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
Navajo Reservoir
Archuleta County, Colorado · 15,600 acres (24.4 sq mi)
51°F water, calm this morning.
About Navajo Reservoir
In Archuleta County, Colorado, Navajo Reservoir covers 15,600 acres; it is a reservoir. Navajo Dam holds it back on the San Juan. Navajo Reservoir straddles the Colorado-New Mexico border and was formed by a dam on the San Juan River.
From end to end it runs about 17.1 miles with roughly 112 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 6,020 ft above sea level. Bayfield lies about 16 miles to the north.
- Size
- 15,600 acres (24.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 112 miles
- End to end
- About 17.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 6,020 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Navajo Dam, San Juan
- County
- Archuleta County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:30 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 Navajo Reservoir
Anglers come to Navajo Reservoir for northern pike, bluegill and sunfish, catfish, crappie, smallmouth bass, kokanee salmon and trout. At 51°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- 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
- 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 6:46 am · sunset 5:01 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Navajo Reservoir
- Bayfieldabout 16 mi north
- Navajoabout 17 mi east
- Dulceabout 21 mi east
- Aztecabout 21 mi west
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Navajo Reservoir
What fish are in Navajo Reservoir?
Navajo Reservoir holds northern pike, bluegill and sunfish, catfish, crappie, smallmouth bass, kokanee salmon and trout. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Navajo Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Navajo Reservoir?
15,600 acres, with about 112 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Navajo Reservoir?
Bayfield is about 16 miles north; Navajo is about 17 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Navajo Reservoir today?
The surface was about 51°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Navajo Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
