John Martin Reservoir is a plains lake with its own rules

East of Otero County, the Arkansas River widens into John Martin Reservoir, one of the larger bodies of water on Colorado’s eastern plains. It draws people from across the lower valley for fishing, boating, camping, and birdwatching.

A couple of things are worth knowing before you go. First, the lake itself is a federal reservoir, built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and water storage, while the recreation area is a Colorado state park. That means the water level can rise and fall a lot with the season and with how much water the river is carrying. A boat ramp that is fine one month can sit above the waterline another.

Second, the state park is not free to drive into and not the same as fishing without a license. Entering the park needs a park pass, and fishing needs a current Colorado fishing license. The mix of fish here is a warm-water plains mix, different from a mountain trout stream, and the rules can differ from water to water.

Management of the wildlife lands around the reservoir has shifted between agencies in recent years, so it is worth confirming who runs which piece before you hunt or camp there.

Check current passes, licenses, water levels, and access on the state wildlife agency’s John Martin Reservoir State Park page.