Clear Creek Reservoir is a high-elevation fishing destination in Chaffee County, surrounded by mountain views roughly two and a half hours from the Front Range near Buena Vista. This compact reservoir draws anglers chasing rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, and the prized tiger muskie that lurk in its clear, snowmelt-fed waters. The setting feels remote and peaceful, with dispersed camping stretching for miles along County Road 390 and the reservoir itself offering docks, shore fishing access, and a boat ramp.
Fishing at Clear Creek Reservoir is the primary reason visitors make the drive. Rainbow trout are the most commonly caught species, with anglers regularly reaching their limits. Brook trout and brown trout round out the cold-water fishery, but the real draw is the tiger muskie population, with fish reported up to forty-eight inches. Fly fishing from shore is productive, and multiple docks provide elevated casting platforms around the reservoir. First-cast catches are not uncommon, though summer weekends from late June through August bring heavier pressure. The boat ramp provides motorized access but closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, so planning around that schedule is necessary for boaters.
Camping near Clear Creek Reservoir comes in two forms. The reservoir itself has first-come, first-served campsites with vault toilets but no electricity or showers. Dispersed camping along County Road 390 extends miles from the reservoir, with spots available near the creek that offer a more secluded experience. Dispersed sites have no facilities, no trash service, and no designated dump stations, so visitors must pack out all garbage. Mosquitoes are intense near creek-side dispersed sites, so insect repellent is essential. ATVs and dirt bikes are prohibited despite signs being frequently ignored by some visitors, and overnight generator noise remains a point of friction between campers.
Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking at Clear Creek Reservoir share the water with anglers, which creates occasional conflicts. Paddleboarders sometimes drift near fishing lines along the shore, so maintaining awareness and distance from anglers is important etiquette. The reservoir is small enough that a leisurely paddle covers the full surface area. Swimming is possible by jumping off the dock, though the snowmelt-fed water is bone-chillingly cold even in summer.
The landscape around Clear Creek Reservoir is largely open with very few trees, meaning shade is scarce and sun exposure is constant throughout the day. Wildlife sightings include bighorn sheep, beavers, and mountain lions with cubs, so visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, secure food properly, and take standard backcountry precautions. The road to the reservoir has potholes and drivers tend to speed, making careful driving important especially when children and pedestrians are near campsites.
Clear Creek Reservoir sits at high elevation where afternoon thunderstorms develop regularly during summer months, so planning water activities for morning hours reduces weather risk. The drive in follows a scenic route past historic sites along the road. A valid Colorado fishing license is required, and the area operates as a free-access public reservoir with no entry fees. Tubing on the stream below the reservoir adds another family-friendly activity, and bike-friendly roads make cycling an option for exploring the surrounding terrain. Visitors consistently describe Clear Creek Reservoir as a hidden gem worth the remote drive for its combination of productive fishing, dispersed camping freedom, and striking mountain scenery near Buena Vista.