don't expect them to stay that way. Intense winds are the norm, and can blow down on you at any time, bringing cold air, whitecaps, and rain. No paddler should set out on Gross without a PFD, rain gear, water, and sun protection. Watch the sky and be prepared to head to shore if the weather gets sketchy.

Join the Colorado Kayak Fishing Forum!