Van Pelt Reservoir

Van Pelt Reservoir is a reservoir in Montezuma County, Colorado.

Wind can change Van Pelt Reservoir quickly, so pick one manageable section and learn it before crossing open water.

Fish and Baits

At Van Pelt Reservoir, the fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.

At Van Pelt Reservoir, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.

How to Read the Water

While learning this local, open reservoir in Montezuma County, do not let the deepest number control the whole day; nearby cover, firm bottom, and food usually matter more than the deepest hole by itself.

Season by Season

Before changing spots on this local, open reservoir in Montezuma County, in spring, start with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace.

A Simple Tackle Plan

At Van Pelt Reservoir, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.

At Van Pelt Reservoir, record the wind, water color, productive depth, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.