The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
John Martin Reservoir
Bent County, Colorado · 11,700 acres (18.2 sq mi)
54°F water, level rising, windy Friday (20 mph SE).
About John Martin Reservoir
John Martin Reservoir is a reservoir in Bent County, Colorado, covering 11,700 acres. It was made by John Martin Dam on the Arkansas. John Martin Reservoir is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado.
It stretches about 10.4 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 37 miles. Its surface is about 3,850 ft above sea level. It reaches about 60 ft at its deepest. The nearest town, Las Animas, is about 5.3 miles west.
- Size
- 11,700 acres (18.2 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 60 ft
- Shoreline
- About 37 miles
- End to end
- About 10.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,850 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- John Martin Dam, Arkansas
- County
- Bent County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Slow
- 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 25 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in John Martin Reservoir
Anglers come to John Martin Reservoir for walleye, catfish, crappie, white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and muskie. With the surface at 54°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- FairWhite bass
Schooled on deeper humps. A slow spoon works.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Rising 0.9 ft in 7 days.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:31 am · sunset 4:41 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near John Martin Reservoir
- Las Animasabout 5.3 mi west
- Lamarabout 17 mi east
- La Juntaabout 24 mi west
- Eadsabout 29 mi northeast
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Questions about John Martin Reservoir
What fish are in John Martin Reservoir?
John Martin Reservoir holds walleye, catfish, crappie, white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and muskie. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is John Martin Reservoir?
About 60 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is John Martin Reservoir?
11,700 acres, with about 37 miles of shoreline.
What town is near John Martin Reservoir?
Las Animas is about 5.3 miles west; Lamar is about 17 miles east.
What is the water temperature at John Martin Reservoir today?
The surface was about 54°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
John Martin Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
