Map of Cold Creek Reservoir

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History

Cold Creek Reservoir is a small, spring fed reservoir located in northern Newark Valley. It was constructed in 1943 for irrigation purposes and is located on BLM and private land. The public can access the entire reservoir.

Pertinent Information

The Cold Creek complex consists of a main spring head with an outflow stream feeding two lower ponds. The middle pond has been dry in recent years. The lowest pond is considered the actual Cold Creek Reservoir, covering 14 surface acres and having a maximum depth of 24 feet. Along with a wild, spawning population of rainbow trout, hatchery rainbows are stocked annually to augment the wild population. Largemouth bass and bowcutt trout (rainbow x cutthroat trout hybrid) have been reintroduced in recent years to help control the nuisance tui chub population. The most recent angler survey found an average catch rate of 3.67 fish per angler day and fish averaged about 9 inches. Cold Creek is best fished from mid-spring through summer if water levels are conducive. The normal baits, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms, are most productive fished of the bottom with a minimal amount of weight. The typical spinners (Mepps and Panther Martins) or a tied-fly on a bubble are popular with many anglers. Nymphs and green or brown wooly buggers are the choice for fly-fishing.

Stocking

Cold Creek Reservoir will receive 2,000, 9-inch rainbow trout in the spring as well as 1,500 bowcutt trout in the fall.

Regulations

Open year around, any hour of the day or night. The spring head and corresponding outflow stream are closed to fishing. Limits are 5 trout and 5 bass. Minimum size for bass is 10 inches.

Biologist Forecast for 2012

Cold Creek Reservoir never receives a great deal of fishing pressure due to its remote location. The lower pond is the only one that presently contains water. Largemouth bass will eventually increase in size as they continue to prey upon tui chub. If water conditions remain favorable, carryover rainbow trout and bowcutt trout should be common. Expect to catch tui chub while trout angling.

Boating Regulations

No special boating regulations.

Facilities

A primitive boat ramp is available on the main pond and primitive camping is available nearby. No other facilities are available.

Access

From Ely, drive 62 miles west on Highway 50 to the junction of State Route 892, then drive 34 miles north on State Route 892 to Cold Creek Reservoir.