Largemouth Bass fishing at John Martin Reservoir

In spring, largemouth bass run shallow here, mostly 2 to 10 ft. They move out to 8 to 20 ft in summer and finish the year down in 15 to 35 ft. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for spring largemouth bass. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Tie on a texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait and you're in the game.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at John Martin Reservoir

In spring, smallmouth bass run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 45 ft. The spot to know is Main-lake point, a point in about 15 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Summer baits: a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig gets it done.

Striped Bass fishing at John Martin Reservoir

Start shallow in spring: striped bass sit in 5 to 20 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 25 to 60 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 50 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 51 ft that scores prime in summer. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. A flutter spoon (deep) or a umbrella rig (trolled) covers the summer program.

White Bass fishing at John Martin Reservoir

Spring white bass on John Martin Reservoir hold shallow, usually 2 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 8 to 25 ft, and by winter most fish are in 15 to 40 ft. The spot to know is Main-lake point, a point in about 15 ft of water that rates prime for white bass in fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening.

White Bass & Hybrids fishing at John Martin Reservoir

Spring white bass & hybrids on John Martin Reservoir hold shallow, usually 3 to 15 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 40 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-lake point: a point around 15 ft that scores prime in fall. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. Tie on a jigging spoon or a topwater (when schooling) and you're in the game.

Common Carp fishing at John Martin Reservoir

In spring, common carp run shallow here, mostly 2 to 10 ft. They move out to 3 to 15 ft in summer and finish the year down in 10 to 30 ft. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for spring common carp. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening.

How deep is John Martin Reservoir?

John Martin Reservoir is about 60 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in John Martin Reservoir?

Anglers target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, white bass, saugeye, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, striped bass, white bass & hybrids, blue catfish, common carp on John Martin Reservoir.

Where is the best fishing spot on John Martin Reservoir?

Shallow bay flat is the top-rated area: a weed flat in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for largemouth bass in spring. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish John Martin Reservoir?

For largemouth bass, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.