Ruedi Reservoir, Colorado

Ruedi Reservoir is a mid-sized lake located in the beautiful Fryingpan River Valley off State Highway 82, 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado. The reservoir offers a scenic area for some outstanding water and land based recreation activities. One can boat, fish, or swim at this easily accessible reservoir.

Located at a relatively high elevation, extreme cold temperatures keep the reservoir closed during the winter months. Be prepared for Mother Nature while visiting this spot, even in the peak of the summer months. Temperatures can vary 40 degrees in the course of the day. The arid, desert-like climate is hot during the day, but cool during the evening.

Flowing into the reservoir is the Fryingpan River, an excellent place for catch and release fishing. Well known to fly fisherman, you can attempt hooking into some beautiful trout – some as large as 10 pounds.

The scenic area surrounding Ruedi Reservoir is also notorious for its extensive trail system for mountain bikers. Bicyclists can travel into the White River National Forest to access the Rocky Fork Trail to Smuggler Valley Loop, which runs all the way to Aspen, Colorado.

Recreation facilities include four campgrounds accommodating 81 campsites and two boat-launching ramps. Ruedi Reservoir includes 997 acres of water for recreation. Game fish species include rainbow trout, brown trout and mackinaw trout. The reservoir is open for recreation opportunities when the ice and snow have retreated from the reservoir area. Facilities are closed in total during the winter months.