Riverside Reservoir is a large irrigation reservoir located in rural Weld County on the eastern plains of Colorado, situated between the small communities of Orchard and Deerfield northeast of Greeley. While the reservoir itself is a striking body of water surrounded by open prairie, public access has been a persistent source of confusion for visitors. As of recent years, the property is privately controlled, and access is restricted with gates that may or may not be open depending on the season and ongoing operations.
Historically, Riverside Reservoir attracted anglers and wildlife watchers drawn to its remote setting and the diversity of species that call the surrounding grasslands and shoreline home. The reservoir and its adjacent wetlands support a wide range of wildlife including mule deer, pronghorn, raptors, shorebirds, and migrating waterfowl. Visitors who have accessed the area describe it as a genuine hidden gem for bird watching, with sightings that rival dedicated wildlife refuges along the South Platte corridor.
The reservoir is part of the irrigation infrastructure serving Weld County agriculture, and water levels fluctuate significantly based on irrigation demand and seasonal snowmelt from upstream sources. Dam maintenance and improvement work has been ongoing in recent years, which has further complicated public access. When accessible, the shoreline offers miles of open terrain for hiking and exploring, with the kind of wide-horizon solitude that has mostly disappeared from the more developed areas of the northern Front Range.
Fishing at Riverside Reservoir, when permitted, has included warm-water species typical of eastern Colorado plains reservoirs. The large surface area and relatively shallow profile create productive habitat for fish populations, though the restricted access means angling pressure remains extremely low compared to public fisheries in the region.
Anyone planning a visit to Riverside Reservoir should verify current access status before making the drive. The gates may be locked, and entering without permission constitutes trespassing on private property. There are no developed facilities at the reservoir including no restrooms, no boat ramps, and no designated parking areas. The nearest services are in the towns of Orchard, Wiggins, or Fort Morgan. For those who do find legal access, Riverside Reservoir rewards with sweeping views, abundant wildlife, and the kind of quiet that defines the best of Colorado's eastern plains.