Fruita Reservoir Number 3 is a small, secluded mountain reservoir perched on Pinion Mesa near Glade Park in Mesa County, Colorado. Owned by the City of Fruita and built in 1932, this earth-dam reservoir holds roughly 46 acre-feet of water and sits surrounded by national forest land at an elevation well above the Grand Valley floor. If you are looking for a quiet fishing spot away from the crowds that flock to Grand Mesa, Fruita Reservoir Number 3 rewards the drive with solitude, clean mountain air, and dependable trout fishing.
Rainbow trout are the primary catch here, and the reservoir is stocked to keep angling productive through the warmer months. The fishing is straightforward: bring spinners, small jigs, or PowerBait and work the shoreline. There is no boat ramp, so fishing is done from the bank or with small hand-carried watercraft. The reservoir's compact size means you can cover the entire shoreline in a single session, making it a great spot to explore different casting angles without needing a boat.
Access requires a short drive south from the Glade Park store on South 16 1/2 Road, past the Fruita Picnic Area. The entrance to Reservoir Number 3 is gated, so visitors should plan on walking in from the parking area to reach the water. The dirt road is passable for most vehicles in dry conditions, though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended after rain or early in the season when snowmelt softens the road.
Dispersed camping is available on the surrounding U.S. Forest Service land, and visitors consistently describe the area as beautiful and peaceful. Reviewers highlight the combination of fishing and camping as the main draw, with one calling it a "peaceful place" that delivers a genuine backcountry feel without requiring a long hike. There are no developed amenities at the reservoir itself, so pack in everything you need and plan to pack it out. The Pinion Mesa area also offers hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking on nearby forest trails, making Fruita Reservoir Number 3 a solid base for a multi-activity weekend in western Colorado's high country.