What you'll find at Dixon Reservoir

Dixon Reservoir is a 1,500-acre impoundment on the Cache la Poudre River about 15 miles northwest of Fort Collins, managed by the City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Department. The water holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, perch, and catfish — a solid warm-water fishery that sits at roughly 5,400 feet elevation in the transition zone between the plains and the foothills. The reservoir fills a canyon setting with rocky banks and some structure, making it different from the flat-water reservoirs closer to town.

The lake runs about 3 miles long and narrows as you move upstream. Morning and evening are the most productive times, especially in spring and fall when water temperatures favor active feeding. Summer can be slow during midday heat, though night fishing for catfish and walleye picks up. Winter is possible but the lake can ice over by December depending on the year.

Key Takeaways

  • Dixon holds walleye and northern pike as primary targets, with perch and catfish as secondary options, and sits 15 miles northwest of Fort Collins in a foothill canyon setting.
  • A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license is required, and the lake is open year-round but may ice over in winter months.
  • The north shore has better public access and parking than the south shore, and the upper end of the reservoir near the dam offers more structure and deeper water.
  • Walleye respond to live shiners and jigs fished near the dam and deeper channels, especially at dawn and dusk, while pike hunt in shallower weed edges and rocky points.

Access and parking at Dixon

The north shore is your main public access point, with a developed parking area and boat launch maintained by the City of Fort Collins. The launch is a concrete ramp suitable for trailers, and parking is free. This area also has vault toilets and a picnic area. The south shore has limited informal access and is less developed, so most anglers use the north shore.

The upper end of the reservoir, near the dam, is accessible by foot along the shoreline from the north parking area. This section holds deeper water and more structure — rocky points, submerged timber, and channel ledges — making it worth the walk if you're fishing walleye or pike. The lower end (downstream) is shallower and more open, favoring perch and catfish in warmer months.

Walleye fishing techniques and timing

Walleye are the primary target for many anglers at Dixon. They respond best to live bait — shiners or small perch — fished on a jig head or slip sinker rig near structure. The deeper channels and rocky areas near the dam hold the most walleye, especially in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October). Early morning and the last hour before dark are peak times.

Jigging vertically over deeper water with a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live shiner is a standard approach. Work the jig slowly along the bottom, pausing to let it sit. In summer, walleye move deeper during the day, so focus on the dam area and the deepest channels. Night fishing with live bait under a light can be productive in July and August when daytime fishing slows.

Northern pike and bass in shallower water

Northern pike hunt in the shallower bays and along weed edges, especially in spring and early summer. Casting larger lures — spoons, crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range — works well. Pike are aggressive and will chase, so work the lure with a steady retrieve or erratic twitches. The rocky points and shallow flats on the north shore hold pike in the 18- to 28-inch range.

Largemouth bass are present but less abundant than pike. They favor the same shallow, weedy habitat and respond to similar lures. Early morning and late evening are best. Summer can be slow for both species as they move to deeper, cooler water, but spring and fall are reliable.

Perch and catfish in warmer months

Yellow perch are abundant at Dixon and provide consistent action, especially for anglers without a boat. Fish the shallower areas and the lower end of the reservoir with small jigs, spinners, or live minnows. Perch school heavily, so once you find one, you'll usually find more. They bite throughout the day in spring and fall, and at dawn and dusk in summer.

Channel catfish are present and grow to good size. Fish cut bait — chicken liver, shad, or skipjack — on the bottom in deeper holes, especially near the dam. Catfish are most active at night and in early morning. Summer and early fall are peak seasons. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader to a circle hook works well.

Seasons and water conditions

Spring (April through May) is excellent for walleye and pike as they move shallow to spawn. Water temperatures are cool, and fish are aggressive. Fall (September through October) is equally good — walleye and pike feed heavily before winter, and the weather is pleasant for anglers.

Summer (June through August) can be slow during midday but improves at dawn, dusk, and night. Water levels may drop as the City diverts water for irrigation, which can concentrate fish in deeper areas. Winter fishing is possible but the lake may ice over by December. Check current conditions with the City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation before planning a winter trip.

Regulations and licensing

A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses are sold online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores in Fort Collins, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license is available if you're visiting for a short trip.

Current regulations for Dixon include possession limits and size restrictions that vary by species. Walleye, pike, and bass have specific slot limits or minimum sizes — check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or the current fishing guide before you fish. Regulations change annually, so verify the current rules for the year you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Dixon Reservoir?

No. The north shore offers good bank access, and the upper end near the dam is walkable. Perch and catfish can be caught from shore. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but it's not required to have a productive day.

What's the best time of year to fish Dixon?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most reliable. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and weather is pleasant. Summer can be slow during midday but improves at dawn and dusk. Winter is possible but the lake may ice over.

Can I keep fish I catch at Dixon?

Yes, within the current possession and size limits set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Walleye, pike, bass, perch, and catfish are all legal to keep. Check the current regulations for specific slot limits and minimum sizes before you fish.

How far is Dixon from Fort Collins?

Dixon is about 15 miles northwest of Fort Collins. Drive north on US 287 toward Laramie, then follow signs to the reservoir. The drive takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point in town.

Is there a fee to fish or launch a boat at Dixon?

Parking and access are free. You pay only for your Colorado fishing license. The boat launch is free to use, though the City may charge a fee in the future — call the Parks and Recreation Department to confirm current conditions.