Lonetree Reservoir

Location: Northwest of Berthoud off Cty. 14
Level of Difficulty: Easy.
Fish Species: Walleye, Saugeye, Wiper, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Carp.
Season: Last day of Waterfowl Season to October 31st
Fee: None.
Other: Wakeless boating only.

Lonetree Reservoir gets a well-deserved reputation as being a tough nut for anglers to crack. Though many big fish swim in this quiet, warm-water reservoir, they're very well fed, well covered, and not easily fooled. Still, anglers who put in some serious time here can be rewarded with a real lunker, and a kayak offers an excellent means of exploring Lonetree's diverse shoreline.

The boat launch is located at the end of Lonetree Drive (no fee to park.) There are two boat ramps with a patch of rock-strewn sand between them that makes a good launch if you can find a spot where no one's fishing. Neither ramp is very kayak friendly, but the shore on either side of them works. We sometimes launch from the left side of the main ramp or wheel our boats down by the other ramp, which gets less traffic. In any case, you might want to scout it out before carrying your boat down.

The Lonetree shoreline varies greatly as you make your way around the reservoir. It's not uncommon to see surface activity right off the boat ramp, and many fish are caught by shore fishers in that area. To the north of the boat ramp are weed beds, rocky points, marshy areas, an inlet, and a wall of riprap, all with fishing potential. The eastern shore offers kayak anglers the most solitude and features submerged weed beds and gradual drop-offs. The shallow marsh at the south of the lake is worth exploring. Like many prairie impoundments, Lonetree's bottom is relatively featureless, but there are some dropoffs, points, and other variations. A fish finder can help you locate any features where fish might congregate.

Lonetree is a popular night fishing destination for catfish and walleye. Bass fisherman sometimes have luck fishing along the many weed beds and sunken branches that line the shore. In the early morning hours and low light periods, wiper can often be seen busting shad on the surface. If you're chasing wiper, look for surface disturbances and "nervous water" while you paddle around the lake; these could indicate spots where larger fish are pushing schools of shad to the surface.

Besides the fish, Lonetree is also home to many birds and other wildlife. If the pelicans and gulls begin congregating in a particular area, it might be worth your while to paddle over and cast a few lines in the vicinity as there may also be feeding fish present.ware that the foothills winds can whip up some considerable chop. Be prepared to get splashed from time to time, and always wear your PFD.

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