Lake Information for Blue Mesa Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir (elevation 7,519 ft (2,292 m)) is Colorado's largest body of water. Created by Blue Mesa Dam, Blue Mesa Reservoir is 36 mi (58 km) long, has 96 mi (154 km) of shoreline, and is the largest lake trout and Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States. Blue Mesa Dam was completed in 1965, becoming the first large dam built along the Gunnison River.

U.S. 50 travels along the banks of the lake, and crosses it on the Lake Fork Arm and at Middle Bridge.

Blue Mesa Reservoir, located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, is Colorado's largest body of water. The reservoir is located in Western Colorado between Montrose and Gunnison at an elevation of 7,519'. Formed by damming the Gunnison River, Blue Mesa Lake is one of the three reservoirs formed from the Gunnison River. Also located in Curecanti National Recreation Area, the other two reservoirs are Crystal Reservoir and Morrow Point Reservoir. The area is filled with beautiful mesas, deep narrow canyons, and fjord like lakes. Covering 41,972 acres (169.85 km2), the park brings over 960,000 visitors each year. One of the best deals in the state: there is no entrance fee.