Lake Nighthorse

Lake Nighthorse sits at roughly 6,520 ft elevation just southwest of Durango (~3 hr 30 min south of Grand Junction via US-550). Impounded by Ridges Basin Dam (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) with recreation managed by the City of Durango Parks and Recreation, Nighthorse is a clear southwest Colorado reservoir holding rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.

Access, ANS Inspections & Official Sources

• Recreation Hours, Entrance Fees & Ramp Schedule: City of Durango — Lake Nighthorse (recreation season typically runs spring through mid-November; winter closures apply).
• Mandatory ANS Boat Inspection: Every motorized and hand-launched watercraft must pass inspection at the entrance ramp. See CPW Mandatory Boat Inspections.
• Nearby Live River Gage (Animas River at Durango): USGS 09361500 (live on VCO Western Slope Gages).
• CPW Fishing Regulations: Verify current trout and kokanee bag/possession rules in the Colorado Fishing Regulations Brochure.

Recommended VCO Gear for Lake Nighthorse

• VCO Light Spinning Reel (1000) — $50.99 pre-order (5+1 double-sealed bearings, 140 g, 4 kg max drag). No ship date yet. Full refund any time before it ships.
• VCO 8-Strand Braided Line, 15 lb, 300 m — $16.99 pre-order (pair with a fluorocarbon leader in Nighthorse's high-clarity water). No ship date yet. Full refund any time before it ships.
• VCO 7" Fillet Knife, Logo Engraved — $42.99 pre-order (Tanoak wood handle, leatherette sheath, not full leather). No ship date yet. Full refund any time before it ships.
• Open Lake Nighthorse in the VCO Trip Builder →

Questions? Call 970-426-1678 or email support@viralcastoutfitters.com.