Carolina Rig Fishing on John Martin Reservoir
John Martin Reservoir · Colorado · West
John Martin Reservoir sits on the Arkansas River near Hasty, Colorado, impounded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily for flood control and irrigation — which means water levels fluctuate dramatically season to season. The reservoir trends turbid to stained throughout most of the year, with a flat, prairie-basin morphology broken by submerged creek channels, riprap shorelines, and sparse woody cover. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and wipers (hybrid striped bass) share the fishery, making it one of southeastern Colorado's most diverse angling options.
A 3/4–1 oz bullet or egg sinker rides on the main line ahead of a barrel swivel, followed by an 18–24 inch fluorocarbon leader and weedless soft plastic. The weight thumps the bottom and stirs up silt while the bait floats up and glides naturally. Exceptional for covering points, humps, and offshore structure quickly.
Carolina Rig Setup for John Martin Reservoir
| Rod | 7'6"–8' medium-heavy to heavy casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 17–20 lb fluorocarbon main line, 15–17 lb fluoro leader |
| Weight | 3/4–1 oz bullet or egg sinker; glass beads between weight and swivel |
| Hook | 3/0–5/0 EWG or straight shank hook |
Seasonal Tactics on John Martin Reservoir
Lake: Pre-spawn largemouth push into the shallower riprap and any available brushy cover as water temps climb through the low 60s, typically late April into May. Lipless crankbaits like the Strike King Red Eye Shad in 1/2 oz worked along rocky points produce aggressive strikes before bass move to whatever limited spawning flats are available at the current pool level.
Carolina Rig: Post-spawn fish pulled off beds to first break lines. Lizards and big creature baits.
Lake: Summer concentrates bass and walleye on the deeper submerged creek channel edges in 12–22 ft of water as surface temps push into the mid-70s. Anglers fishing bottom-contact presentations — a 1/2 oz football jig on 15 lb fluorocarbon or a drop shot with a 4-inch Roboworm — find fish that have vacated the wind-blasted shallow flats.
Carolina Rig: Primary technique on main lake ledges and offshore humps in 15–30 feet. Slow drag and pause.
Lake: Fall triggers some of the most reliable feeding windows of the year as shad and other forage stack in creek channel bends and the main basin narrows toward the dam. Swimbaits and medium-diving crankbaits like the Strike King Series 5 in shad patterns cover water efficiently during October's transition period.
Carolina Rig: Shad-imitating plastics on transitional structure as fish chase baitfish migrations.
Lake: Winter drawdowns for irrigation delivery can pull water levels substantially, concentrating fish in the remaining deeper basin. Slow-rolled jigging spoons and drop shot rigs on 10 lb fluorocarbon in 15–25 ft are the consistent winter producers; the fishery receives almost no pressure during this window.
Carolina Rig: Slower retrieve, smaller plastic (4" straight worm). Fish it like a drop shot you drag.
Best Conditions
Post-spawn and summer offshore structure, points, humps, ledges; stained to clear water; when fish are scattered
Add a glass bead between the weight and swivel — the click mimics crawfish and triggers reaction strikes, especially on hard bottom.
More Techniques for John Martin Reservoir
Ready to fish John Martin Reservoir?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →