Lake Conditions!!

Like most lakes in Colorado, the Great Plains Reservoirs water levels are lower than normal.  However, each of the lakes does have at least one of it's boat ramps that is fully functional and the lakes are open for recreational use!
Fishing conditions are excellent! 

The Great Plains Reservoirs, located just south of Eads, Colorado, offers Kiowa County visitors some of the best fishing opportunities to be found anywhere in Colorado. The natural setting of the reservoirs and the mild climate make fish abundant in all of the reservoirs.

The most common species of fish found in Kiowa County's Great Plains Reservoirs include wiper, saugeye, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, bullhead, drum, and carp. Fish weighing in excess of five pounds are common.  Fish species are similar in all Kiowa County lakes and reservoirs.

Public access to all six reservoirs is available with the exception of Neesopah Reservoir, which is currently surrounded by private land. There is one partially developed campground, Cottonwood Park (719-438-5544), located on the north side of Neegronda Reservoir. Cottonwood Park has a limited number of electrical hookups, showers, and restroom facilities. Public toilet facilities are available at Adobe, Neenoshe, and Neeskah Reservoirs as well. Dry camping is available at all the reservoirs.

There are currently no marinas available at the reservoirs, so fuel for boats must be hauled to the reservoir areas by the boater. Cottonwood Park has a small general store open at varying hours during the summer months, and other supplies may be purchased in the town of Eads, located just north of the reservoir area.
 

Fishing Licenses are required in the
State of Colorado!

The following information has been provided by the
Colorado Division Of Wildlife.  For more detailed information 
call the Colorado Division Of Wildlife 
at 719-473-2945.

Fish species are similar in all Kiowa County Lakes!

• Wiper-White/Striper cross - 3 to 5 pound are common with over 20 pounds possible.  Heavy tackle recommended (10 pound line and up).  These are very strong, HARD FIGHTING fish.  Suggested bait is shad minnow crank bait, such as Rat-L-Trap, plastic jigs, spinner/jig combinations, and live bait such as minnows, crawfish, and night crawlers.  Best fishing - June and July  (May - October)

• Walleye, Saugeye and Walleye/Saugeye cross - 
  2 to 4 pound fish are common with up to 10 pounds possible.  Moderate tackle recommended (8 pound line minimum).  Suggested bait is bottom bouncing rigs, jigs tipped with night crawler or minnow, spinner/jig combinations, and plugs such as Rapala and Hot-N-Tots.  Best Fishing is April - June.  Spawning temperature is 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
   

• Channel Cat Fish - 2 to 5 pound fish are common with up to 10 pounds possible.  Heavy tackle with lead weights for bottom fishing is suggested.  Suggested bait is night crawlers, crayfish, minnows, shrimp, stink baits, and carp meat.  Best fishing is May - October.  Spawning temperature is 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
   

• Crappie - 12 to 16 inch fish are common.  Lighter tackle (4 to 6 pound lines) is suggested.  Suggested bait is artificial plastic or feather jigs, 1/64 to 1/8 oz in white, yellow, red or chartreuse, live minnows, fished with bobber or jigged vertically in and around brush.  Best fishing April - June.
   

• Largemouth Bass - 2 to 4 pound fish are common.  Medium to heavy tackle (8 pound test line and up) is suggested.  Suggested bait is spinner baits, crank baits, and jigs.  For best results fish in, and around submerged logs and brush.  Best fishing  April - June; and September - October.
   

 Other fish species in Kiowa County lakes include drum, carp, bullhead, yellow perch, and gizzard shad.

In previous years the Division of Wildlife has allowed trot-lines and jug fishing on Kiowa County lakes.  Check current fishing brochure for up to date regulations.

Live minnows and worms are available at By Golly Liquors 
in Eads, Colorado.

Click on " Today's Weather " for the local weather conditions in and around Eads (Kiowa County) Colorado, or type in 81036 in the zip code box.  Use your browser "Back" button to return to this site.