Vallecito Lake
Vallecito Lake is a hidden gem located only 18 miles outside Durango, Colorado. Embedded in the southwest portion of the Weminuche Wilderness Area; the lake provides an abundance amount of outdoor activities for young and old to enjoy.
Take a solo journey or bring your family and friends to experience everything the lake has to offer.
Things to Know About Vallecito Lake
About Vallecito Lake
Vallecito Resivor recreations is ran by Pine River Irrigation District. A daily parking and boat permit is required to enjoy recreation use surrounding the lake. These fees go towards maintaining our beautiful landscape along with maintenance on the dam. For more information please call (970) 884-2558.
This price varies from year to year and can be purchased at multiple locations, including VCSA Marnia, Rocky Mountain General Store, Pine River Irrigation office, and various lodging locations.
Fishing
If you are trying to find a place where you can catch a large variety of fish, Vallecito Lake is the place for you! Providing the opportunity to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and kokanee salmon.
Northern Pike
Large northerners are abundant throughout the lake. Typically hanging out in the shallows, utilizing rainbow trout lures have been productive in our guide service. We usually catch most of our northern pike in late spring (late May-early June) and the fall (month of October). Although we still catch pike throughout the year.
In the 2019 season, we had two separate clients catch a northern that was just shy of the state record. This puts into perspective how big these fish can get, and the potential this lake holds.
For more in-depth information about what to use when fishing for Northern click here.
If you want a more in-depth guide on where to fish for norther pike at Vallecito Lake click here
Walleye
There are massive walleye in Vallecito Lake and commonly found around the islands on the east side of the lake. Tactics we use to catch these fish are utilizing bottom bouncers and vertical jigging.
Fishing during a full moon is a great way to catch large numbers of these fish. Walleye will hunt during the night at this time and will travel in schools. This is a three day time period; one day before the full moon, day of the full moon, and the day after the full moon.
For more in-depth information about what to use when fishing for Walleye click here.
If you want a more in-depth guide on where to fish for Walleye at Vallecito lake click here.
Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout
Brown trout and rainbow trout can be caught all year round. During mid-June to July, water temperatures will rise, forcing these fish to migrate to deeper waters. When this happens, we like to utilize lead core line when targeting these fish. The most typical lures we use are spoons and 3-6 inch Rappalas.
Similar to walleye, brown trout are night predators. Large amounts of brown trout can be caught during the three day full moon period.
If you want a more in-depth guide on where to fish for trout on Vallecito Lake click here.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth fishing is fantastic during hot summer conditions (late June-July). Some days with clients, we have the potential to land 40-60 fish to the boat. These fish will hide under structure throughout the lake.
Their primary diet consists of crayfish, and it is a good idea to use crayfish imitators. We also like to use sinkos, with just a bare hook and wacky rig them in the middle.
If you want a more in-depth guide on where to fish for smallmouth at Vallecito Lake click here.
Kokanee Salmon
Fishing for kokanee has been tough for the past few years. In 2015 many of these fish escaped through the spillway. The reservoirs' flood gates were opened, due to the water levels being too high.
Although these fish have been hard to catch, we still have been able to land a few. Our most productive way of catching these fish is by using cowbells or smaller spoons.
Food Options
Surrounding Vallecito Lake, there are a variety of food options ranging from grocery stores to restaurants, that will fulfill your hunger needs.
Where can I get food at Vallecito Lake?
VALLECITO LAKE COUNTRY MARKET & MEXICAN FOOD
"The Country Market," as locals call it, is the one-stop-shop for liquor, groceries, gas, propane, Mexican food, and homemade fudge.
Home to La Comida Ranchera Mexican food restaurant has an extensive menu where if you ate there for six months straight, you could eat three completely different meals each day. From homemade green chili to chimichangas, they have everything you could wish for in Mexican cuisine. Their restaurant serves breakfast lunch and dinner six days a week, serving Thursday through Tuesday.
Once you have finished your meal and have bought your groceries, stop by Vallecito Liquors in the same building and purchase some locally brewed beer or your favorite bottle of wine. Vallecito Liquors has a wide selection of beer, liquor, and wine to supply your lake activities.
Are you looking for a fine dining experience with a lakeside view? Then the Fur Trappers Steakhouse is for you!
Fur Trappers Steakhouse offers quality exotic meats, freshwater fish and seafood, and has the largest salad bar in the region. Some of their menu items include duck, quail, prime Angus beef, roasted bison, and more.
The Weminuche Woodfire Grill
The Weminuche Woodfire Grill, is one of the newest restaurant additions to Vallecito Lake. Have the opportunity to play some pool, watch your favorite sports game, listen to amazing live music, and having a fantastic meal at the same time! Their menu has something just for you and enjoy a nice cocktail, while you take in the beautiful mountain views.
Rocky Mountain general Store
Rocky Mountain General Store offers a variety of groceries, including fishing tackle, food, toiletries, beverages, household supplies, and much more. They also provide some of the best in-house crafted meats in the south west region. These meats include delicious brats, elk sausage, steaks, summer sausages, beef, pork, and the list goes on.
You'll also find a liquor store in the same building that carries a large selection of wines, spirits, and beers. They stock locally produced brands such as Ska beers, Honeyville Whiskey, and Sutcliffe Vineyards wines.
PuraVida is a restaurant that overlooks the marina with a fantastic lake view. Their menu consists of Costa Rica based cuisine with a variety of other options. Some examples of their menu items are fish & chips, chicken marsala, flame-broiled tequila shrimp, a variety of burgers, and much more.
While you wait for your food, order a specialty cocktail, and enjoy the view!
Camping (Free & Paid)
If you are looking to camp, you won't have a hard time finding a place to pitch a tent or hook up an RV. There is a large variety of U.S Forest Service campgrounds and free camping locations located in public national forest access points.
Free camping
Are you looking for a place to camp where you don't have to pay? Head north on county road 501 till you reach Middle Mountain Rd. You will see Altitude ATV & Side-by-Side Rentals when you have made it to the turn.
From there head up the dirt road for a few miles, and it will turn into a forest service road. Bam, you've made it into National Forest! You can stay up to two weeks in the same location for free.
The forest service road goes 12 miles back, providing plenty of locations for you to pitch a tent or to set up a small camper.
U.S Forest Campgrounds (Paid)
U.S Forest Campgrounds have a daily fee for each night stayed. (Information below about the U.S forest campgrounds, has been taken directly from the "Southwestern Colorado Public Lands Campground Guide")
Pine Point Campground is 1/2 mile north of North Canyon Campground on
the east side of the reservoir on Forest Rd. 603 midway up the lakeshore. It has views of high peaks to the northwest.
Its 30 shady sites include several pull-thru and larger sites for trailers and RVs.
(15 SITES FOR RESERVATION)
Four miles beyond Middle Mountain Campground, at the end of Forest Rd. 602, is the Pine River Campground, at the Pine River Trailhead. This primitive campground has a parking area with hitching posts and a turn-around parking area for trailers.
Pack stock may be unloaded, but you cannot camp with your pack stock in the campground. Campsites accommodate only tents or small RVs. There is no potable water. All 6 campsites have views up the Pine River Valley.
(15 SITES FOR RESERVATION)
Traveling along the western side of the reservoir on County Rd. 501, you pass through the community of Vallecito. Turn north on County Rd. 500 and go about 3 miles.
The campground is large and very popular. Its 80 campsites in four loops are shaded, and most sites are large and fairly level (16 sites have electrical hookups). Those near the creek fill up quickly. Fishing in Vallecito Creek inside the Wilderness is restricted to artificial flies and lures. Seven fee picnic sites are along the creek.
Parking for the Vallecito Creek Trail, a major access point for the Weminuche Wilderness (no mountain bikes or motorized vehicles allowed), is at the entrance.
(33 SITES FOR RESERVATION)
Following County Road 501 around the north end of the lake, then south for about three miles, will take you to Middle Mountain Campground, which has 24 sites with southern exposure and walking access to the water. Ponderosa pines and small aspen provide some shade. A few sites accommodate large RVs.
North Canyon Campground is another 1/2 mile north on the east side of the reservoir on Forest Rd. 603. Among the 21 sites are several suitable for larger RVs. North Canyon Trail across the road offers scenic vistas of the reservoir.
East Creek Trail is 1/4 mile up Forest Rd. 852, northeast of the campground. Both trails are popular with horseback riders. Horses are not allowed in the campground.
(12 SITES FOR RESERVATION)
Lodging (Cabins & RV Hookups)
There are plenty of lodging locations surrounding the lake. Choose from private RV sites to private cabins.
Cabins
(There are more cabin locations than the ones listed, these are just a few suggestions )
Pine River Lodge is one of the largest cabin sites at Vallecito. Their vacation rentals come completely furnished and stocked kitchens (besides the food).
Amenities include an indoor heated pool, a playground, and picnic tables for when you're not on the water.
Croll Cabins lakeshore ranging from 2-4 bedroom cabins with a full kitchen set up. Have the opportunity to fish directly outside your cabin on their grassy lawn.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, picnic areas, and a TV. Grocery, laundry, and horse rentals are nearby.
Lone Wolf Cabins have comfortable, large 1-3 bedroom cabins in a wooded atmosphere.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, Dish TV, BBQ grills, and a wood-burning stove. Pets are allowed at this establishment.
Each cabin at Vallecito Lodging has a lake view. Their cabins come completely furnished with fully stocked kitchens (besides the food).
Amenities include Wi-Fi, DVDs, BBQs, and a deck.
RV Parks
Blue Soruce RV Park has 100 RV sites, cabin rentals, laundry, and gas.
Five Branches is the only RV park located directly on the lake. They supply full hookups, tent sites, and cabins on the water. Enjoy being right on the lake and bordered to wilderness hiking areas.
Vallecito Resort is the first RV park located just below the dam. They supply full-service RV hookups and facilities to host parties or family reunions.
As you can see, Vallecito has something for everyone! Take your next vacation at Vallecito Lake to enjoy its hidden wonder! We hope these tips guide you for your visit.