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Carter Lake Conditions

Current Conditions

Park Elevation 5760'
Report Last Updated: 3/14/2010
These reports are updated only when conditions change
photo from Park
Park Situation

No hunting allowed at any time.  No weapons of any kind are allowed including BB guns, Air Soft guns, and Paint Ball guns.

The swim beach  and parking lot are closed for the season.  Boat ramps will only be open on Saturday and Sunday, when the water is not frozen over.   Please observe all signs and Park Regulations for your safety and enjoyment. 

Current Fire Danger Level - LOW 
Call the hotline at (970)679-4554 for immediate changes.


Fishing Conditions

The fishing has been slow as is usual for the winter.  The latest report on bait is "hardware" such as spinners, and minnows.  The bag limit on trout is four. No reports on walleye.  The limit is one per day, between 16 and 20 inches.   Larger or smaller fish must be returned to the water immediately.  No new reports on bass fishing.  
THERE IS NO ICE FISHING AT CARTER LAKE, FLATIRON, OR PINEWOOD.   

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Water Level & Boat Ramps

The reservoir is about 13 feet below maximum at 5745.8  and is holding steady for now.   For your safety please follow all regulations.

The state Zebra Mussle inspection hours of operation will changed on Nov. 1st.  The North boat ramp will only be open on Saturday and Sunday  depending on weather and ice conditions.    All boats that are transported on trailers must be inspected before launching. This includes PWC's (jetskis).

The hours of operation for November 1st thru March 31st 2010 will be:

Monday thru Friday :  All ramps closed (Boats cannot be launched without an inspection)

Saturday and Sunday :  8 am to 9 am and 12 pm to 1 pm  (depending on weather and ice conditions) -  North ramp only will be open.


Water Elevation

Maximum Elevation - 5,759 ft.
Current Elevation - 5,745.8 ft.
Temperature -checks for winter season are done.


Carter Lake Marina

The Marina Store is now closed for the season.  In April the Marina will be open Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays from 9-5pm.  In May the Marina will be open 7 days a week from 9-5pm.  Please call 970-667-1062 for questions.


Camping

The dump station at Gate 1, on County Road 8E, and is the only one in the Carter, Flatiron, Pinewood area and is now closed for the season.    All  Camp Hosts have left for the season.  The County has changed reservation companies and is now on line with "Reserve America.  Access will be thru the same link as before www.larimercamping.com .  Most campsites are on a first come basis, except upper Eagle Campground, Flatiron Campground, and the cabins may  still be reserved on line.  Winter rates started October 1st  and last until April 1st.  All electric sites will drop to $15.00, making ALL campsites the same rate.  The two cabins at Flatiron will drop from $60.00 to $30.00 for the winter.  Self-serve permits are available as usual for vehicles. Gate 1 and Gate 2 are closed for the season.  Self serve vehicle permits will be available at the kiosk's next to the gatehouse. Camping fees will be collected by a Ranger.

Carter Knolls campground, lower Eagle campground, and Windy Pines campground are closed for the season.

The swim beach is now closed for the season.  Observe the signs and follow Parks regulations for your safety.    Be safe and please observe all posted signs and Park regulations.
 

AS THE RESERVOIRS FREEZE FOR THE WINTER PLEASE REMEMBER TO STAY OFF THE ICE.  THE WATER LEVEL'S FLUCTUATE IN THE WINTER CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITIONS.   NO ICE RECREATION OR ICE FISHING IS ALLOWED FOR YOUR SAFETY.


Wildlife

A Bald Eagle has been seen often over Flatiron Reservoir and over the Bison Visitor Center leading us to believe there is a nest somewhere in the Chimney Hollow area.    There are also a lot of  deer in the area so be careful when driving thru the Park as they are often close to the road.   We now have a large Bobcat living in the wooded area around the Bison Visitor's Center.  No bear sighting so they are still asleep for the winter.
 


Park Events

See our Upcoming Events section at www.larimer.org/naturalresources/


Activities
See the Parks and Open Lands Event Calendar