Eastern Plains Reservoirs: Planning a Day at John Martin or Jackson Lake
"The Eastern Plains" covers a lot of country and a lot of reservoirs. The first step is to pick one named lake. Each has its own rules, its own water level story, and its own drive. This guide looks at two that CPW highlights, John Martin Reservoir and Jackson Lake, and the planning habits that apply to any plains water.
John Martin Reservoir State Park
CPW calls John Martin a sapphire on the plains. It is in the Lower Arkansas River Valley in Bent County, west of Lamar off US 50. CPW says anglers can expect good to excellent fishing for white bass, wipers, crappie, saugeye and walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.
When we checked CPW's park page on October 4, 2026, it listed several notices: the West Boat Ramp closed to trailered boats because of low water, a toxic algae risk at the West Boat Ramp cove, and some campsites closed after an electrical failure. CPW said small boats could launch from the East Boat Ramp, a low-water ramp, but large boats should not try. Check the page before you go.
Jackson Lake State Park
Jackson Lake is in Morgan County, north of I-76 near Wiggins. CPW says it arguably offers the best current warmwater fishing on Colorado's northeastern plains for walleye, saugeye, and wiper. CPW also notes it was the first Colorado state park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association.
On October 4, 2026, CPW's park page said the Jackson Lake boat ramp is closed for the 2026 season, with hand-launched canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards still allowed.
Before you leave the Western Slope
A trip to the plains reservoirs from Grand Junction means mountain passes and long stretches between towns. Check road conditions and closures on COtrip.org, the Colorado Department of Transportation's traveler site, the night before and again in the morning. Fill up before the long gaps, carry water, food, and a warm layer in the vehicle, and leave your route and return time with someone at home. If the weather turns on the drive, it is fine to change plans and fish closer to home.
Safety
- Wind. Open plains reservoirs can whip up quickly. Small craft should stay near shore and head in early.
- Heat and sun. Shade is scarce. Bring more water than you think.
- Long drives, few services. Fuel up, pack food, and know where the nearest town is.
- Algae. If CPW posts a toxic algae warning, keep people and dogs out of the water in that area.
- Life jackets. Required for each person on board, and kids 12 and under must wear one.
What to pack
- Extra water, food, and fuel for a long drive.
- a hat and shade and a wind layer.
- A life jacket for each person if you hand launch.
- A plan B lake, in case your first choice has a new closure.
Verify regs
CPW lists special regulations for both lakes. Read them on the CPW John Martin page, the CPW Jackson Lake page, and in the current CPW Colorado Fishing Brochure. Check the park pages for John Martin and Jackson Lake for closures, and CPW Boat Inspections before you launch. We do not print limits.
Shop related
For the long drive, our VCO Tumbler is in our merch shop.
Plan with Trip Builder
Pick one lake in Trip Builder and keep a backup. Our Lake Pueblo guide covers another big warmwater option on the way.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in John Martin Reservoir?
CPW says anglers can expect good to excellent fishing for white bass, wipers, crappie, saugeye and walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.
Is the Jackson Lake boat ramp open?
When we checked on October 4, 2026, CPW said the Jackson Lake boat ramp was closed for the 2026 season, with hand-launched craft still allowed. Check the park page for updates.