The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
McPhee Reservoir
Montezuma County, Colorado · 4,470 acres (7 sq mi)
51°F water, windy Friday (15 mph S).
About McPhee Reservoir
McPhee Reservoir spreads over 4,470 acres in Montezuma County, Colorado. McPhee Dam holds it back on the Dolores. McPhee Reservoir is the largest reservoir in the San Juan National Forest, formed by a dam on the Dolores River.
From end to end it runs about 8 miles with roughly 34 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 6,870 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 270 ft. Cortez lies about 8.8 miles to the south.
- Size
- 4,470 acres (7 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 270 ft
- Shoreline
- About 34 miles
- End to end
- About 8 miles
- Elevation
- About 6,870 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- McPhee Dam, Dolores
- County
- Montezuma County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Slow
- 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in McPhee Reservoir
Anglers come to McPhee Reservoir for walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, trout, crappie, northern pike, yellow perch and kokanee salmon. With the surface at 51°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:52 am · sunset 5:04 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near McPhee Reservoir
- Cortezabout 8.8 mi south
- Mancosabout 15 mi southeast
- Towaocabout 21 mi southwest
- Dove Creekabout 22 mi northwest
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about McPhee Reservoir
What fish are in McPhee Reservoir?
McPhee Reservoir holds walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, trout, crappie, northern pike, yellow perch and kokanee salmon. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is McPhee Reservoir?
About 270 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is McPhee Reservoir?
4,470 acres, with about 34 miles of shoreline.
What town is near McPhee Reservoir?
Cortez is about 8.8 miles south; Mancos is about 15 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at McPhee Reservoir today?
The surface was about 51°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
McPhee Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
