Dixon Reservoir is a 39-acre urban oasis on the southwest edge of Fort Collins, nestled between the Pineridge and Maxwell Natural Areas in Larimer County. If you live along the Front Range and want a mellow morning on the water without driving into the mountains, Dixon is hard to beat. The reservoir sits in open shortgrass prairie with sweeping views of the foothills, and a two-mile loop trail circles the entire shoreline so you can fish, walk the dog, or simply watch red-tailed hawks hunt the prairie dog colonies that dot the surrounding grassland.
Fishing at Dixon Reservoir centers on warm-water species. Largemouth bass are the headline catch, with healthy populations of channel catfish, bluegill, and black crappie rounding out the fishery. The lake was last stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife with bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, and hybrid grass carp. Fishing picks up noticeably in May as water temperatures climb, and belly-boat anglers have long reported solid bass action along the vegetated shoreline. A valid Colorado fishing license is required, and anglers should note that weed growth has increased in recent years, making certain stretches challenging to fish from shore.
Kayaking and paddleboarding have become increasingly popular at Dixon. The reservoir features a well-designed boat launch with a guide ramp that makes getting a kayak in and out straightforward, even for beginners. Only non-motorized, hand-launched watercraft are allowed, so the water stays calm and quiet. Swimming is not permitted.
Beyond the water, the surrounding natural areas offer excellent birding. Great blue herons, cormorants, and a rotating cast of migrating waterfowl frequent the reservoir year-round, while the prairie dog towns attract coyotes, foxes, and raptors. The loop trail is flat and exposed with little shade, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for a walk or run. Summer afternoons can be hot and mosquito-heavy, so plan accordingly.
Dixon Reservoir gives Fort Collins residents a genuine outdoor escape minutes from town, with clean restrooms, ample parking, and enough variety to fill a full morning whether you come to paddle, fish, or simply wander the prairie.