Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water when filled and offers plenty of activities for a great vacation. Blue Mesa Reservoir is operated by the National Parks Service in Gunnison and is managed as the Curecanti National Recreation Area.  Blue Mesa sits at 7491 feet above sea level nestled in the Rocky Mountains 15 miles outside of Gunnison, Colorado. The reservoir is approximately 18 miles long with over 100 miles of shoreline. The lake has three basins that form downstream of the Gunnison River, Lola , Cebolla and the Lake Form Basin. The deepest area of the lake reach depths of 330ft which pushes up against the 467 foot tall Morrow Point hydro electric dam. Blue Mesa Reservoir flows from the dam to create Morrow Point Reservoir, which then pushes to the Crystal reservoir dam, creating the Crystal dam.

All three bodies of water are known as the largest kokanee salmon fishery in Colorado.  Blue Mesa and other area reservoirs are excellent environments for these fish because of the large plankton population that reside and grow here. Other fish species that can be found in Blue Mesa Reservoir are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, lake trout and yellow perch. These fish are spread throughout the lake and guided fishing trips are available to chase these species or bring your own boat and try your luck.

There are four boat ramps on Blue Mesa, Lake Fork Marina, Elk Creek Marina, Steven's Creek or Lola boat ramp. Information will be supplied at each boat ramp to have your boat inspected for any possibility of transporting invasive Mussel Species so be sure to get there early and have your motor and live wells dry. There are two Marinas on Blue Mesa Reservoir that offer boat rentals, food, fishing licenses tackle and information about what's biting. Both are open during the peak season and close October 15th.

Information provided by Casy Gdowski