Flatiron Reservoir
Flatiron Reservoir is 47 acres of water surrounded by 200 acres of public land. It is located northwest of Carter Lake at an elevation of 5,470 feet and is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The purpose of this water project is to divert water from the west slope to
the east slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation.
Reclamation is solely responsible for power generation. The agencies jointly manage water levels for irrigation, municipal, and industry use.
Recreation is managed by Larimer County Natural Resources. Flatiron Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and family camping.
No boating or swimming is allowed on Flatiron Reservoir; however, nearby Carter Lake offers both boating opportunities and a swimbeach. Park Entrance Permits and Camping Fees are required.
General Regulations
For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the Regulations Brochure.
- No boating allowed.
- Swimming is prohibited except at the swim beach at Carter Lake at Dam 2.
- No access to the southeast side, or the dam, due to Homeland Security restrictions.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
- Collection of firewood, including cutting of trees and branches is not allowed.
- Firearms or fireworks are prohibited.
- Glass containers are not allowed.
- Public consumption of alcohol above 3.2% is prohibited (no kegs allowed).
- Dogs must be on leashes [pdf] not longer than 10 feet at all times. Dogs are not allowed at the swim beach.
- Electrical, tent, camper cabins.
- Campground host on duty during the summer.
- April - October, you can reserve sites at Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, and Pinewood Lake. November - March most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A permit to camp is required for each campsite for each night (in addition to Park Entrance Permits).
- Maximum of 14 nights in any 30-day period.
- Required of all visitors.
- Valid at Horsetooth Reservoir, Horsetooth Mountain Park, Carter Lake, Pinewood Reservoir, Flatiron Reservoir, and Ramsay-Shockey Open Space.
- Annual Park Entrance Permits (valid for the calendar year) are available at The Bison Visitor Center, at entrance stations prior to entering the park, at the Citizen Information Center, at nearby retail outlets, and online.
- Daily Park Entrance Permits (valid from day of purchase until noon the next day) are available at The Bison Visitor Center and at entrance stations and self-serve stations prior to entering the parks and open lands.
- No ice fishing - ice is UNSAFE due to water fluctuations.
- Stocked with rainbow trout several times during the spring and fall months. Anglers have luck fishing from the shoreline with baits and spinners.
- Flatiron is the afterbay of power plants. Water goes up and down daily depending on the power and water demands that day.
- Pay attention to the posted high water signs.
- Stay off the spillway!
- Weekdays during the summer - plenty of room for camping.
- Weekends during the summer - capacity is usually reached.
