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Sanchez Reservoir Costilla County Colorado
Sanchez Reservoir in Costilla County, CO. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Sanchez Reservoir SWA – San Luis

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In southern Colorado below San Luis, the Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area (SWA) is a protected area of Costilla County centered around the 1,462 acre Sanchez Reservoir. During the summer, the Sanchez Reservoir SWA is a popular spot for anglers, as public access is restricted to fishing-use only.

In 1912, an earthen dam was constructed to create the Sanchez Reservoir, which was designed to hold approximately 103,000 acre feet of water. Today, the reservoir rarely reaches full capacity due to frequent leaks in the dam on top of the area’s ongoing drought.

Sanchez Reservoir Dam Colorado
Sanchez Reservoir Dam. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Activities at Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area

To enter the Sanchez Reservoir SWA, as well as any of Colorado’s other protected State Wildlife Areas, a valid state hunting/fishing or public land use license is required for anyone over the age of 18.

Boating: Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted for fishing-use only on the Sanchez Reservoir. Onsite, there is a parking area with bathrooms and a boat ramp near the north end of the reservoir.

Sanchez Reservoir Colorado Boat Ramp
Sanchez Reservoir boat ramp. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Camping: For overnight fishing trips, dispersed camping available along Torcido Creek on the east side of the reservoir. There are no developed facilities onsite or fees associated with camping overnight, and there is plenty of room for RVs and trailers.

Fishing: The Sanchez Reservoir offers licensed Colorado anglers a chance to experience some of the best cool water lake fishing in the state. Although visitors are free to use live bait or flies, bow fishing is strictly prohibited.
Anglers may catch walleye, carp, channel catfish, northern pike, perch, white suckers, walleye and more in the Sanchez Reservoir. Before you make your catch of the day into dinner, it is strongly advised to stay up to date with the fish consumption advisory for the area that was developed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Hunting: Hunting is prohibited in the Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area.

Swimming: Swimming, waterskiing, and all other water contact activities are strictly prohibited in the Sanchez Reservoir.

Sanchez Reservoir Southern Colorado Aerial View
Aerial view of Sanchez Reservoir in Southern Colorado. Photo: Storm Crypt
Sanchez Reservoir Colorado Horses and Culebra Peak
Culebra Peak and horses on east side of Sanchez Reservoir. Photo: David Herrera
Sanchez Reservoir Colorado
Sanchez Reservoir. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Details

Address: Sanchez Reservoir SWA, County Rd 21, near County, Rd H, San Luis, CO 81152

Phone: 7190-587-6900

Season: Year round

Hours: 24/7

Fees: Public Land or CO Hunting/Fishing license required

Maps: Sanchez Reservoir SWA (PDF)

Website: cpw.state.co.us/swa/Sanchez%20Reservoir%20SWA

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