Union Reservoir

Location: Just east of Longmont
Level of Difficulty: Easy.
Fish Species: Wiper, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Crappie, Sunfish, Walleye (?), Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout (stocked), Carp, Gizzard Shad.
Season: March 1st to October 31st
Fee: $6 per vehicle; no extra fee for cartop boats.
Other: Wakeless boating only. Season passes available.

In a picturesque state like ours, Union Reservoir won't win many beauty contests (though it does offer great views of Longs Peak!) But what Union lacks in terms of a scenery it makes up for in easy accessibility and great warm-water fishing, especially for wiper. What's more, a kayak allows you quick, easy access to parts of this fishery that motor boats and shoreline anglers can't readily reach.

The kayak launching area is on the southwest shore where the beach starts. Kayakers and sailboaters are allowed to park right up close to the beach (to the right of the rest rooms), which makes launching quick and easy. A cart can be helpful to wheel your yak up and over the service path, or you might decide to just carry your boat. It's generally a very user-friendly launch.

Like many Front Range impoundments, Union has about as much bottom structure as your average soup bowl, but a fish finder might help you locate any features around which fish would congregate. Much of the bottom is a made up of clay, gravel, and sand, and the standard 1.5 and 3 pound kayak anchors can have trouble taking hold. Adding a 14" length of stainless steel chain to the end of your anchor rope will help your anchor lie flat and dig in.

Flopping carp are a common site as one scans the northern shoreline at Union. In the springtime gizzard shad can be seen spawning along the edges, and their fingerlings keep Union's larger fish well-fed as the season wears on.

Many wiper are caught right along the beach by shore fishermen and wading fly anglers; be sure to respect their spaces as you cruise the shore. Other popular fishing areas are the inlet west of the boat ramp and the riprap that runs along the southwestern shore. Spring is the premier time to hunt for wiper in shallow water. Later in the season they can often be seen attacking schools of shad on the surface during low-light periods. As spring becomes summer, another attraction at Union is the catfishing. Be sure to observe regulations for lighting your kayak if you plan to fish after dark.

Union offers lots of interesting shoreline for a kayak angler to explore and, if you hit it right, the chance to put your drag to the test against a wiper or catfish. As with all Colorado waters, be aware that weather can change at any time and be prepared with sun protection, rain gear, and an extra layer.

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