Ruedi Reservoir
Ruedi Reservoir sits at roughly 7,766 ft elevation in the Fryingpan River valley above Basalt (~1 hr 45 min east of Grand Junction via I-70 E and Basalt). Impounded by Ruedi Dam (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) with campgrounds and boat ramps managed in partnership with the White River National Forest, Ruedi is a cold, deep mountain reservoir known for lake trout (mackinaw), rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch.
Conditions, Ramps & Official Sources
- Live Outflow Gage (Fryingpan River near Ruedi): USGS 09080400 (also live on VCO Western Slope Gages).
- Reservoir Storage & Elevation: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Upper Colorado Region.
- Recreation, Ramps & ANS Inspections: USFS White River National Forest (Sopris Ranger District) and CPW Mandatory Boat Inspections (Ruedi Boat Ramp at the dam / Freeman Mesa).
- Fishing Regulations: Verify current lake trout, trout, and tailwater rules in the Colorado Fishing Regulations Brochure before you launch.
Seasonal Approach & Access Selector
Shore & Coves: Work rocky points near the dam, Dearhamer Campground, and Freeman Mesa with spoons, inline spinners, or tube jigs. Afternoon valley winds funnel west-to-east down the canyon; pack windproof layers.
Recommended VCO Gear for Ruedi
- 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 (Size 1.0 PE braid). No ship date yet. Full refund any time before it ships.
- Viral Cast Ice Rod — $164.99 pre-order (28" light for perch/trout or 32" medium-light for deeper lake trout jigging). 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 Ruedi in the VCO Trip Builder →
Questions? Call 970-426-1678 or email support@viralcastoutfitters.com.