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Horsetooth Reservoir Conditions

Current Conditions

For up-to-date information straight from the field:

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Park Elevation 5430'
Report Last Updated: 5/21/2013
These reports are updated only when conditions change

Park Situation
 
Please see the Water Level/Boat Ramp section for important boating information.  
 
Attention Campers: Beginning April 1, 2013, If you do not have a reservation for a campsite, you will need to visit the South Bay Entrance Station located at 4200 West County Road 38E  to purchase your campsite.  Camping fees will no longer be accepted at your campsite.  A reservation for camping is highly recommended.  You may now reserve a campsite one day in advance.  To reserve a campsite please call (800) 397-7795 or visit www.larimercamping.com
 

Daily Entrance permits will be available for purchase at the Automated Pay Stations located in each Park area.  The Automated Pay Stations accept credit and debit cards only.  Cash or checks will no longer be accepted at the self-service Automated Pay Stations.  

Rangers no longer sell annual passes, day passes, or any other permit including camping. Please go to a gatehouse for this service. 
 
Swim Beach restrooms will be open on May 15th.
 

Fishing Conditions

As many Anglers have been discovering, the fishing is unexpectedly good at Horsetooth Reservoir right now. Fishermen have been overwhelmed by the trout fishing success. Few have not made their limit, and with good sized fish. The rainbow trout are biting everything from worms, black spinners, and even rubber crawdads. It is well worth the drive for some great fishing. You do not need a boat! right now the shoreline fishing is producing good fishing right now and both South bay and Inlet bay are open with plenty of parking. Satanka cove is also a hot spot for trout right now. Fishing is prohibited from the "No Fishing" buoy through inlet creek until May 31st, 2013.

Fishing Regulations:

Walleye: Daily limit - 5 total (no size restriction)

Smallmouth and Largemouth bass: Daily limit - 5 total (size minimum is 12 inches; all bass in possession must be over 12 inches)

All species of Trout in Horsetooth (rainbow, cut-bow, brown): Statewide limit of 4 total per day (no size restriction) 

White bass, striped bass, or wipers: Statewide limit of 10 total per day (no size restriction)

Panfish (including bluegill, white and black crappie, and all sunfish): Statewide limit of 20 total per day (no size restriction)

****Please refer to the regulation brochure printed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you fish on any body of water (http://www.flipseekpubs.com/publication/?i=99616). These regulations are for Horsetooth and the type of fish in Horsetooth. Other bodies of water around Horsetooth may have different species of fish and regulations specific to that body of water. It is your responsibility to know the regulations to every body of water you fish.****

For more current conditions and stocking reports please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/

 

Send and receive messages from fellow fishermen and gain precious fishing knowledge!  Join us at these fishing forums: www.fishexplorer.com and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fishlarimer

 

 

 


Water Level & Boat Ramp

All ramps and ANS inspection sites are open.

2013 - Planned Boating Access Hours

Horsetooth Reservoir:
South Bay ramp: 6am-10pm (7-days a week)
Inlet Bay ramp: 6am-10pm (7-days a week)
Satanka ramp: 6am-10pm (7-days a week)


Water Elevation

Maximum water elevation = 5,430  ft. above sea level.
Current water elevation =   5413.1 ft. above sea level.

Percent Full = 79.3%

Current Water Temperature = 42 Degrees


Camping

Attention Campers:  Beginning April 1, 2013, If you do not have a reservation for a campsite, you will need to visit the South Bay Entrance Station located at 4200 West County Road 38E to purchase your campsite.  Camping fees will no longer be accepted at your campsite.  A reservation for camping is highly recommended.  You may now reserve a campsite one day in advance.  To reserve a campsite please call (800) 397-7795 or visit www.larimercamping.com

South Bay and Inlet Bay is open for the season. Shower houses will be open from 8am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday only. Shower houses will be open 7 days a week 24hrs a day, starting May 15th. Effective April 1st, 2013, camping prices return to the peak prices. Please see the below pricing for camping at Horsetooth Reservoir:

Non-Electric Campsites: $15.00
Electric Campsites: $25.00
Full Hookup Campsite: 320.00
Camper Cabins: $60.00
Boat-in Campsites: $20.00

Wildlife

This time of year we have many deer, foxes, and coyotes in the area.  Please use caution while driving. 

There is an increased risk of wildlife that may be carrying Rabies in Larimer County. Please follow County regulations and keep all pets on a leash. All personal pets should be current on Rabies vaccinations before venturing into the wild.


If you see a suspect animal acting out of the ordinary or becoming unusually aggressive in the park, do not hesitate to call a Ranger. Rangers can be reached for this purpose by calling 911. Be prepared to give a detailed account of your location to the 911 dispatcher. Your safety and your pets safety is of great concern to us.

 


Park Events

See the Event Calander for additional activities: http://larimer.org/naturalresources/parks_calendar.cfm


Activities
See the Parks and Open Lands Event Calendar