John Martin Reservoir State Park

Sometimes called a sapphire on the plains, John Martin is a peaceful paradise in which people play, birds flock and wildlife roams. The park is close to historic land​marks, yet remote enough to attract year-round nature and recreation lovers to stay and explore.

Check out the John Martin Reservoir State Park Facebook page! Please post your biggest catch this season on the reservoir, or any other pictures of camping, fishing, boating, or just hanging out at the park this year.

One of our local boy scouts recently provided John Martin State Park with a brand new Geocaching program. Stop by the visitor center for information, coordinates and GPS units to try to find all 6 of the locations on the park.

The reservoir provides uncrowded boating, waterskiing, and spectacular conditions for a wide variety of wind water sports. The mild Southeastern Colorado weather provides plenty of great days throughout the year. Anglers​ from shore or boat catch walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, crappie, perch, and catfish.

Many consider the park a birdwatcher’s paradise with almost 400 species documented in Bent County. Majestic bald eagles roost here in winter. Threatened and endangered species like the piping plover and the least tern make the park their home for several months each year. For a full list, see the bird checklist​ (1.3MB).​ After the birds go to sleep, the stars entertain in a dramatic display of celestial light.​

John Martin Reservoir offers many types of warm-water fishing. Early and late spring are popular for crappie and saugeye fishing. Anglers from all over the country come to John Martin Reservoir early to mid-summer to fish for bass, wiper, and striper (shown at left). Late-night anglers will find channel catfish and walleye all summer long. Bluegill and drum are found throughout the seasons as well. Fall usually brings another run of crappie and wiper.

Lake Hasty, just below the dam, is stocked with trout, bluegill, bass, crappie, saugeye, and wiper.

Check the CPW fishing guidelines​ for more information.

North shore gates to the boat ramps and dam close November 1 through the last day of dark goose season for the annual waterfowl closure, per the lease and operating agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers. Fishing is not allowed inside this area.

For current fishing conditions​, check the John Martin Conditions​ page. For current water levels, see the USGS Water Level​ site.