Columbia Reservoir is a peaceful mountain fishing spot tucked just off the road in Park County, near the historic mining town of Alma. Sitting at roughly 10,800 feet in the upper South Platte drainage, this small reservoir delivers big results for anglers willing to make the short drive from Highway 9. Visitors consistently describe it as a quiet place to relax and take in the surrounding mountain scenery.
Fishing is the main draw at Columbia Reservoir, and the water holds a healthy population of brook trout along with some impressive rainbow trout. Anglers have reported catching rainbows up to 26 inches here, and brook trout are visible in large numbers from the shoreline. The reservoir's compact size makes it ideal for bank fishing, and you can walk the entire perimeter in under an hour. Fly fishing works well along the inlet and near submerged structure, while spin casting with small spoons and PowerBait produces consistent results from the dam face and deeper sections.
Beyond fishing, the area around Columbia Reservoir offers solid hiking and picnicking opportunities. The surrounding terrain features open meadows backed by forested slopes, and the views of the Mosquito Range to the west are impressive year-round. Bring a chair and a picnic lunch, and you can easily spend a full afternoon here without seeing more than a handful of other visitors.
Columbia Reservoir is accessible by a maintained dirt road that branches off the main highway near Alma. Most passenger vehicles can handle the road in summer and early fall, though high clearance is recommended after rain. The reservoir sits on public land, and no special permits are required beyond a valid Colorado fishing license.
Ice fishing draws a smaller but dedicated crowd during winter months when the reservoir freezes solid, typically from December through March. The brook trout remain active under the ice, and the short walk from the road makes this one of the more convenient high-altitude ice fishing spots in Park County. Summer visitors should plan for early starts, as afternoon weather can roll in quickly at this elevation. The area sits below treeline, so lightning risk is lower than at nearby alpine lakes, but caution is still warranted during thunderstorm season.