Southwest Colorado Water Recreation

Prior to fishing at these lakes, make sure that you have the appropriate licenses and are familiar with the governing agency's fishing regulations for that particular lake.

Located 12 miles downstream of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir is the second of three reservoirs along the Gunnison River. Completed in 1968, Morrow Point Dam was the first thin-arch, double curvature concrete dam built in the United States. The powerplant at Morrow Point was the first powerplant constructed underground by the Bureau of Reclamation and is one of only a few in the United States. Morrow Point reservoir lies within the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

Curecanti National Recreation Area
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
(970) 641-2337
➠ www.nps.gov/cure
➠ Directions (Google Map)

Activities

Boat tours by the National Park Service, hand carried kayaks, fishing, camping, and hiking.

Facilities

No facilities are available along Morrow Reservoir due to the steep canyon. Primitive camping along the shores in several areas is available for those kayaking or canoeing the reservoir. Nearest camping facilities with facilities is at Cimarron (the west end of the reservoir) or Blue Mesa Reservoir (east).

Cimarron Campground
Ranger station, 21 campsites with flush and vault toilets, RV dump station, and water. Sites are first come, first serve. No reservations taken. Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground.
➠ www.nps.gov/cure

Lake Fork Marina (970) 641-3048
The marina offers in and out boat launching, a store and tackle shop, gasoline, boat rentals, boat slips and guided fishing. There is a campground with paved camping spots perfect for RV's and trailers.
➠ www.nps.gov/cure
➠ www.thebluemesa.com

Fees

Fishing license is required from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Fishing

Kokanee salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, brookies, and a few kinds of cutthroats.

Fishing License

Colorado Parks and Wildlife
(800) 244-5613
➠ cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx

Water Recreation

Water recreation is very limited due to lack of river access for boats. Boats must be hand-carried down 232 steps into the canyon at Pine Creek Trail. The National Park Service does offer boat tours of Morrow Point Reservoir. Reservations are required and walk-ons will not be permitted on any tour. Please call (970) 641-2337, ext. 205 or stop by the Elk Creek Visitor Center at Blue Mesa Reservoir to make reservations.