Ruedi Reservoir From atop the dam
Ruedi Reservoir provides recreational boating, fishing and camping and is surrounded by National Forest which provides roads and trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and motorized vehicles. Camping opportunities along Ruedi Reservoir are provided by the following:
| Name |
Location |
Elevation |
Fees |
# of Spaces |
Max Stay |
| Dearhammer Campground |
East end of Reservoir |
7,800 ‘ |
Yes |
13 |
14 days |
| Little Mattie Campground |
West end of Reservoir |
7,800’ |
Yes |
20 |
14 days |
| Little Maud Campground |
West end of Reservoir |
7800' |
Yes |
22 |
14 days |
| Mollie B Campground |
West end of Reservoir |
7800' |
Yes |
26 |
14 days |
There is a boat ramp for the general public at the west end of the Reservoir and a secondary boat ramp for small and non-
Rainbow Trout caught at the outlet
motorized craft at the east end. Day use is accommodated at the Rocky Fork picnic area and trailhead on the southwest side of the Fryingpan River and at the Freeman Mesa Day Use Area. The Aspen Yacht Club maintains a private dock.
The Fryingpan River extends for 13.5 miles from the outlet works at the base of the dam westward to the Town of Basalt. The Fryingpan is gold-medal, catch and release water with a healthy population of brown trout. It is heavily fished throughout the year. Upstream of the reservoir, the river is also fished but fluctuating flow levels make this water less productive.
Snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular on the reservoir during the winter months. Campground and boat launch facilities are closed during the winter months. The entire reservoir surface is typically frozen between December and March of the year.
