Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water, stretching 22 miles through Gunnison County at 7,519 feet elevation. Part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service, this reservoir formed by damming the Gunnison River in 1965 offers over 96 miles of shoreline carved into secluded canyon arms. The drive along Highway 50 between Montrose and Gunnison provides continuous views of canyon walls, red rock formations, green hillsides, and deep blue water that visitors consistently describe as breathtaking.
Fishing at Blue Mesa Reservoir is the primary draw, and the numbers back it up. The reservoir holds the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the United States, stocked with millions of fish annually. Lake trout run large here, with anglers reporting consistent catches of 18-inch-plus fish. Fly fishing is popular in the rivers surrounding the reservoir, with black leech patterns and chironomids producing results. Shore fishing is available at multiple pulloffs along the highway, though boat anglers generally find more success. Bank fishing spots can be affected by fluctuating water levels, and blue-green algae blooms occasionally appear near shore during warm months, so checking current conditions before a trip is worth the effort.
Boating and water sports find plenty of room on Blue Mesa Reservoir. Elk Creek Marina provides boat rentals, and boat ramps are spaced every few miles along the reservoir. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, with rental shops available both at the marina and in nearby Gunnison near the Loves gas station. Water skiing and swimming are permitted, though water temperatures vary from bathtub-warm in shallow late-summer areas to freezing cold in deeper spots. The reservoir is large enough that even during peak months you can find stretches with minimal boat traffic, particularly in August.
Camping surrounds Blue Mesa Reservoir with both NPS-operated campgrounds and private sites. Elk Creek Campground is a popular base with access to the marina, Pappy's restaurant, and park offices. Cabins are also available for those who prefer a roof overhead. Horseback riding trails and quad trails branch out from the recreation area, and the Pine Creek Trail earns particular praise as an easy but scenic hike down to the water with stunning canyon views the entire way.
Water levels at Blue Mesa have been a recurring concern. Federal water releases to downstream reservoirs like Lake Powell have dropped levels significantly in recent years, sometimes 60 to 90 feet below capacity. Low water exposes muddy shorelines, reduces beach quality, and can limit boat ramp access. Despite these challenges, the reservoir remains fishable and navigable most seasons. There are no entry fees for the recreation area, which sets Blue Mesa apart from many Colorado reservoirs. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sits just west of the dam, making it easy to combine both destinations into a single trip through western Colorado.