With Gunnison Bend and D M A D Reservoirs located a mere 20 minutes apart, why settle for just one lake experience when you can experience the best of both worlds in a single day? Start your adventure at Gunnison Bend, where you can indulge in thrilling watersports and soak up the sun at the beach. Then, head over to D M A D Reservoir for a more serene and secluded experience where you can finish the day and camp, enveloped in the tranquility of the desert.Â
Whatever kind of adventure you’re after, a day spent exploring these aquatic gems promises unforgettable memories and endless fun.
Gear Up for Adventure at Gunnison Bend Reservoir
Gunnison Bend Reservoir is a shallow, 496-acre lake located downstream from Delta, UT, ideal for watersports, swimming, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching, picnics, and more! It was created in 1889 through the creation of a dam. Fishing is one of the most popular activities here, as the reservoir is home to White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Carp, Bullhead, and Walleye — an angler’s dream. Several types of migrating waterfowl also use the reservoir as a resting spot, including ducks, egrets, cranes, and geese.Â
Thanks to a peninsula jutting into the lake and the shallow water depth, this reservoir is especially warm and doesn’t form large waves, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. The lake features a public park with a boat dock, shady picnic tables, fire rings, a covered pavilion, and restrooms, so you’ll have all the amenities you need to enjoy the day. You’ll also be surrounded by majestic mountains and the tranquility of Utah’s natural landscapes. It’s truly the perfect day getaway from the city.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
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Starting on Delta Main Street, head west and cross the overpass toward Sutherland. |
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Take a left at 3000 W and continue driving south for two miles. |
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Turn onto Gunnison Reservoir Road. Reservoir access is not well-marked, so you’ll have to follow winding dirt roads down to the lake. |
What to expect & how to prepare
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What to bring: Bring everything you’ll need for what you plan to do! Fishing gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and binoculars are a great start. You’ll also want to bring swimming suits, sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a canopy or umbrella, food, and plenty of water. There are nearby places to eat, but we recommend bringing food so you don’t have to interrupt the lake day fun! |
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Camping: Unfortunately, the park does not permit overnight camping or parking. |
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Cost: Park entry is free! |
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Dog-friendly: Yes |
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Facilities: Public park, boat docks, picnic tables, fire rings, covered pavilion, restrooms. |
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Hours of operation: The park operates from 8 AM to dusk. |
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Water temperature: Water surface temperatures vary depending on the time of year. |
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
The park is open for water recreation from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, visitors often return during the last weekend of February for the Snow Goose Festival, during which tens of thousands of snow geese flock through the area during migration. It’s an incredible sight to behold!
Dive Into D M A D (Delta) Reservoir
The D M A D Reservoir was named after the communities it serves for irrigation water: Delta, Melville, Abraham, and Deseret. The lake was created in 1960 as a holding reservoir for the irrigation companies of these four jurisdictions. The Intermountain Power Project has a large pump station at D M A D, which pumps water to the IPP Power Plant several miles away. Â
The D M A D Reservoir is known for its breathtaking desert colors at sunset and sunrise; it’s truly a desert oasis! It features a serpentine formation with 6.3 miles of shoreline, most of which is owned publicly by the Bureau of Land Management, and the water is approximately 8 to 12 feet deep when the reservoir is full. Visitors can fish, boat, and camp in this area. The lake is home to Large Mouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Carp, and Crappie.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
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Starting in Delta, get onto US-6 and drive northeast for 4.4 miles. |
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Turn right and continue for 0.5 miles. |
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Turn left onto a gravel road and proceed east for 0.6 miles. |
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Turn left and continue on down to the water. |
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The reservoir is located east of the highway. |
What to expect & how to prepare
It’s important to note that this reservoir is used for many purposes, so water levels can fluctuate widely throughout the year. When the lake is at capacity, it covers 1,200 acres of land. Most people access the reservoir at its south end.
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What to bring: We recommend bringing your fishing gear, kayaks, paddleboards, binoculars, and camping gear if you plan to spend the night. Don’t forget your swimming suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a canopy or umbrella, food, and plenty of water. You can find food in nearby towns, but it can be a hassle to pack up your lake equipment just to come right back! |
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Camping: There are primitive campsites. |
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Cost: Free |
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Dog-friendly: Yes |
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Facilities: Primitive campsites, boat ramps. |
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Water temperature: The water surface temperature varies depending on the time of year. |
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
For those looking to fish, summer is slower, as the fish tend to stay in the water’s cool depths. Fall is ideal for this purpose. However, if you want to swim or do water activities, Memorial Day through Labor Day is the best time to visit D M A D.
