paonia state park

Paonia State Park is a reservoir for irrigation for the valley to the South,.. all the way to Delta, CO. It's drained when the area is dry, but still high in 2014 due to all the rain. It's completely drained by the end of the year.. but well stocked by the Dept. of Wildlife with Rainbow trout only. Camping - only $10 , hiking trails, incredible scenery and most excellent fishing make this one of the best State Parks in the system. Fishing is incredible in July and Aug. of 2014. As they drain it.. the will become even more crowded and hungry. Catch your limit (if they don't suspend it) in no time.I caught about 6 in 1 hour. one being 20+ inches. I released two.. and the last one I caught was a pounder that grabbed the hook as I was reeling it in to leave. (what luck, eh?)Paonia is right in the middle of everything.. including near Grand Mesa. Fishing (near the boat ramp) makes this a special place to fish.Heard negative things about the young ranger from other campers, but never personally met him. Just saying.