Big Stratton Reservoir is a small impoundment in El Paso County on the southwestern edge of the Colorado Springs metro area, situated along Stratton Creek in the foothills terrain between the city and the lower slopes of Cheyenne Mountain. While the reservoir appears on maps and has attracted attention from anglers and paddlers over the years, visitors need to understand one critical detail before planning a trip: access is heavily restricted, and the surrounding land is private property.
No Trespassing signs are posted around the perimeter of Big Stratton Reservoir, and recent visitors confirm that fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and other water-based recreation are not permitted. Despite some online sources listing it as a potential paddleboarding or fishing destination, the reality on the ground is that public access to the water is not allowed. Some confusion exists because the broader Stratton Open Space area nearby does offer public trails and green space, but the reservoir itself sits on private property with enforced restrictions.
That said, the area around Big Stratton Reservoir is genuinely scenic. The reservoir occupies a small valley with views of the Pikes Peak massif and the surrounding foothill ridgelines. Visitors who have seen it from adjacent public trails or roads describe it as a beautiful spot with clear water and a quiet, undeveloped feel. Bass have historically been present in the reservoir, and at least one visitor has called it the best bass fishing in Colorado Springs, though that claim comes with the major caveat that legal access for angling is not currently available to the public.
If you are looking for open-water recreation in the Colorado Springs area, nearby alternatives include Quail Lake, Prospect Lake, and the Fountain Creek corridor. For trail access in the same general foothill zone, Stratton Open Space and North Cheyenne Canon Park offer well-maintained hiking routes within minutes of Big Stratton Reservoir. Before visiting any reservoir in the Colorado Springs Utilities watershed system, always verify current access rules, as conditions and permissions change over time.
Bottom line: Big Stratton Reservoir is a scenic piece of the El Paso County landscape, but it is not currently open for public recreation. Respect the No Trespassing signs and direct your outdoor plans to one of the many accessible lakes and reservoirs nearby.